What If Purvis Lodge Was Let at Last?
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE:
Elizabeth is quick to befriend the reticent and reserved new tenant of Purvis Lodge – a young widow and her twin boys. And when other newcomers take up the tenancy at Netherfield Park, it looks like new friendships and lively encounters abound for all. That is until, Elizabeth suspects that some of these newcomers may have a prior connection…
WHAT I LOVED:
- Austen and Brontë Are United: I wonder what these two authoresses would have to say about this?! As for me, I thought it was brilliant! Elsie Fulbrook skillfully intertwines the story of a mysterious widow arriving in town from The Tenant of Wildfell Hall with Pride and Prejudice. Effectively adding some more shade, mystery, and contrast to Jane Austen’s light, and bright, and sparkling novel.
- A Different Pride and Prejudice: The P&P world in this novel is a bit different. The year is 1815 and all the Bennet daughters remain unmarried. Mr. Bingley never came to town, Mr. Collins did not extend his olive branch yet, and while the militia was stationed there years ago, the only change they incited is for Mr. Bennet to be more responsible with his daughters. What an intriguingly new scenario, right? It is interesting to explore what kind of impacts the advancement of time produces for these characters. Do Elizabeth, Jane, Charlotte, etc act any differently now that they are older…
- Consequences: Slight Spoiler Alert! (The identity of the mysterious widow may easily be figured out in the first couple of chapters, but I wanted to put a disclaimer all the same.) This was another brilliant exploration. While we’ve seen many P&P variations that depict what happened if Mr. Darcy did not interfere and save Lydia from Wickham, this variation portrays the consequences of Mr. Darcy being too late to save Georgiana. This story shows what would have happened if he didn’t join Georgiana “unexpectedly a day or two before the intended elopement.” Which just makes one understand and appreciate how very fortunate a situation it is when Mr. Darcy does arrive in time.
- New Friendship Dynamics: I love how Elizabeth pursues a friendship with Mrs. Wilson even though Mrs. Wilson is private and not inclined to take part in society. Elizabeth compassionately meets her where she is comfortable in the relationship and never pushes for more. I love that she encourages Jane and Charlotte to seek out Mrs. Wilson as well. And when Mr. Darcy comes to town, instead of taking offense at his haughty demeanor and forming firm opinions on him based on their first encounter, Elizabeth continues to sketch his character and observe his actions at each meeting. I loved witnessing the evolution of Elizabeth’s thoughts about Mr. Darcy. Especially when she starts to analyze her own entangled feelings regarding him!
- Balance: While at times this tale may be full of strife and melancholy, it is beautifully tempered by levity and heartwarming encounters. I appreciated how the dark moments of uncertainty, tension, and turmoil were broken up by lighter moments of playful teasing, charming banter, and touching scenes of blossoming friendship and romance.
WHAT COULD’VE BEEN BETTER:
- Small Quibbles: The story is from Elizabeth’s POV and I feel like we would have experienced some more poignancy and emotional connection to the characters if we saw some scenes from Darcy’s or Mrs. Wilson’s POV. It felt like their feelings were told more than shown. In addition, I wouldn’t have minded a little more relationship development for Darcy and Elizabeth – Mrs. Wilson is very much in the center of their relationship, and their romance sometimes felt secondary to her. Lastly, while what happens to Mr. Wickham echoes a what happens in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, it felt a little underwhelming.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
😮 An honest and realistic look of what could’ve been…
💗 A moving tale about how compassion and kindness can heal someone’s distress, help ease their burdens, and induce the deepest of affection.
📗 So creative, thoughtful, and compelling – I hope we see more from Elsie Fulbrook in the future!
I read this when it came out and really enjoyed it. It is a different approach but well worth the read.
The cover is stunning.
I too have read this one. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I do agree that Darcy’s and Georgiana’s thoughts would have been nice and I always want more of ODC’s HEA. But I loved it as it was.
Beautiful cover
I read this on too and have added the book to my library. I very much enjoyed it, the cover is very beautiful. It was an emotional read, I felt sad for Georgiana but loved how she matured throughout her journey, and how ODC gets thru the angst . Thanks Meredith!
I love the idea of such a mash up. 🙂
I have read and listened to this, just recently re-listening it and the narration is lovely. I loved the story. An imaginative variation. I’m glad you liked it, and agree with you and hope we see more from this author.