Meetings at an Exhibition
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella
THE PREMISE: Darcy and Elizabeth never resolved their misunderstandings after he rescued Lydia from scandal. And a year later they accidentally and unexpectedly cross paths with each other in London when they both happen to be viewing the same art exhibition. But the shock of seeing Elizabeth again makes Mr. Darcy unaware of his actions…
MY THOUGHTS: What a farce! Reading this felt like I was at the theatre watching a comedy of errors. In fact, I think it would translate very well to a play one could see acted out on stage. However, I will forewarn that the reader will need to suspend some disbelief in order to buy in to some of the misunderstandings and actions of these characters. But if they didn’t have these mistaken assumptions and misunderstandings, this situation or novella would not exist…
I really enjoyed the cast of characters in this novella. I love that it is Kitty staying with Elizabeth and the Gardiners in London and not Jane (because she has married). It is amusing to see how this sisterly relationship develops. Kitty is quite different from Jane – she has grown more independent and isn’t afraid to tell you what she really thinks. It is interesting to see how Elizabeth adjusts to this change and how much she decides to open up to Kitty while they are together. I especially love that Kitty has a romantic interest of her own – Sergeant Mullhall – who just happens to be Colonel Fitzwilliam’s batman.
Speaking of…Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana soon become enlisted in a scheme to help Mr. Darcy protect Elizabeth from meeting with a “titled cad.” And then there is Lord Rutherford and his cousin Lady Tuppence, two new original characters who are charming, frank, and perhaps a bit overly friendly. This intimate cast of players was wonderful together. And how their relationships developed with each other was very satisfying.
My one quibble would be that I thought Elizabeth’s actions of divulging a lot of information about her broken heart to someone who is a virtual stranger a little out of character. Elizabeth seems to be too private for that, and I found it hard to believe she would be this trusting or not protect anyone’s privacy by being vague or not using their real names.
In addition, I would almost quibble about how Darcy and Elizabeth share such a minuscule amount of page time together. They only have their first conversation together in the last twenty pages of the novella! But what is lacking in quantity, is most assuredly made up for in quality. Darcy and Elizabeth mirrored each other for so much of the novel – they were apprehensive, doubtful, despondent, and regretful. And finally, through their own introspections, came to the same important conclusion. It was a most blissfully happy ending!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
🛋️ Never before has a couch featured so prominently in an Austenesque novel!
😁 Eavesdropping, mad-cap schemes of interference, hilarious mix-ups, and delightfully unexpected twists – this was a hilarious Regency romp!
📖 While this novella is perhaps without the poignancy and intense angst that are present in many other Jessie Lewis novels, readers will still be mesmerized by the beauty of her prose and elegant way with words.
This was a definite fun one. 🙂
Your almost quibble was mine too. But I loved the fast pace of this story.
I almost didn’t purchase this one because the cover is unattractive, especially since other Jessie Lewis books have very nice covers.
Your review sounds so fun (like an Oscar Wilde’s farce) that is very promising. Thank you Meredith, I’ll add it to my wish list:)
what a unique twist.
I admit I would have loved more Darcy and Elizabeth time (but then, even if the whole book was devoted to them, I would still want more!) I did thoroughly enjoy this book though.
I also read and enjoyed this story and posted a review. Good review here, Meredith.