What If Wickham Becomes a Saintly Fixer?
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation, Secondary Character
THE PREMISE: After overhearing his so-called-friends’ true opinion of him and receiving some wise counsel from his dying father, George Wickham decides to travel a different path. One where he finishes his degree, makes other friends, and finds gainful employment. But will all these changes be enough for him to earn Darcy’s friendship and trust?
MY THOUGHTS: I’m all for seeing antagonist redeemed! No one is 100% all bad or beyond hope. Well, unless they are Fanny Dashwood or Mrs. Norris – it would be a far stretch to reinstate any goodness into those characters! And after loving MJ Strattons’s redemption story for Lydia Wickham, I was very eager to see her handling George Wickham, and what sort of impact and ripple effect these changes would make. And there were definitely more ripples than I was expecting.
Mr. Wickham becomes an all-seeing, all-knowing sage advisor for everyone in his life. He tries to saves an heiress from a fortune hunter, he gently coaches his friends to help them become more likable, and he purposefully steers several Bennet sisters into new ways of thinking. He is almost too perfect to be real. And to be honest, I did struggle a little with this because I do sometimes share Jane Austen’s sentiments about “pictures of perfection.” I wouldn’t have minded seeing a little more complexity with Wickham or maybe some struggles as he strives to improve himself and remain on the straight and narrow. However, what I did enjoy was that his relationship with Mr. Darcy was not perfect, and that the conflict between them and their rocky relationship felt real is it travels a most gratifying course.
With Mr. Wickham being more of a central character in this tale, it might’ve felt like Darcy and Elizabeth received a little less page time and development. But what scenes they did share together were lovely. I wouldn’t have minded a few more. It was an interesting twist to see Mr. Wickham’s role reversed with this couple – instead of purposefully encouraging Elizabeth to think the worst of Mr. Darcy, he is trying to convince her to take his word for it, and believe the best!
In addition, another exciting twist was with a new unexpected antagonist that emerged later on in the novella. They are devious, selfish, and spiteful. This development invigorated some new tension and challenge to the story, which was exciting to see. However, it felt a little short-lived and under-developed. Like something that was quickly and easily dealt with, instead of producing deeper heartache and emotional pain. But perhaps this Mr. Darcy is more detached and able to move on despite his suffering.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
↪️ A captivating tale that credibly displays how Mr. Wickham could change course.
📖 This variation combines a lot of interesting elements, but maybe each needed more page time and depth.
😇 Incredible though it may seem, this version of George Wickham cares, intervenes, and uses his charm and influence for good.
Yes, this was a refreshing take on a redeemed Wickham. I was very taken with this book and a couple others from Stratton.
Thanks Sophia!
This book is one of my earlier works. I’ve made a lot of improvement since then. Perhaps I’ll make a second addition of this one. Like I’ve said before I’m a sucker for a redeemed character. Everyone deserves a chance to learn and grow, you know?
I recently read Bennet’s Blended, which has Wickham choose a better path and he had a wonderful role in that story. I’ve always wished for a change for the better for Wickham and enjoy stories where he takes stock of the man he is becoming or has become and makes better choices. I’m definitely going to read this one by MJ. I’m a big fan!
A redeemed, caring Wickham? That’s different. I am increasingly concerned about Elizabeth believing Wickham’s lies without proof or hearing the other side so this seems to be an agreeable alternative!
I have this book on my shelves but have not yet read it. Thanks for the review.
I read this one earlier last fall. I truly enjoyed seeing Wickham and how he becomes a better human being. It was also fun to see his & Darcy’s relationship…Thanks MJ!
I’m interested in a redeemed Wickham! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book.