What If Fanny Was Prevailed Upon to Accept Henry Crawford’s Proposal?

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: Purchased

TYPE OF NOVEL: Mansfield Park Variation

THE PREMISE: Sir Thomas will brook no refusal. His niece received a very fortuitous proposal – one that alleviates financial concern and responsibility for himself – and so she must wed, regardless of her inclination. But Fanny does like or approve of Henry Crawford’s character. And she cannot trust him. What happens when he finds out…?

WHAT I LOVED:

• The Most Natural Variation In Austenesque: Jane Austen alluded to it herself. She asked the first what if – pondering about if Henry would be satisfied with obtaining the affections of “one amiable woman”and “working himself into the esteem and tenderness of Fanny Price.” And clearly she expected it to be so:”There would have been every probability of success and felicity for him.”  I will admit, I am a bit unsatisfied with how events conclude in Mansfield Park, and therefore I love this premise! I think there should be dozens of Mansfield Park variations written in this vein!

• Understanding Fanny: Sensitive and sympathetic, Fanny is so similar to Anne Elliot. She may be quiet and reserved, but underneath there is strength of character and principles. I appreciated how Bethany Delleman portrayed Fanny’s journey in this story. It began with disapproval and reluctant acceptance, existed in a space of contentment mixed with mistrust, and eventually found its way to esteem and devotion. It was filled with self-reflection and gradual change. I loved witnessing Fanny soften towards Henry and begin to care for him in return.

• A Devoted Henry: Oh to be loved by Henry Crawford – can you imagine wanting such a thing?! Well, you might after seeing how selflessly Henry can love. His primary concern as a husband – his perpetual mission in life now – is securing Fanny’s happiness. Whatever she wants, needs, requires – he is happy to do or supply. But that isn’t what I love most about Henry’s devotion. It is his admiration and appreciation of Fanny – he sees all of her, he admires her quiet attributes, and he advocates for her to be treated with the love and acceptance she deserves.

• Doing the Work: A relationship with unequal affections could be devastating and agonizing. But happily for us readers, the relationship between Henry and Fanny does not remain that way for long. When Henry gains full understanding of the situation, he works hard to understand it, to fully see – and live with – the errors of his ways. He works to improve and make amends. And when Fanny recognizes her assumptions were wrong – that Henry’s love is real and constant – she allows herself to slowly release her former judgements of him. I found these characters  – who maybe aren’t on many readers lists for top favorites – to be so admirable, worthy, and engaging in their individual journeys.

• Family: Both Fanny and Henry have experienced childhoods with tumultuous changes. And they both have secondary or surrogate parents. It is interesting to see how each of these circumstance impacts their behaviors and mindsets. I appreciated the attention to Fanny’s and Henry’s relationships with their respective family members.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:

• More Emotions: I think we could have tapped into a little more feeling with Fanny’s and Henry’s respective journeys. It began with a lot introspection and expressive description which was wonderful. But it felt like we maybe lost some of that right at the climatic moment of discovery. Both tempers, which one would expect to be in massive turmoil or high passions, ended up being very even-keeled and calm. I wouldn’t have minded seeing some more of the shock, the distress, the regret, and the challenge to overcome all of their obstacles. And also with their actions after this momentous revelation. It is hard to tell the exact nature of their relationship and we lose track of the progress with their physical affections.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

🤔  If you think it should have turned out differently, and that Fanny deserves better than Edmund – this book is for you!

✍🏼 Perceptive, intentional, and considerate – I love when Austenesque authors compose stories with these deep-seated questions and convictions.

🎩  A well-drawn and compelling forced marriage scenario that boldly supplants the original hero of Mansfield Park in favor of a more worthy one. I said what I said.

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