What If Elizabeth Had A Secret Enterprise to Supplement Her Family’s Income?
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE: Unbeknownst to the rest of the Bennet clan, Mrs. Hill – recognizing that Longbourn’s income is insufficient to keep food on the table -secretly trains Elizabeth in the art of reading cards. In her disguised clothing and veil, no one knows it is Elizabeth Bennet who is answering their questions and foretelling their futures. Can Elizabeth maintain her disguise when the newcomers at Netherfield Park invite her to read for them one evening? Do any of their readings reveal new insights for these characters?
MY THOUGHTS:
With her astute observational skills and talent for sketching characters, it is easy to believe that Elizabeth would excel at convincing others she is an old woman giving readings. I loved this new venture and path for her! She experiences a bit of an insider’s look with each person she reads for – not only is she revealing what the cards are saying to them, but they are revealing their burdens, hopes, natures, and tendencies to her.
I especially enjoyed Elizabeth’s experience reading for Mr. Darcy – how her close study of him revealed a lot she didn’t see before, and how her reading both altered his mindset and provoked new ideas. It was interesting to explore Elizabeth’s relationship and impressions of Mr. Darcy during their unique and masked beginning. And the readings themselves were fascinating! I loved seeing Elizabeth read for each character and witnessing what the cards were saying about them. In addition, it was incredible to learn in the Afterward that, for the most part, Elizabeth’s readings were taken from real readings the author did for these characters! I’ve never had someone do a Tarot reading for me before, but now I definitely want to seek that out!
Despite the novelty of Elizabeth’s craft and the insights she shares with various characters, events seem to continue down the same path for a good portion of this tale. And I think I was hoping for this new twist to have a little bit more impact – especially when it comes to Elizabeth’s understanding and feelings towards Mr.Wickham. C’mon, Lizzy-girl…why didn’t that change anything for you?! Don’t act dumb. However, I was glad to see that there was a new deviation towards the end with the Gardiners’ visit at Pemberley which I thoroughly enjoyed seeing play out.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
🔮 Divination, disguise, and deceptions make for some exciting new diversions in this Pride and Prejudice variation.
🧐 An exciting examination about reading people, reading cards, and realizing truth.
🎩 Does Mr. Darcy place any stock in the mystical arts? You must read to find out!
Great review, Meredith. I plan to read this.
I read this book a while ago and definitely agree with your thoughts, especially regarding Wickham! It’s a good job SOME people paid her for her services!