The Abominable and The Adorable!

Rating: 4 out 5 stars

Source: Gift from Author

TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

TIME FRAME: Begins with the Meryton Assembly

MAIN CHARACTERS: Mr. Darcy, Bennet Family, Bingley Family, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Georgiana Darcy, Mr. Collins

SYNOPSIS:

Both Elizabeth and Darcy cannot deny that they are attracted and intrigued by one another at the Meryton Assembly. And even though Darcy still utters his infamous insult, the two quickly form a pack to become friends and start anew. But that friendship is shaken several times due to untrue rumors (about Darcy), officious behavior (Darcy again), and heated tempers (okay, they are both guilty of this one!) and the two part expecting to never meet again. But a distressing report later brings Darcy back to Hertfordshire with all possible haste. Is he too late? Will Elizabeth accept his proposals? Or does she wish him physical harm? 😉

WHAT I LOVED:

• Attracted and Aware: I love how this story began with both Darcy and Elizabeth attracted and interested to each other. Oftentimes Elizabeth is portrayed as disliking Mr. Darcy from the very first moment she sets eyes on him.  I enjoyed the novelty of seeing her admire and meditate on his handsome features. 🙂 And Darcy is quick to notice his heightened interest and the admirable qualities in a young country miss…that is until he finds out which family she comes from!

• Friendships: I love it when Darcy and Elizabeth try to be friends with each other! Especially when both begin the friendship without the expectation of it becoming anything more! In addition, there is another friendship developing in this variation, a friendship between Charlotte Lucas and Colonel Fitzwilliam! I think these two are a very likely pair to become friends – both have a realistic and practical view of the world. And I love how both agreed to be in cahoots with each other to bring Darcy and Elizabeth together! Colonel Fitzwilliam was sooooo adorable with wanting to report all his juicy news and observations to his friend, Charlotte!

• Colonel Fitzwilliam: There were several interesting and unique twists to this story, but I think my favorite would have to be Colonel Fitzwilliam accompanying Mr. Darcy to Netherfield. He causes no small stir to the plot and usual order of events. Where Mr. Bingley is unassuming and unobtrusive, Colonel Fitzwilliam gets all up in Mr. Darcy’s business and is quick to detect his interest in Elizabeth! 😉 I loved seeing how he effected the story and propelled it in a new direction. He was definitely my favorite character in this work! In fact, I think the title should be changed to The Abominable Mr. Darcy (and the Adorable Colonel Fizwilliam)!

• Jane Austen Phrases: It is a common practice for authors to sometimes insert Jane Austen’s clever turns of phrase and quotes into their own works. And sometimes authors will play with the phrases and have different characters say them, or use them in a completely different setting. Which sometimes ends up feeling a little forced and unnatural. But that was definitely not the case in this story! Ms. King found such clever and skillful way to incorporate some Jane Austen phrases in her prose. It was artless and subtle! Almost like she did it unintentionally or subconsciously!

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Slightly Disjointed: I really enjoyed the premise Ms. King created and seeing how her creative twists played out! But I did sort’ve feel that the last couple of chapters were a little too different from the rest of the tale. It might be because of the jump forward in time or because the drama with Lady Catherine felt a little incongruous to me. Either way, I found myself loving the other parts of the book more than I did the last part.

CONCLUSION:

The Abominable Mr Darcy is a splendidly romantic and enjoyable tale that was a true delight to read. This variation would most appeal to readers who are looking for a humorous, lighthearted, and imaginative tale of Darcy and Elizabeth to enjoy!

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