A Perilous Pox Plagues Pride and Prejudice
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation novella
THE PREMISE: A small pox pandemic is running rampant throughout England, and the Darcy siblings seek refuge at Netherfield with Charles and Caroline Bingley only to find it uninhabitable…
MY THOUGHTS:
A scenario where the Bingley and Darcy siblings are quarantining together amongst the Bennet clan is a most inspired notion! Not only because of all the interesting dynamics it inevitably produces and the satisfying developments that occur when Darcy and Elizabeth are forced into prolonged company together, but because it is an interesting experience to see our beloved Jane Austen characters parallel the abnormal and perilous circumstances we have all been facing this past year.
What I loved most about this story is witnessing the surprising evolution of several characters and their relationships with others. The residents of Longbourn and their unexpected guests are being tested and facing tragedies, and it was immensely gratifying to see some of them gather their inner fortitude, selflessly serve those in need, and build connections together that are deep and sincere. I appreciated how Don Jacobson gave readers several relationships to witness this developing love, kindness, and compassion. It isn’t just Darcy and Elizabeth who evolve during this quarantine, and I delighted in seeing several secondary characters in the spotlight.
My one quibble for this story was that occasionally some of the characters’ speeches felt a little awkward, lengthy, or improbable. I mostly noticed this towards the end of the story and particularly with a character who we are told is not long for this world and is experiencing difficulties breathing. This character also had some spectacularly specific and omniscient insights about the future, which while touching in some respects, felt a little implausible.
But in all other respects, I took great pleasure in this tale of pandemics, quarantining, and discovering love. I especially appreciated that even though this story is beset by tragedy and loss, there were plenty moments of peace, love, and the promise of happy futures to counteract any feelings of despair. An uplifting read to enjoy while we wait out the days of our own quarantine.
I did read and enjoyed this story.
So happy you enjoyed it!
Glad to hear it, Sheila.
As Ed Sullivan would have said, “A r e a l y good book/show for you tonight.”
Oooh-oooh…will there be acrobats? Topo Gigio? Seriously, thank you for the glowing comparison.
So glad you think so, Betty!
I too enjoyed this story Meredith. I loved the interaction between Darcy and Elizabeth. Obviously pandemics were rife in those days as well?
There were many different epidemics…usually identified only as “putrid fever,” but since sanitation was so suspect (along with water supplies), typhoid, typhus, cholera, diptheria, scarlet fever were manhy of the “favorite” ways for Regency folk to expire. I picked Small Pox…early on in its eradication…long one of humanity’s scourges…for the sheer horror of the affliction. Like the plague (the last major epidemic of that in England was in 1666…immortalized in Peyps’ Diary), small pox’s bodily manifestation was nightmare-inducing. See my description of one who was tortuously moving through the disease (Chapter 7).
Yes, it is a timely reminder of all the deadly illnesses that one could succumb to at that time. Makes me very grateful for all the advancements in medicine we have!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this novella, Meredith. I always love reading your reviews!
Not many know this, but the photo with the dark sky looming overhead is an original pic taken by you. Thank you for your ongoing support and that iof the entire production team at Meryton Press.
That’s lovely! I love the picture and cover. 😉
Thank you for checking out my review!! It was a great time to read this one. 🙂
Thank you so much for your most gracious comments and wonderful rating of my little story. I wrestled with that speech of which you spoke. I finally decided to “normalize” it in Elizabeth’s ears–in essence what she perceived and processed and not what she actually heard–so that we would not have to fight our way through ellipses. I settled on it being a final confession (actually a living letter) that forced the speaker to marshall every last bit of breath and strength to deliver it. The effort taken led to the speedy denoument revealed in the opening of the following chapter.
Thank YOU for writing this timely novella that illustrates the Bennets living in circumstances oddly similar to our own.
Something inside of me found comfort in knowing that the Bennets (and Darcys and Bingleys) would pass through the veil and come out on the other side transformed. Knowing that our favorite families (I wonder how this story would have unspooled if it had been the Woodhouses) found a way through was elevating, yet they also were not pollyannish about the circumstances.
Wonderful review, Meredith. I loved this story and truly appreciated how some characters were redeemed.
CinC…appreciate so much your ongoing happy reception of my work.
Thank you, Carole! It was a very rewarding development to witness, wasn’t it?
The timeliness of the situation hit me the same way. Enjoyed seeing what you thought, Meredith!
Thank you. Your reception of my work continues to warm me.
It was sobering and uplifting at the same time. I appreciate you sharing, Sophia!
I really enjoyed this book and recommend it.
Th Thank you for your thoughts. Writing TLQ was therapeutic during our isolation.
I am glad to hear that, Reta! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I haven’t had a chance to read nearly as much of Jacobson’s work as I’d like, but I love that he isn’t afraid to tackle issues that affect us today. Thanks for this thoughtful review, Meredith! Another one to add to my list.
Hi Christina, I think that we as authors cannot ignore the world in which we write…that our context informs the truth which we seek to articulate. TLQ was in many ways my own therapy to process what we have been going through since March 1st. That I was able to use our characters to explore that pain and confiusion and help them develop as people was a blessing for me. I look forward to your thoughts about TLQ.
Don, I am glad to hear that this story was therapeutic for you. It is wonderful when creative outlets can bring peace and comfort.
Very true. It is wonderful to feel a kinship with these characters as they struggle through such an unprecedented and perilous time.
Great story! Congratulations, Don and thank you for your thoughtful review.
Thank you for the nod. Your work inspires me, too.
I appreciate you reading my review, Grace!
I nearly passed on this, but I really wanted to read your review and of course, one thing leads to another. I enjoyed your review Meredith, thank you. I read it when it first came out and loved it. I couldn’t help but think of what we were all going through since March ’20. Being short the things that were faced and the changes that occurred happened rapidly, so it’s a fast read.
I also thought that this was one of the best recommendations for vaccines that I’d read in fiction. :/
Aaaahh…my dear Sloane…thank you for your kind note. I had Mer. George Darcy off-stage to help his daughter…but through a deeper understanding of what his son (and Mary Bennet) endured with cowpox. This allowed me to have Darcy face the worse disease…and then in the Epilogue, two ladies who wore their pox frocks. Appreciate your notes.