What If Fitzwilliam Darcy Was Raised as a Lucas?

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

TIME FRAME: Outside of Canon, Elizabeth is 19, William is 24

SYNOPSIS: The Lucases have a secret they haven’t told anyone – their dear son young William was an abandoned baby they found left for dead twenty-something years ago. William is about to learn the truth as one of his actual relations passes through Meyrton and takes note of a most startling familial likeness. Everything William knew about himself and his future is about to change in the most drastic way…

WHAT I LOVED:

• Outside of Canon: I’ve read two stories where Elizabeth is kidnapped at birth and raised by another family, and it is wonderful to now explore a similar theme with Mr. Darcy! The villains’ hateful and conniving scheme to harm and profit from the wealthy and powerful Darcy family felt very plausible. And I especially enjoyed that the family who raised “William” is one so well-known to us – the Lucases! They are a sweet couple and I loved seeing them as caring parents and witnessing their emotions and actions during such unprecedented events.

• An Exciting Change Up: William/Fitzwilliam is beloved by all of the Bennets – especially Elizabeth, and their relationship does not begin with a terrible first impression and insult, but instead a most adorable offering of friendship. In addition, readers don’t encounter many key characters like George Wickham, Mr. Collins, and Lady Catherine de Bourgh; a different family lets Netherfield Park; and Mr. Darcy senior is still alive. All these changes create many compelling and new possibilities that were so interesting to explore!

• The Darcy Family: There are so many new members of the Darcy family to encounter in this story! There is Mr. Darcy senior, his brother (and son), and his cousin (and his two children) – all of these new characters were interesting, dynamic, and well-drawn additions to this tale. I loved spending more time with the Darcy family as they face the newness and challenges of Fitzwilliam’s return. And while I enjoyed witnessing the strong familial support, it was intriguing that that there was also some tension, mistrust, and scheming within the Darcy family.

• Recovering and Reconciling: Such new themes in this story. Not so much pride and prejudice, but instead themes that touch on overcoming challenging life hurdles, building relationships after loss, and learning to forge your own path. I enjoyed how Ms. Marin portrayed the unique challenges and internal struggles William/Fitzwilliam faced in this story.
• Fathers: I loved the spotlight on fathers in this tale, especially the father figures in William’s/Fitzwilliam’s life. I thought his relationships with these men, and the attention paid to these relationships was lovely to witness. I loved William’s/Fitzwilliam’s relationships with both Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet (and Mr. Darcy’s relationship with Lizzy).

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Lacking Maturity: At times I found both Lizzy and William/Fitzwilliam to be immature – they both go through much of the story looking at everything solely from their own perspective, and even when they start think of others’ feelings, they still acted in a way that showed some selfishness and lack of empathy for each other. In addition, they both seemed to fluctuate with their thoughts and emotions, and sometimes their words or actions would contradict the thoughts or emotions they had in a previous chapter. This might have been an intentional choice to illustrate their youth and growth, but it was sometimes hard to admire these types of behaviors.

• Took A Long Time To Get There: There were a few developments that felt like they progressed at a slow pace in this tale – especially when it was a development that had such a clear path it was going to take. (i.e. Jane becoming engaged, Darcy realizing his errors)

CONCLUSION:

With The Recovery of Fitzwilliam Darcy Lucy Marin presents a poignant and powerful tale of family and finding your own identity. Readers are sure to delight in Lucy Marin’s creative off-canon premise, thoughtful twists, and heartwarming relationships!

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