A Harrowing and Healing Tale of Powerful and Passionate Love
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation that pays homage to Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca
THE PREMISE: Elizabeth goes from being the much harangued and undervalued lady’s companion to a cantankerous Lady Matlock to the second wife of the newly widowed and extremely grave Fitzwilliam Darcy. But the first Mrs. Darcy’s marks on and presence at Pemberley are long enduring, with Mr. Darcy carrying deep and indelible scars and others striving to keep Anne Darcy’s legacy alive…
MY THOUGHTS: Julie Cooper, you did it again! I’m in love with every word and every scene of this story. The idea of crossing Pride and Prejudice with Rebecca is ingenious – a captivating blend of haunting suspense and ardent love. But what is even more spectacular is how this brilliant story is composed – how it veers away from paralleling P&P or Rebecca in totality and becomes its own story. And how there are so many mysteries and unknowns waiting to be revealed. Not to mention how perfectly the story’s horrific wickedness and dangerous villainy is balanced by a supremely powerful and redeeming love.
Told solely from Elizabeth’s point-of-view, readers are privy to all her thoughts and introspections. And because he is even more quiet and reserved (and we are never inside his head), Mr. Darcy’s true feelings and thoughts remain tantalizingly unknown. The reader is filled with the same uncertainty and curiosity as Elizabeth. And yet she is beyond amazing in this situation. With her being a little older, experiencing some tragic upheavals in her life, and spending more time as a spectator than an active participant in life, our dear girl has matured into a most considerate, empathetic, and rational creature. She is no longer quick to pass judgement and her pride is under very good regulation. Her ongoing patience, astute perception, and sensitivity are all traits I wish to emulate. I loved this iteration of Elizabeth whole-heartedly – how she would always search for understanding, how she would never asked for more than what she needed, and how she immediately would protect and defend Mr. Darcy, even without knowing all. What a selfless and inspiring woman.
There is so many other facets and elements I loved about this story. I loved the creative deviations given to so many of our P&P characters – with both the amped up depravity of Anne and Mrs. De Bourgh and the intriguing new outcomes for characters such as Georgiana, Jane, and Mrs. Gardiner. In addition, I appreciated the sensitive and honest portrayals of characters dealing with trauma, intense grief, and mental health issues. And the inspiring reminder that no matter what hellfire or horribleness one encounters in life, it doesn’t have to claim them.
I’ll end with saying that what I loved most about Nameless is what I find I am loving in general about all of Julie Cooper’s stories and that is the writing itself. Her writing style is an articulate blend of eloquence, emotions, and cognizance. And her expressive prose delivers such subtle yet strong impressions that the reader cannot fail to see, to feel, and to understand all she is trying to impart. Julie Cooper is a masterful storyteller and Nameless is a sweeping and superior Pride and Prejudice variation. I most emphatically recommend!
NOTE: With some non-graphic allusions to violence and scenes of an intimate nature, I’d recommend this novel for Mature Audiences.
Totally agree, Meredith – I loved this story and I adored Julie’s prose. It’s breathtakingly clever and insightful. Well done Julie!!
I felt the same way about ‘Speechless’–right back at you, my friend!
Beautifully said, Jessie! Thank you so much for reading my review!
I also loved this story. There is a bit of angst, which I love. Great review, Meredith. (It was so long ago that I read Rebecca, that the similarities didn’t come to my mind but many other reviews say the same.)
Thank you so much for your kind words!
Yes, the angst was so wonderful, but not too much.
I’m glad to hear you loved it as well!
I got deeper into this story than I usually do — so very well done. This book is a keeper!
Thank you so much Bonnie!
I believe it! Isn’t it just a wonderful feeling?
Thank you Meredith! You’ve just confirmed why this book is high on my list! It’s one I definitely want to read and sooner rather than later.
With this older Elizabeth not taking offence and obviously caring for Darcy I can cope with angst as it doesn’t seem to be between ODC.
I’m looking forward to reading this.
I hope you will enjoy it, thanks for your consideration. 🙂
Go. For. IT!! You will not be too stressed by the angst and there is plenty of stirring and heartwarming moments with Darcy and Elizabeth to make this a story you will adore!
I loved ‘Rebecca’ and I loved this book, however I felt that ‘Nameless’ overcame and avoided the parts of ‘Rebecca’ that I had difficulty with. Ten stars at least!!!
Awww…gosh. Thank you!!
Right?! I agree. Those scenes were not missed and I love that this story was more its own thing than a retelling.
Fantastic Review! I have yet to read this novel and now I find it is a must read. Thanks ladies.
I so hope you are able to enjoy! Thanks Jen!
I hope you get the chance to read it soon!
Lovely review, Meredith! I agree that Julie is a masterful storyteller, and I hope to read this one soon!
Thanks so much for your kind words. I hope you will enjoy!
Thank you, Katie! I am sure you will love it!!
Lovely review, Meredith. Even though I had not read Rebecca, I loved this story. Wow! It was amazing. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Blessings.
I am so happy you enjoyed. Many thanks!
Thanks so much, Jeanne! I’m so happy to hear you loved this on as well!
I am still curious as to why the boo was called “Nameless. ” Elizabeth was anything but. She kept everyone on their toes and gained their respect, especially Mrs. Reynolds. She didn’t allow Lady Catherine nor Wickham get the best of her. Eventually, all of her detractors fell by the wayside except two. This is a book that needs to be read more than once because this Elizabeth is definitely one worth rooting for, especially when Darcy becomes ill!
I really appreciate your kindness.
Yes! Elizabeth was amazing in this one! And I will definitely be reading this book more than once!
Love this review, Meredith! Julie is one of the finest writers out there–not just in JAFF–and her storytelling craft is beyond amazing. Thank you for putting the spotlight on “Nameless,” which I think is Julie’s masterpiece.
It had a great editor. Thanks my friend!
Thank YOU so much, Jan! I’m so happy this book was written and published! It’s a treasure and deserves to be shared with the world.
Finished this book a few weeks ago and it was FABULOUS
Great job!!!
Wow, you’re so kind! Thank you!
So glad you enjoyed it as much as I did!
Meredith, thank you sooo much for your review and kind words. I’m overwhelmed. Just thank you!
I am the one who needs to thank YOU! I’m so happy you wrote this beautiful story and shared it with the world!
Sensational review! Reminded me of all that I loved about it, too.
Thank you so much, Sophia! I’m glad you loved this one as much as I did!
I absolutely devoured this book so looked forward to its release date as we get the books late in Australia it appears. So read other people’s reviews which increased my anticipation. I love love loved it so cleverly written. Just fabulous.
Yes!!! I am so happy to hear your praise for this beautiful story as well, Terri!
It has such a beautiful cover.
Wonderful review.
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It does indeed! Thanks, my friend!
I really want to read this book, it sounds so good! Loved your review.
Oh, I hope you get the chance to read it soon, my friend!
Such a great review!! Looking forward to this one 😀
Thank you!! I hope you enjoy reading this one soon!
I agree with your review. Bravo!! The best P&P variation I read this year. Love it!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you! And I’m so glad to hear it! This lovely book deserves so much praise!
I’m so late here, but just have to say I have loved all of Julie Cooper’s JAFF books, because of what you said regarding her writing. Love her writing. I have had this on my wish list but now it’s at the very top!
Thanks for the great review, Meredith. I wish Julie all the very best luck.
So happy to read your comment, Michelle!! This one is so fantastic and I know you are going to love it as much as I did!!