What If One of Mr. Darcy’s Most Trusted Servants Disliked Elizabeth Bennet?
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE: Readers see Elizabeth’s visit to Pemberley with new eyes – that of his devoted staff. And then bear witness as a staff member surreptitiously yet presumptuously attempts to prevent their master from making, what they believe to be, a perilously bad mistake. All the while, Mr. Darcy is a mixture of agony and hope – he is in agony because there are some alarming concerns with Pemberley he is in the midst of addressing, and he is full of hope because Elizabeth is at Pemberley! and he is detecting a undeniable change in her opinino towards him…
WHAT I LOVED:
- From Mrs. Reynolds’s Perspective: Much of the first half of the book is told from Mrs. Reynolds’s point-of-view, and it gave the reader much to think about. I can completely understand her feelings towards Elizabeth – her reasons for some mistrust and assumption are conceivable and just. I thoroughly enjoyed this new lens with which to look at these famous “visiting Pemberley” scenes. And I absolutely appreciated the opportunity to explore more with such a beloved and significant tertiary character.
- Downstairs at Pemberley: Following Mrs. Reynolds around the halls of Pemberley leads to some scenes “downstairs.” It was interesting to see what various servants saw and understood about Mr. Darcy and the goings-on in his life, what scuttlebutt they shared, and their overall dynamic with each other. I liked that we got to see their personalities some too – like Monsieur Dubois’s temper, Mr. Matthis’s starchy formalness, and Vaughn’s wisdom and discretion.
- Intense Yearning and Regard: The ardency with which these two love each other is so fierce! I was in raptures with all the little moments where we see their strong regard, their fervent hopes, and their irrepressible love and admiration for each other. I love how Jessie Lewis showed us these deep feelings in these characters. I felt all the euphoria, agony, passion, longing, and hope right along side of them.
- The Deepest of Loves: I also love how this story portrayed the depth of Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s love for each other. It is more than a love that appreciates and esteems or understands and pleases. It is a love that is completely selfless and supportive. They are each other’s helpmates, and to see them traverse through countless travails side-by-side was incredibly moving. It felt like such a powerful and preciously rare type of love.
- “More Than Stones and Mortar”: A thoughtful theme underlining this tale was “What Is Pemberley?” As we come to discover, it is more than an estate, a legacy, and a home. It was interesting to see a story depicting Pemberley being in peril and Mr. Darcy burdened with distress about preserving its future. That is quite a deviation from how Pemberley is typically portrayed.
- Aunt Wallis: This is Elizabeth’s godmother with whom she frequently corresponds. I adored this character! I loved seeing the letters exchanged with her. I loved her satirical wit, her strong opinions, and the clever pseudonyms she assigned to everyone she wrote about. How I wish we could have a sequel all about her!
- A Housekeeper’s Import and Lot: I appreciated this closer look at a housekeeper’s relationship with the family for whom they work. I loved witnessing the unknown tasks, the feelings of regard that develop, and the challenges of being so vital to family yet not being an equal member of that family. It was interesting to see the hardships and heartache as well as the happiness and honor serving in such a role can produce.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Not a thing. It was utter perfection.
CONCLUSION:
Powerful, poignant, and perfect – this latest Pride and Prejudice variation by the talented Jessie Lewis is truly brilliant in every way. I’m still marveling over all the deep emotions conveyed, the insightful character developments portrayed, the deftly interwoven story arcs, and the masterful composition. Unfounded is another splendidly bright gem in Jessie Lewis’s shelf of Austenesque treasures! It’s a MUST read!
This was a really excellent read — the character development was particularly well-done. I totally recommend this one.
I haven’t read this one yet but it’s definitely high on my list! I can’t believe that Mrs Reynolds objects to Elizabeth, i can only assume she knows about the original refusal and saw how it affected Darcy. I do hope her opinion changes when she realises how much ODC love each other.
Such a wonderful review Meredith, I’m definitely looking forward to this one.
I have this book on my list to read, but was holding back…not sure why…lol! But your review has pushed it to the top of the pile. Thanks 🙂 Also because of you, my love of reading the actual book (vs ebook) has been reawakened. I think I will be turning my 3rd bedroom/old office into a library. LOL Thanks Meredith
I wholeheartedly agree with you!
This is one of the best Jane Austen variations I’ve read. Just brilliantly done — your review is spot on, Meredith.
I preordered this book and was not disappointed. I totally agree with your 5 star review. It will be on my reread list!
This book is extraordinary! I loved the new plot line of the Pemberley estate. To experience the Pemberley tour of canon and after, the reuniting and awakening of ODC from their own POV and the Darcy loyal housekeeper and servants views. Jessie Lewis brilliantly portrays a beloved character’s misstep with care and grace. Agree, it’s a must read! Fantastic review, Meredith!
This book sounds like a must read, thanks for the review. And also teaching me a new word, I had to look up what ‘scuttlebutt’ meant, and I was quite wrong in what I had assumed from context 🙂
This one was something else and is on of my top reads for the year. Great review, Meredith!
I love some angst In a story! I had not seen this one yet, so thanks for sharing. I look forward to reading this one!
This is one of my all-time favorite Austenesque books. I finished it with the happiest of satisfied sighs, turned back to the beginning, and reread the whole thing. And having it available through Kindle Unlimited wasn’t enough; I bought a copy because it’s a 5+-star book and now ranks in my top five favorite JAFF novels!!
Sheer perfection!!
I loved this book! I felt bad for Mrs. Reynolds and Darcy when the truth was discovered. However, Elizabeth understood how much they meant to each other, and it was her godmother who helped her to help them. What a different perspective all the way around. We will never see Pemberly the same way again!
I read and enjoyed this story: 5-star review from me also. This is one author whose books I immediately want to read as I know that they will be excellent.
I could not agree with you more – this is a great read (I read it twice).
Fantastic Review and it’s on my TBR list…. SOON!
Lovely review, Meredith. I loved this story. It was a 5++Stars for me. Whew! It was amazing. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. Blessings.
Thank you for such a lovely review Meredith, I’m thrilled you enjoyed Unfounded. It was a joy to write and fascinating to research, and it’s wonderful to know it’s given you a few warm and fuzzy feels. Thank you, too, to your subscribers who have left such lovely comments
A brilliant book totally agree with your review Meredith thank you.
Hi Meredith,
With such a wonderful praise I can’t help wishing this novel! Thank you so much for your brilliant review 😉
It will be really interesting to see Mrs Reynold’s ponte of view.
The cover is so elegant, isn’t it?