Anxiety and Acceptance
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy form Publisher
We’ve seen Darcy as a judge and Elizabeth as an attorney (The Trials of the Honorable F. Darcy), Darcy as a politician’s son and Elizabeth as a marine biologist (Pemberley By the Sea), and both of these iconic and beloved characters as rock stars (Fitzwilliam Darcy, Rock Star); but this is the first time we have ever seen a modern-day Fitzwilliam Darcy that suffers from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and a modern-day Elizabeth that is a volunteer infectious disease specialist in Vietnam! Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? In this absorbing and originative debut novel, author Nina Benneton brings the characters of Pride and Prejudice to two dimensions they have never been before: Southeast Asia and hospitals!
Readers will find this Darcy to be a bit less proud and haughty than normal, but because of his debilitating compulsive tendencies, his need to control his surroundings is heightened. And this modern-day Elizabeth may not have such an averse and prejudiced view of Darcy when she meets him, but just like her Regency counterpart, she makes quick snap judgments about him, which lead to some pretty hysterical misconceptions!
I just love modern-day Darcy and Elizabeth stories where they are so fiercely in love with each other! And this tale illustrates an intense and beautifully tender romance between our favorite hero and heroine. I was endeared by Darcy’s insecurities about his neuroses and eccentric behavior. And I liked the ironic twist of him having a profound dislike and mistrust of doctors! In addition, I found Elizabeth’s misapprehensions about Darcy to be hilarious – she actually assumes Darcy to be Bingley’s life partner! And I appreciated the fact that she was still a virgin at twenty-eight – that’s something you don’t see a lot of nowadays. But what I loved most about this Elizabeth was her complete acceptance and unconditional love for Darcy. It truly was inspiring.
Similar to other modern-day retellings, Compulsively Mr. Darcy is very much a Darcy and Elizabeth story. Meaning the bulk of the novel is about Darcy and Elizabeth. But this novel has a fantastic cast of supporting characters that are refreshingly divergent and well-crafted. Instead of spouting sermons and practicing piano, Mary Bennet is a hardcore environmentalist and a genius with computers. And Lydia, although she is still impetuous and immature, she’s a bit more sensible and less self-centered, which is a wonderful improvement! Moreover, Wickham, although he is a nefarious scoundrel, isn’t the main villain of the story… he’s just one of their minions!
Because many of the characters are altered and the story takes place during modern times, a lot of the famous scenes from Pride and Prejudice either don’t take place or are cunningly transformed. There are so many well-written and deliciously romantic scenes that I have been compulsivelyrereading them! Some of my favorites include: Darcy’s doctor appointment with Elizabeth, Elizabeth’s admission of love to Darcy, their first night together, and the night before Caroline Bingley’s wedding! Written with clever wit and bold ingenuity this modern-day retelling or Pride and Prejudice is sure to make readers sigh, swoon, laugh, and applaud! I highly recommend!
Awesome review, and I agree. It was LOL funny but also tender and sexy and frustrating (just that one moment when I said “Lizzy did WHAT? She went WHERE?” Lol)
Thanks Monica! I sort felt a false sense of security, I thought they were together and everything was good…
Wonderful review, Meredith!! I too loved all those scenes! I am sitting here laughing again thinking about the night before Caro’s wedding! I too loved how Nina portrayed her supporting characters!
Thanks Jakki! That scene is so perfect! Wasn’t Mary a hoot? I enjoyed seeing her in the spotlight for a change.
I am definately have to agree with your 5 star rating! Loved it!!
Glad to see I’m in good company! 🙂
WOW! That’s a fabulous review, Meredith. I don’t often run off and buy a book right after reading a review–I’m more apt to put it on hold at my library first. This time however I think I’ll just buy it. I don’t have the patience to wait for my library system to order it.
I don’t think I’m steering you wrong in this case, Nancy. I’m sure this book won’t disappoint!
I love modern takes on P&P too and at first I have to honestly say that I thought the whole premise sounded silly. When Anna@Eccentric loved this one and now you, I’m so very glad that I requested my copy!! Looking forward to reading this one!
Yay! I’m sure you will love it!
So glad to read your great review! I just won this book and cannot wait to read it for myself.
Congrats on your win Sophia! You will love it!
Great review – looking forward to reading it!
Thanks, Angie! I really enjoyed reading and reviewing it!
Great review for the wonderful book! I have not read it yet, but my copy is on the way, so soon I hope I will enjoy it. Mary Bennet is a computer geek? Fabulous!