This book absolutely floored me in all the best ways possible. The author displays a mastery of complex plot construction that all fits properly together-- along with solid character development and realistic-sounding dialogue. She evokes the full gamut of emotions from the reader. We feel the anguish, romance, pain, laughter, loss, anger and more along with the characters, all in perfectly proportioned doses.
I must highlight the excellent dialogue especially. I can't think of another book that does conversations better. We're always told how witty and charming Elizabeth is, but this book lets us hear it in her own voice. Considering the level of tension that builds and builds and builds throughout the book, Lizzy's irrepressible humor in every situation is a welcome delight. After she and Darcy marry, we get to hear how his humor matches hers. The difference is that his delivery is described as deadpan and solemn, so usually it's only Elizabeth who recognizes that he's not serious. Intricate details describe the little quirks that speakers and listeners display, revealing even more about the characters.
The focal story is less Elizabeth-and-Darcy than it is Elizabeth-and-Jane and Elizabeth-and-Bingley. The point of view of the narration shifts among the four key characters here whose lives are intertwined: Elizabeth, Darcy, Jane and Bingley. Often this method of writing a story doesn't work because it can feel disjointed. There are even scenes here described more than once, which works even more rarely. However, each character's perspective of events is crucial to the development of this particular plot because of all the misunderstandings that develop. Not only does it work here, it's essential.
There are also times when the story follows a particular character and intentionally leaves out things that happen elsewhere. You become as surprised as the character you're shadowing when he or she becomes aware of them, and then the story backtracks to tell what actually happened during the interim. Very effective!
Interestingly, Charles Bingley's less admirable qualities are taken to extremes but not to the point where it's inconsistent with Jane Austen's character. He needs direction from Darcy or his sisters in order to make important decisions unless he's acting impulsively, in which case he doesn't think things through at all. He's prone to jumping to conclusions and assuming things that just aren't true. In addition, his letter-writing is abysmal and leads to some avoidable misunderstanding. He doesn't have a mean bone in his body, but his clueless and careless behavior wreaks most of the trouble in this book.
Mrs. Bennet has doted on her daughter Jane for her entire life, bragging about the marvelous match she's certain to make. It's expected that as long as Jane sits serenely, looking as beautiful as she does, she will be admired. And she IS admired. She's the beauty queen of Meryton. But while the men admire Jane, they all love to hang with Lizzy because she's a lot more outgoing and fun. Bingley's abandonment after the Netherfield ball adversely affects Jane's self-confidence, and subsequent events in the book shatter it.
When Bingley finally does return to Meryton, Jane doesn't know how to encourage him and feels awkward. She is flustered and withdrawn, leaving him thoroughly confused. Elizabeth reassures Bingley that her sister has feelings for him, but he gradually starts to believe that perhaps he's trying to woo the wrong sister. And Jane, who never resented her sister's popularity before, starts down a dark path to jealousy and bitterness that pervades the rest of the story. You may not like her much throughout, but you'll understand why she feels and acts the way she does.
Interestingly, Caroline Bingley isn't as much the villain in this imagining as Lady Ashby, who is married to Colonel Fitzwilliam's eldest brother, the Visount. Both Lord and Lady Ashby are nasty pieces of work, but she's more actively malicious. Wickham significantly affects the plot development despite the fact that he doesn't actually appear much. Lady Catherine, although completely antagonistic and unreasonable, is present more often, but you'll end up feeling sympathetic as you learn more about what's going on with her.
My new favorite add-on character to any Pride and Prejudice variation I've ever read is Mrs. Sinclair. She is the 81-year-old mother-in-law of Lord Matlock. This spitfire speaks her mind and takes no prisoners, stating the obvious in hysterically funny fashion. She adds a wonderful element to every scene in which she appears.
Talk about a build-up! The rising action in the book builds to the point where everything converges at the best climactic scene I've come across in a long time. It's a humdinger. Once the resolution is reached, the book has the grace to know it's time to end, and it does.
Even though this is available free through my Kindle Unlimited program, I bought it. It's one I'll be re-reading, for sure.
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Jeannette
A great feast of a book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 16, 2023
