Darcy’s Struggle
Written by: Kelly Dean Jolley
Review Date: June 19, 2024
A Very Satisfying Introspective
Told from Fitzwilliam Darcy’s point of view, this Pride and Prejudice variation begins at Netherfield’s front door, as Darcy looks upon the woman he recently insulted as being ‘tolerable’—except his eyes are now open, and reflecting upon what he said to her then…
“He felt a stab of something uncomfortable; it might have been dishonor.”—quote from book
Darcy quickly realizes that this woman, who has disregarded all propriety by walking three miles from Longbourn, her hem ‘a ring of mud’, is the one.
“But when Miss Elizabeth tracked muddily into Netherfield with November on her hair and in the color of her cheeks, eyes aflame, what Darcy saw had sudden, compulsive power. She was herself a lesson. It was her. He had not known who he was searching for, yet he knew it was she. But it could not be. She was ineligible.”—quote from book
And so begins Darcy’s struggle. Both Darcy and Elizabeth engage in an introspective examination of their own troubled identities, providing readers with revealing insights into the true nature of their characters and relationships. The writer’s background as a professor of philosophy definitely comes through in the telling of this novel with his usage of philosophical quotes and reflections, as well as some scriptural references. His intelligent and insightful writing style provokes not only Darcy’s deep thoughts and contemplations but also the reader’s. I absolutely loved Darcy’s personal growth as he slowly discovers his own mind and heart’s desires and builds his strength to overcome his personally held beliefs and what has been long expected of him as Master of Pemberley.
Jolley rounds out the story well by including most of the usual characters from Pride and Prejudice, and provides believable twists to the events that take place, including a precipitous but civil proposal on Darcy’s part. This book is a refreshing change from the lighter, more whimsical takes on Pride and Prejudice variations, offering a depth and thoughtfulness that truly stands out.
Highly recommend.
Some content is mature but not graphic.
Comments