First Book Read in the Jane Austen Challenge!

For the Jane Austen Reading Challenge, I should have started with one of her works, but I was already reading Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy by Sharon Lathan. Now for a review...



The author was inspired to write this book because she loved the film Pride & Prejudice (2005) with Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. I love this film! I made that very clear in my Jane Austen post. This book on the other hand... Don't take me wrong, I was thoroughly amused, but I don't know how the author was inspired to write the happy couple's first 6 months in Pemberly and no where else! I actually felt stuffy of being in Pemberly after a while.

Here are my issues with the book:
The characters themselves took on a new form. I understand that Mr. Darcy was bound to get out of his shell with the help of Elizabeth, but the dude is an animal in the novel! Elizabeth too! They spent more than 3/4 of the book in bed or some variation there of. Come on! I expected them to go out more so that Mr. Darcy can show off his new bride, even though he isn't the socializing type. I was expecting Lizzy to insist on going out, or something!

Next, I had issues visualizing Keira's and Matthew's face in the new roles they were taking on as husband and wife. The only time I was able to get their faces clearly was when the author referenced to the film, which was when I was happiest. There were a few flash back scenes or extensions of certain scenes. My favorite would have to be the extension of when he proposed to her the second time, in that one foggy morning.

I loved that we got to meet new character's or meet on a deeper level people that we met in the film, such as Col. Fitzwilliam and Georgiana. I love being able to understand people from my favorite films!

Lastly, I loved the little drama that was in it. At times a novel can drag on if there is no conflict, which I didn't find until past the second half of the novel.

I rate it with 4 stars because I was amused over all. I do want to read the next book because it ended with the changing of the season. They are off to Netherfield and Hertfordshire! A change of scenery can do anyone good. However, I'm not in a real rush to read Loving Mr. Darcy.

I'll be reading Sense & Sensibility soon to continue in the Jane Austen Reading Challenge, and I'll be looking forward to that!

Till laters Loves!
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