A Faithful Narrative: A Pride & Prejudice Variation

Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/02/a-faithful-narrative-pride-prejudice.html

Fitzwilliam Darcy is finally ready to propose to Elizabeth Bennet.

It has taken him some time to overcome his objections to her status, family, connexions with trade and lack of fortune.

As he seeks the perfect opportunity to offer for Elizabeth, he comes across her diary, in amongst the bluebells. He initially thinks it to be a novel and takes it, planning to return it to Elizabeth.

When picking up the book he sees his name and cannot resist a glance.
Darcy is brought up short by reading Elizabeth's diary and discovering just how much she despises him.

Elizabeth has long disliked Fitzwilliam Darcy, considering him proud, arrogant and devoid of any proper feeling. Her opinions are backed up by the “evidence” of the handsome Mr Wickham.

Darcy is heartbroken to read her opinion of him and resolves to answer her allegations by writing a letter in her diary. He knows Mr Wickham to be a scoundrel and debaucher, so must ensure Elizabeth has the knowledge to protect herself and her family.

As a result, both Elizabeth and Darcy have much to consider and re-evaluate.

Will they ever meet again? How will they react to each other? Is there hope?

I really like this Darcy. Instead of haughty and angry when he takes his leave of Elizabeth, he is sorrowful and wistfully apologetic.

Elizabeth is mortified at her mistaken assumptions and prejudice. She wants to apologise for her unkindness but Darcy misinterprets her shyness and embarrassment as ongoing disdain.

With Darcy avoiding her she has to resort to devious measures to be able to speak to him.

Lovely resolution and as a bonus, Wickham gets his comeuppance, twice!

Really enjoyable novella.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.