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To Conquer Mr. Darcy by Abigail Reynolds

To Conquer Mr. Darcy by Abigail Reynolds is another of the author’s variation of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice novel.  In this rendition, Reynolds begins with the premise that Mr. Darcy will not give up after Miss Bennet’s refusal of his marriage proposal and continues to pursue her relentlessly.  However, it does take some convincing by his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam.

Reynolds stays true to Austen’s characters for the most part, and the inner struggle facing Elizabeth is well depicted as she begins to change her mind about Mr. Darcy and his merits as a man and suitor.  Using more modern language and sensibilities, Reynolds updates the classic and will appeal to most modern readers.  However, readers should be warned that there are a number of intimate moments between the couple that are very detailed, which could weigh on certain sensibilities.

Reynolds has successfully created an alternate scenario to Austen’s novel, with the expected cast of characters — the Gardiners, Jane Bennet, Mr. Bingley, Mr. Wickham, and Georgiana.  What readers will enjoy most about this Elizabeth is that she does not cower from her responsibilities as a potential Mistress of Pemberley as she has done in other re-imaginings.  With all the convincing Darcy must do to win Lizzy, readers may think a more apt title for this novel would be To Conquer Miss Bennet.  Overall, To Conquer Mr. Darcy is a delightful look at how things could have been different between Lizzy and Darcy and good summer read.

**Thanks to Sourcebooks for sending me a review copy of To Conquer Mr. Darcy by Abigail Reynolds for review.

This is my 5th book for the Jane Austen Challenge 2010.

This is my 1st book for the Everything Austen II Challenge.

Comments

  1. Now that I’ve finally read P&P, I could appreciate this book more. Perhaps a more modern version is what I need.

  2. I saw another review of this on Staci’s blog today and it sounds like such fun. I’m going to have to check this one out. It’s fun reading about the ‘what if’ scenarios of how things could have gone.

  3. I still haven’t finished a book by Austen I’m ashamed to say.

  4. I don’t think Staci mentioned the sex scenes in her review! Obviously now I’m even *more* interested! :–)

  5. I haven’t yet read a book like this, and think that this one sounds very good! I am glad that you liked it and that it was such a good read for you. I might have to give it a try! Thanks!

  6. I just posted my review of this one too!! I enjoyed it, most especially the sex scenes!! LOL 😀

  7. Oh no..does that mean sex? Cos no! She hates him, and she would never make Lydia’s mistake. Arghh will soon read it

  8. I’ll be starting this on my afternoon commute! I really like Reynolds’ takes on P&P, so I can’t wait!

  9. I haven’t gotten into the Austen re-tellings, but this one sounds interesting since the author stayed true to the characters.