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lifeand100books's review against another edition
5.0
Mary Lydon Simonsen is back with her sophomore novel, The Perfect Bride for Mr. Darcy. (Can I also say that there is no sheer coincidence that the word “perfect” is in the title of this novel? More about this later!) Her first novel, Searching for Pemberley, was a partial venture into the world of Jane Austen fan fiction. The Perfect Bride for Mr. Darcy is a uniquely interesting Pride and Prejudice variation that lets Austen’s supporting characters take the reins of her original work.
Anne de Bourgh sees that something is happening to her cousin, Fitzwilliam Darcy, during his yearly trip to Rosings Park. She comes to find out that Fitzwilliam has fallen in love with Ms. Elizabeth Bennett, has proposed to her, and has been rejected. Anne having seen the two together at Rosings know that they are absolutely perfect for each other. Once Fitzwilliam leaves Rosings, Anne realizes that she must play matchmaker to bring Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam back together. Anne begins to set her plan in motion by visiting Elizabeth at the Collins’ rectory and securing her friendship. During her visit Anne finds out that Darcy’s letter had a positive effect on Elizabeth’s feelings and that she feels regret for some of the things she said to Darcy. This revelation from Elizabeth is the sign Anne needs to know that she is doing the right thing in bringing Elizabeth and Darcy together.
As I said earlier, the word perfect being in the title is no sheer coincidence. Simonsen wrote a truly incredible novel with fantastic characters. Granted, the characters are changed and molded from Austen’s original writing, but my are they molded in an entertaining way. I doubt you’d be able to find one fan of Pride and Prejudice who would say they didn’t want to see an assertive Anne de Bourgh. Her character change alone makes the book worth reading. Anne isn’t the only character that undergoes a change in The Perfect Bride for Mr. Darcy. Another supporting character undergoing a total transformation is Georgiana who now becomes a rambunctious teenager who enjoys society and is unafraid of meeting new people. The characterizations of the new Anne and Georgiana are a joy to read. Anne and Georgiana’s match-making schemes give them a strong resemblance to another Austen character, Emma Woodhouse. Along with Georgiana and Anne, Jane and Charles Bingley also get makeovers.
I’m always been a huge fan of Austen fan fiction novels that take the supporting characters of Austen’s original work and give them a chance to be in the spotlight. Simonsen does just that here, giving the storyline a new twist, with these “new” characters. You get to read the story in a new light and begin to hear it through a new character’s thoughts.
I wouldn’t recommend this book for those of you who are unwilling to part ways with Austen’s original storyline. With the changes to Anne and Georgiana’s characters the storyline deviates from the original work, but ultimately has the same outcome. For those unfamiliar with the original work, this variation might be a bit confusing for you. The first half of Austen’s original novel does not exist in Simonsen’s work, as it picks up after the horrendous first proposal. I have to say I was so happy to read a variation as creative as this. After reading so many Pride and Prejudice sequels and variations, I get tired of the original storyline being told over and over with a small difference here and a small difference there. It was absolutely refreshing to read a complete overhaul of the original story and I truly can’t recommend it enough.
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://lifeand100books.wordpress.com/2011/02/22/9-a-review-of-the-perfect-bride-for-mr-darcy-by-mary-lydon-simonsen/
Anne de Bourgh sees that something is happening to her cousin, Fitzwilliam Darcy, during his yearly trip to Rosings Park. She comes to find out that Fitzwilliam has fallen in love with Ms. Elizabeth Bennett, has proposed to her, and has been rejected. Anne having seen the two together at Rosings know that they are absolutely perfect for each other. Once Fitzwilliam leaves Rosings, Anne realizes that she must play matchmaker to bring Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam back together. Anne begins to set her plan in motion by visiting Elizabeth at the Collins’ rectory and securing her friendship. During her visit Anne finds out that Darcy’s letter had a positive effect on Elizabeth’s feelings and that she feels regret for some of the things she said to Darcy. This revelation from Elizabeth is the sign Anne needs to know that she is doing the right thing in bringing Elizabeth and Darcy together.
As I said earlier, the word perfect being in the title is no sheer coincidence. Simonsen wrote a truly incredible novel with fantastic characters. Granted, the characters are changed and molded from Austen’s original writing, but my are they molded in an entertaining way. I doubt you’d be able to find one fan of Pride and Prejudice who would say they didn’t want to see an assertive Anne de Bourgh. Her character change alone makes the book worth reading. Anne isn’t the only character that undergoes a change in The Perfect Bride for Mr. Darcy. Another supporting character undergoing a total transformation is Georgiana who now becomes a rambunctious teenager who enjoys society and is unafraid of meeting new people. The characterizations of the new Anne and Georgiana are a joy to read. Anne and Georgiana’s match-making schemes give them a strong resemblance to another Austen character, Emma Woodhouse. Along with Georgiana and Anne, Jane and Charles Bingley also get makeovers.
I’m always been a huge fan of Austen fan fiction novels that take the supporting characters of Austen’s original work and give them a chance to be in the spotlight. Simonsen does just that here, giving the storyline a new twist, with these “new” characters. You get to read the story in a new light and begin to hear it through a new character’s thoughts.
I wouldn’t recommend this book for those of you who are unwilling to part ways with Austen’s original storyline. With the changes to Anne and Georgiana’s characters the storyline deviates from the original work, but ultimately has the same outcome. For those unfamiliar with the original work, this variation might be a bit confusing for you. The first half of Austen’s original novel does not exist in Simonsen’s work, as it picks up after the horrendous first proposal. I have to say I was so happy to read a variation as creative as this. After reading so many Pride and Prejudice sequels and variations, I get tired of the original storyline being told over and over with a small difference here and a small difference there. It was absolutely refreshing to read a complete overhaul of the original story and I truly can’t recommend it enough.
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://lifeand100books.wordpress.com/2011/02/22/9-a-review-of-the-perfect-bride-for-mr-darcy-by-mary-lydon-simonsen/
nina_rod's review against another edition
1.0
Probably one of the worst Pride and Prejudice adaptations I've ever read. Apparently Mr. Darcy is so enamored with Miss Bennet that he must wear trousers instead of tight breeches. Ugh.
blodeuedd's review against another edition
3.0
My thoughts:
I do love my Jane Austen variations, and this one introduces Anne in such a new light. She is quiet, but that is mostly because of her mother. When she is with her cousins she is another woman, but still she is ill and will therefore never marry. I did like this new portrait of Anne. Georgiana was different too, not at all shy but lively and could easily speak with others.
But the rest was just as usual, Lizzy and Darcy were true to the original story, Wickham a scoundrel as usual. One thing happened though and that is that Jane got another suitor. What happened with that you just have to read and find out.
This was a nice variation that kept close to the real story, just that instead of them finding their way to each other we see that someone else is pushing behind the scenes. Kind of made me wish that Anne could find love too, but alas no, she can't. Still she is a strong woman.
Mr Darcy was as lovely as usual, and honestly can anyone be more horrible than Caroline Bingley? That woman drives me crazy.
My final thoughts and recommendation:
Yes for the Austen fans, and for the rest of you too. I liked the fact that this one stayed very true to the course of the story, well fairly close. A 3,5 since it was amusing, sweet, and a good dose of Austen. I enjoyed the tale, and especially Miss Anne de Bourgh.
I do love my Jane Austen variations, and this one introduces Anne in such a new light. She is quiet, but that is mostly because of her mother. When she is with her cousins she is another woman, but still she is ill and will therefore never marry. I did like this new portrait of Anne. Georgiana was different too, not at all shy but lively and could easily speak with others.
But the rest was just as usual, Lizzy and Darcy were true to the original story, Wickham a scoundrel as usual. One thing happened though and that is that Jane got another suitor. What happened with that you just have to read and find out.
This was a nice variation that kept close to the real story, just that instead of them finding their way to each other we see that someone else is pushing behind the scenes. Kind of made me wish that Anne could find love too, but alas no, she can't. Still she is a strong woman.
Mr Darcy was as lovely as usual, and honestly can anyone be more horrible than Caroline Bingley? That woman drives me crazy.
My final thoughts and recommendation:
Yes for the Austen fans, and for the rest of you too. I liked the fact that this one stayed very true to the course of the story, well fairly close. A 3,5 since it was amusing, sweet, and a good dose of Austen. I enjoyed the tale, and especially Miss Anne de Bourgh.
waffley's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
One of the best variations i’ve read! I did t expect much from this but it surprised me.
I turned my brain off and didnt get so sad over the fact that there are some character plotholes, like Georgiana not being shy after Ramsgate… although i did like anne being a more prominent character in the story, and it was amusing how delulu Caroline was hahaha.
The only reason i didnt give this a solid 5 was because i felt like it ended too soon, or that it lacked closure with Anne, Col. Fitzwilliam, Lord Fitzwilliam, and, Caroline, and Mrs Hurst. It wouldve been nice to see the wedding as well. But oh well.
I turned my brain off and didnt get so sad over the fact that there are some character plotholes, like Georgiana not being shy after Ramsgate… although i did like anne being a more prominent character in the story, and it was amusing how delulu Caroline was hahaha.
The only reason i didnt give this a solid 5 was because i felt like it ended too soon, or that it lacked closure with Anne, Col. Fitzwilliam, Lord Fitzwilliam, and, Caroline, and Mrs Hurst. It wouldve been nice to see the wedding as well. But oh well.
karenreader's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
The writing is fine but there are just way to many errors. Darcy and Ann de Bourgh wouldn’t ride alone in a coach from Rosings to London without being compromised. Lady Catherine is turning 60 while Anne is 24; you’re telling me she had her first and only child at 35? Georgiana is 16 (should be 15) at Ramsgate “last summer”, but 18 now. She chatty and outgoing, not painfully shy. Darcy is only 10 years older (not 11 or 12) and has never let her explain that she didn’t agree to an elopement. He just assumed and spent the entire time being an ass. Anne de Bourgh talks Lizzy, and thus the Gardiners, into going to Derbyshire and Pemberley instead of the Lakes.
The only thing that wasn’t absurd is when Lizzy finds out an old lover of Darcy’s has returned to London, she understands he’s almost 30, would’ve had previous relationships, and doesn’t freak out. I did really like her rational, mature handling of that.
The only thing that wasn’t absurd is when Lizzy finds out an old lover of Darcy’s has returned to London, she understands he’s almost 30, would’ve had previous relationships, and doesn’t freak out. I did really like her rational, mature handling of that.
m_kayk's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't really enjoy the changes in plot that the author made in this book. While it was a retelling of "Pride and Prejudice," the major plot points (Anne de Bourgh not travelling outside of Kent, Darcy and Lizzie getting married at the same time as Bingley and Jane) are not something that is negotiable to change in a retelling, at least in my opinion.
thismissreads's review against another edition
4.0
RATING: 4.5
The Perfect Bride for Mr. Darcy offers a delightfully detailed background to the story and the characters of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, as well as interesting and accurate insight into the society of the time. That makes it a highly enjoyable read and a must-read for lovers of Austen’s characters.
In this novel, Anne de Bourgh and Georgiana Darcy have more important roles. They come to the forefront as matchmakers, especially Anne, who first notices her cousin’s feelings for Miss Elizabeth and who first learns about Darcy’s failed proposal. This prompts her to act and bring the two lovers together as best as she can. I loved the expansion on the characters of Anne and Georgiana. In Austen’s original novel, they are minor characters who serve to more or less explain certain plot points. In this story, they become rounded, multi-dimensional characters with active roles and yearnings of their own. Although some significant changes were made to their characters, the changes are enjoyable and complement the two characters very well, giving them life.
The story follows the plot of Austen’s original, but offers expanded backgrounds to the story, as well as the characters. I was so glad to read about Darcy’s thoughts and feelings that were very well delivered. In the original, the reader gets to see the events mostly through Elizabeth’s eyes, but in this story, all characters are given a chance to contribute in this respect – even the snotty Caroline Bingley and the charming, yet conniving Wickham. Their narrations are smooth, vivid and executed in the period lingo with great ease.
There are some plot twists that are delightful and some that I needed some time getting used to, like the fact that Darcy had a mistress as a youth and the fact that Jane has a second suitor. However, this created some tension and uncertainty and I’m always happy when things become a little complicated. I was especially pleasantly surprised by Mary Bennett’s new fate and I hope that you will be, too, when you read the novel.
I highly enjoyed period details. The workings of the society are explained, their rituals, the places they frequented, and the Napoleonic wars are mentioned on several occasions, giving the story a very firm historical frame and also reminding the reader that the militia was not there (only) to entertain ladies, but was at the ready for battle.
This novel is a highly enjoyable and insightful story, and it is a fresh take on Austen’s beloved novel. I recommend it to all Austen enthusiasts – you shall not be disappointed.
The Perfect Bride for Mr. Darcy offers a delightfully detailed background to the story and the characters of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, as well as interesting and accurate insight into the society of the time. That makes it a highly enjoyable read and a must-read for lovers of Austen’s characters.
In this novel, Anne de Bourgh and Georgiana Darcy have more important roles. They come to the forefront as matchmakers, especially Anne, who first notices her cousin’s feelings for Miss Elizabeth and who first learns about Darcy’s failed proposal. This prompts her to act and bring the two lovers together as best as she can. I loved the expansion on the characters of Anne and Georgiana. In Austen’s original novel, they are minor characters who serve to more or less explain certain plot points. In this story, they become rounded, multi-dimensional characters with active roles and yearnings of their own. Although some significant changes were made to their characters, the changes are enjoyable and complement the two characters very well, giving them life.
The story follows the plot of Austen’s original, but offers expanded backgrounds to the story, as well as the characters. I was so glad to read about Darcy’s thoughts and feelings that were very well delivered. In the original, the reader gets to see the events mostly through Elizabeth’s eyes, but in this story, all characters are given a chance to contribute in this respect – even the snotty Caroline Bingley and the charming, yet conniving Wickham. Their narrations are smooth, vivid and executed in the period lingo with great ease.
There are some plot twists that are delightful and some that I needed some time getting used to, like the fact that Darcy had a mistress as a youth and the fact that Jane has a second suitor. However, this created some tension and uncertainty and I’m always happy when things become a little complicated. I was especially pleasantly surprised by Mary Bennett’s new fate and I hope that you will be, too, when you read the novel.
I highly enjoyed period details. The workings of the society are explained, their rituals, the places they frequented, and the Napoleonic wars are mentioned on several occasions, giving the story a very firm historical frame and also reminding the reader that the militia was not there (only) to entertain ladies, but was at the ready for battle.
This novel is a highly enjoyable and insightful story, and it is a fresh take on Austen’s beloved novel. I recommend it to all Austen enthusiasts – you shall not be disappointed.
kimal25's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book so much from start to finish. I am still relatively new to the whole Pride and Prejudice sequels thing but this was great in my opinion. Generally, I tend to read sequels that occur after Pride and Prejudice has ended, rather than variations of the story. But, it was nice to see both sides of things for a change. Also, I loved the idea of Georgiana and Anne as matchmakers. By having them in this role, I was able to learn more about these two wonderful characters. As always I love the ending and I shall now go look for more sequels to read.
5/13/17 I just re-read this book and I loved it just as much this time as I did the first. There were many reasons that had to do with the changes that were made to the initial story line. I liked that Darcy's thoughts were known at times too. He was especially funny at times with Mercer (and others). I liked how Anne had a bigger role in this story and was actually the driving force for Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship progressing. I liked the characters of Lord Fitzwilliam, George Bingley, and Darcy's former lovers. I liked learning more about Georgianna and how she seemed more like a young girl in this book, even though it made her seem very different from her original character. I loved that there was much less Wickham in this book. I think the only part I didn't like was that we didn't get to the wedding.
5/13/17 I just re-read this book and I loved it just as much this time as I did the first. There were many reasons that had to do with the changes that were made to the initial story line. I liked that Darcy's thoughts were known at times too. He was especially funny at times with Mercer (and others). I liked how Anne had a bigger role in this story and was actually the driving force for Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship progressing. I liked the characters of Lord Fitzwilliam, George Bingley, and Darcy's former lovers. I liked learning more about Georgianna and how she seemed more like a young girl in this book, even though it made her seem very different from her original character. I loved that there was much less Wickham in this book. I think the only part I didn't like was that we didn't get to the wedding.
oanh_1's review against another edition
3.0
Thoroughly enjoyable light reading, with a more interesting re-telling than mere fan-fic (not that there's anything wrong with fan fic).