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3.23 AVERAGE
3.23 AVERAGE
It actually was quite brilliant, which surprised me. It was a very fun read.
Ah! Such a great book. I love [a:Jane Austen|1265|Jane Austen|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1282032472p2/1265.jpg] and her works, but my favorite is probably [b:Pride and Prejudice|14920|Pride and Prejudice|Jane Austen|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1166668786s/14920.jpg|3060926]. It's such a great story, and I feel like I can find something new every time I read it. Apparently, I"m not the only one that feels this way, because there are several Pride and Prejudice remakes, sequels, prequels and re-tellings. [b:Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart|6855558|Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart|Beth Pattillo|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61wljBkdy2L._SL75_.jpg|7069313] is none of these.
Let me explain. Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart tells the story of Claire, who goes to England for a Jane Austen conference. She goes in place of Missy, her sister, who's the true academic of the family. Her entire life Claire has been taking care of Missy, and even though they are both grown, and Missy herself is a mother, Claire still mothers her sister. Unlike some of the other participants of the conference, Claire is a little apprehensive about being there. She becomes more apprehensive when she meets James, a fellow conference attendee.
Is he her Mr. Darcy? Is her life really like Pride and Prejudice ?
She begins to wonder even more when she meets Harriet, a local woman who tells her she has a lost copy of Pride and Prejudice's first manuscript, First Impressions. Throughout the course of the week-long conference, Harriet and Claire spend time together, each day allowing Claire more time to read through the manuscript.
Towards the end of her stay, Claire's boyfriend, Neil, shows up. He's flown across the Atlantic for our heroine. Confusion ensues, and we come to the climax of the novel.
As I stated earlier, I don't feel like Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart is a retelling of the P&P story. It is, however, similar to the (fake) story of First Impressions. It could almost be called Second Impressions, because as we grow older, we (hopefully) grow wiser, just as Claire did during the novel.
Fans of Jane Austen will like this fresh look and take on one of their favorite stories. Even those who don't love Austen have a great primary story to look forward to. I found some fabulous quotes throughout my reading time, but this one stuck out to me the most:
"The word courage, of course, comes from the French word coeur, or heart in English. Austen shows us that it is in knowing one's heart tha tone may find the courage to overcome obstacles." -- Martin, pg. 225.
I believe that it says more eloquently what I'm trying to say – this novel has heart. A lot of it.
Let me explain. Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart tells the story of Claire, who goes to England for a Jane Austen conference. She goes in place of Missy, her sister, who's the true academic of the family. Her entire life Claire has been taking care of Missy, and even though they are both grown, and Missy herself is a mother, Claire still mothers her sister. Unlike some of the other participants of the conference, Claire is a little apprehensive about being there. She becomes more apprehensive when she meets James, a fellow conference attendee.
Is he her Mr. Darcy? Is her life really like Pride and Prejudice ?
She begins to wonder even more when she meets Harriet, a local woman who tells her she has a lost copy of Pride and Prejudice's first manuscript, First Impressions. Throughout the course of the week-long conference, Harriet and Claire spend time together, each day allowing Claire more time to read through the manuscript.
Towards the end of her stay, Claire's boyfriend, Neil, shows up. He's flown across the Atlantic for our heroine. Confusion ensues, and we come to the climax of the novel.
As I stated earlier, I don't feel like Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart is a retelling of the P&P story. It is, however, similar to the (fake) story of First Impressions. It could almost be called Second Impressions, because as we grow older, we (hopefully) grow wiser, just as Claire did during the novel.
Fans of Jane Austen will like this fresh look and take on one of their favorite stories. Even those who don't love Austen have a great primary story to look forward to. I found some fabulous quotes throughout my reading time, but this one stuck out to me the most:
"The word courage, of course, comes from the French word coeur, or heart in English. Austen shows us that it is in knowing one's heart tha tone may find the courage to overcome obstacles." -- Martin, pg. 225.
I believe that it says more eloquently what I'm trying to say – this novel has heart. A lot of it.
I didn't really like this book. The story in the lost manuscript was poorly written and unbelieveable, and the modern story wasn't much better.
Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart by Beth Patillo is a fascinating look at an old treasure. Claire Prescott has never been enthralled with Jane Austen and Mr. Darcy the way her sister is, but when the sister is too ill to attend an important seminar about Pride and Prejudice at Oxford University, Claire fills in. She could use some romance in her life, especially after the loss of her job and her boyfriend's minimal acknowledging of her leaving the country. A handsome classmate fits the bill perfectly and soon sweeps her off her feet, but then she is caught up in a confusing whirlwind of Austen's lost papers, conspiracy, and deception. Patillo takes the Pride and Prejudice and turns it on its ear through the various papers presented throughout as studies of the famous novel, as well as her own remarkably well done version of Austen's writing. This story is a completely unexpected surprise in that the narrative never goes where the reader anticipates, making it an enjoyable ride. The author does a superb job of making Austen's work come alive through the eyes of Claire as she closely examines the work in relation to her own life, causing deep introspection. I was thoroughly entertained and hope that Patillo writes more in this vein.
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Ok, ok. This was corny-cute and even though Claire didn't end up with who I wanted her to end up with, it was amusing.
My favorite part was the setting. I've been to Oxford, been to Christ Church and the places around it, so it was a breeze for me to picture the events going on here. I loved being reminded of the cows in the field beside the River Cherwell (I legit have a picture, that I took, of them on my wall haha). I love the description of Harriet's house, and want to go there and see her garden.
The rest of the story was pretty basic. I of course loved the idea of a missing first manuscript of P & P being found and being able to read even a completely fictionalized version of it. There was a little mystery and a bit of romance, and all around it was an enjoyable read.
My favorite part was the setting. I've been to Oxford, been to Christ Church and the places around it, so it was a breeze for me to picture the events going on here. I loved being reminded of the cows in the field beside the River Cherwell (I legit have a picture, that I took, of them on my wall haha). I love the description of Harriet's house, and want to go there and see her garden.
The rest of the story was pretty basic. I of course loved the idea of a missing first manuscript of P & P being found and being able to read even a completely fictionalized version of it. There was a little mystery and a bit of romance, and all around it was an enjoyable read.
I really enjoyed this book, but not quite as much as Jane Austen Ruined my Life. Good story, I love all the Pride and Prejudice references and the First Impressions chapters. Interesting twist on Pride and Prejudice. The only problem with this book is I kept getting annoyed with how much the main character kept getting in her own way. It bugs when so much of the dialogue is in her head. Just say it already!
