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sparkingjoyinreading's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
riley15's review
2.0
I had a difficult time getting over the fact that this book included neither Jane Austen’s writing style nor her ideas, but still found it to be a quick, fun read and blew through it in only a few days. It definitely felt a bit like Pride and Prejudice fan-fiction, with a large portion of the book dedicated to showcasing the blissful and perfect relationships between Jane and Charles Bingley and Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy. This was cute, and if you are a Pride and Prejudice fan looking for an easy and amusing read, this may be a good book to pick up. If, however, you are someone who is very concerned with accuracy and integrity, this may not be a good fit. As I was reading, I found there to be some inaccuracies; a bit of the dialogue and situations seemed too modern for the early 1800s and some of the characters acted or were portrayed in a way that, I thought, was unrealistic given their actions and descriptions in the Jane Austen novel. Overall, I did enjoy reading this book and getting to encounter some of my favorite characters again. I don’t necessarily take Altman’s word for what happens to the Darcy and Bingley families, but it was a fun, humorous story, I like where she went with it, and I thought she did a good job of staying mostly true to the world Jane Austen created.
There are some specifics that I would now like to go into, some of which will include spoilers. I will attempt to list them in an order that makes sense, but that probably will not end up being the case, so I apologize in advance. I liked the respectful and loving relationships between friends and spouses in this book, as living happily ever after is the end I’ve always wanted and pictured for these characters subsequent to Pride and Prejudice drawing to a close. My favorite part in this story was probably the investigation of Lord Kincaid, which added the mystery and suspense that made this book a page-turner. I liked the outcome and that the Darcys were able to save Caroline Bingley from the fortune hunter, but didn’t really understand why Lord Kincaid felt the need to come back to claim Miss. Bingley instead of simply making his escape from the prison and going after another woman of fortune. I also thought that Caroline’s successive engagement to Doctor Maddox, while perhaps heartwarming, didn’t entirely fit with what I know about her from the original novel. Additionally, Miss. Bingley wasn’t quite as witty and proper as she was when written by Austen. I think it can also be said that Elizabeth and many other characters, at various points, did not have their personality correctly portrayed, with Darcy in particular being a bit less formal/proper at times than would be realistic for his character. I do understand, however, that a few of these deviations may have been deemed necessary to aid the story line. Darcy throwing Wickham out of a window may have been a bit much, though.
There are some specifics that I would now like to go into, some of which will include spoilers. I will attempt to list them in an order that makes sense, but that probably will not end up being the case, so I apologize in advance. I liked the respectful and loving relationships between friends and spouses in this book, as living happily ever after is the end I’ve always wanted and pictured for these characters subsequent to Pride and Prejudice drawing to a close. My favorite part in this story was probably the investigation of Lord Kincaid, which added the mystery and suspense that made this book a page-turner. I liked the outcome and that the Darcys were able to save Caroline Bingley from the fortune hunter, but didn’t really understand why Lord Kincaid felt the need to come back to claim Miss. Bingley instead of simply making his escape from the prison and going after another woman of fortune. I also thought that Caroline’s successive engagement to Doctor Maddox, while perhaps heartwarming, didn’t entirely fit with what I know about her from the original novel. Additionally, Miss. Bingley wasn’t quite as witty and proper as she was when written by Austen. I think it can also be said that Elizabeth and many other characters, at various points, did not have their personality correctly portrayed, with Darcy in particular being a bit less formal/proper at times than would be realistic for his character. I do understand, however, that a few of these deviations may have been deemed necessary to aid the story line. Darcy throwing Wickham out of a window may have been a bit much, though.
himissjulie's review
4.0
I'm not sure how to rate this. It is bound and published fan fiction. I enjoyed reading it. I feel a bit icky after doing so. I suppose it has done what fanfiction is supposed to do--the pleasure followed by the guilt?
zober's review
1.0
I found a free copy of this book - and all I can say is thank God I didn't spend any money on it.
The characters, though those in name of Jane Austen's novel, are truly just nominally the same. Some characters, like Mr. Darcy, are drastically different in personality in this fanfiction. Marriage can change people, but it doesn't give them new personalities.
The expressions and dialogue were clearly wrong for the supposed time period.
This book was essentially Pride and Prejudice, infused with as much scandal as Altman could concoct. She included far too many references to "relations" (at which every character blushes at the mention). In fact, it seems like the entire book is really just an elaboration on the sex each character is having (and their worries about it).
The characters, though those in name of Jane Austen's novel, are truly just nominally the same. Some characters, like Mr. Darcy, are drastically different in personality in this fanfiction. Marriage can change people, but it doesn't give them new personalities.
The expressions and dialogue were clearly wrong for the supposed time period.
This book was essentially Pride and Prejudice, infused with as much scandal as Altman could concoct. She included far too many references to "relations" (at which every character blushes at the mention). In fact, it seems like the entire book is really just an elaboration on the sex each character is having (and their worries about it).
somechelsea's review
4.0
A lighthearted and funny epilogue to Pride and Prejudice. (Allegedly first in a series, but there are no loose threads at the end.)
And! Possibly the first redemption for Caroline Bingley in the history of anything Pride and Prejudice. So that's neat. :)
Or, as this book should really be titled: Darcy and Bingley Have Copies of the Kama Sutra, But This Could Still Be Rated PG. (I supposed their title is easier to fit on the cover.)
And! Possibly the first redemption for Caroline Bingley in the history of anything Pride and Prejudice. So that's neat. :)
Or, as this book should really be titled: Darcy and Bingley Have Copies of the Kama Sutra, But This Could Still Be Rated PG. (I supposed their title is easier to fit on the cover.)
glamafonic's review
2.0
2.5
A bit sloppily written and silly as can be, but fun nonetheless. Though you can read things of equal and superior quality for free on numerous fanfic sites, which sort defeats the idea of commercial publishing in this instance.
A bit sloppily written and silly as can be, but fun nonetheless. Though you can read things of equal and superior quality for free on numerous fanfic sites, which sort defeats the idea of commercial publishing in this instance.
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