Suddenly Mrs. Darcy
by Jenetta James
This is a re-imagining of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice that begins at the Netherfield ball, where Elizabeth is found in a compromising situation with Mr. Darcy and she is forced by her parents to marry him. A reluctant, though curiously tame Elizabeth begins her new role with some hope of happiness, and it is many chapters in that there is true conflict in the story. This, however, proves to be the push it needed to become a page-turner. Some clues are placed in the storyline that eventually come to light, and conclude the tale satisfactorily. It is one of the few Austen variations that gives a complete account of the characters’ futures.
The timeline is spot-on and the characters all closely resemble their originals in personality–something that Austen purists will appreciate. There are lines from Pride and Prejudice inserted at appropriate intervals, which the author pulls off without the eye-rolling silliness that sometimes accompanies these scenes. Overall this is a quick, pleasing read for Austen fans!