Mr Darcy's Diary

By: Maya Slater

Narrated by: David Rintoul

Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

Mr. Darcy's intimate diary tells us of his entanglements with women, his dangerous friendship with Byron, his daily life in Georgian London, his mercurial mood swings calmed only by fisticuffs at Jackson's - and his vain struggles to conquer his longing for Elizabeth Bennet.

For the first time we discover what really happened between his sister and the dastardly Wickham. How did he distract his friend Bingley from pining for his beloved Jane? Why did he propose to another young woman? Only to his diary does he tell his true story. At last we see Darcy as he really is; and, beneath his polite facade, we find a sensitive, private and passionate man.

©2008 Maya Slater (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Interesting.

This view of how Darcy lived his life before and during knowing Elizabeth. I didn't think it was boring, but it wasn't exactly exciting. However, as a huge P&P fan I enjoyed it regardless.

Darcy Delight

Would you consider the audio edition of Mr Darcy's Diary to be better than the print version?

Yes I was drawn to it by the narrater

What other book might you compare Mr Darcy's Diary to and why?

Other versions of Mr Darcy's Diary by other authors. Because they all try to capture his thoughts and feelings.

What does David Rintoul bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

David Rintoul is my first Darcy crush and he does a magnificent and very entertaining narration of this novel. He is the very reason I chose to purchase it.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, way too long for one sitting. It was like reading a good book whereby it took about a week to savour it properly.

Any additional comments?

The story as a whole was very entertaining. SOme of Darcy's behaviour was surprising but did not detract from the whole story. David Rintoul definitely enhanced the story for me.

wonderful rendition

The narrative was spot on. Another side of Darcy uncovered. Some differences from canon but the essentials remain. Byron makes more of a presence than Fitzwilliam. Some character differences in the cast but well written and a flowing description of each. A lovely rendition. I highly recommend this book. Definitely a re-read for my collection.

Enjoyed a different approach to P&P

Understandably, this story isn't for the reader who wishes to keep the romance between D & E pure. With that being said, it was an interesting take on Darcy's feelings and emotions for life in general. To see characters who don't generally see with a bit of fire to them (i.e. Anne). On that note, it was quite refreshing for me to hear David Rintoul revisit his turn as Mr. Darcy. Knowing that connection he has with the character makes it more enjoyable than most.

Loved reading Darcy’s side of things

I wasn’t sure whether I’d like this book. I loved listening to the story from Darcy’s point of view and getting background for things that are not discussed in the main story.

Why another P&P homage?

...because so many of us keep reading them. I doubt I would be seen in public with this book, let alone admit how much I enjoyed it, but read (or listen) to Austen spin-offs I do, and Audible is, well, anonymous and filled wih other P&P compulsives.

This Darcy tumbles with maid servants, actually supervises work at Pemberly, carouses with former Cambridge classmate Lord Byron, and can be inconvenienced by too tight britches; however, he still is not as villianous as much of the male gentry of his day. He is, of course, set back on course by "a fine pair of brown eyes." While this version of Darcy is not a monk, his antics aren't, thankfully, detailed for us. Such attempts only stain the cult of P&P, and from these I abstain in memory of Austen's brave example of NOT cashing in on fallen women as was routine in novels of her time.

As P&P re-tellings go, this is good: more detailed than the similar novel "Darcy's Story;" not as humourous (but much better narrated) than the Pamela Aidan Darcy trilogy; not as smutty as others that go on to imagine the married life of the Darcys.

Also this Darcy hints of the broader world: the Regency, PM Percival, war with France, industrialization, etc. It details a bit more of servant life. Georgina is imagined in more detail, and even Mr Hurst has some character (though not a very good one).

The narrator affects a haughty upper crust tone which might not be to everyone's ear, so listen carefully to the sample.

Face it, if you're reading this review and you've read other Darcy novels, you want to read the present one anyway. If you haven't read any of the others, this is as good as any to start. You don't need to have memorized P&P to enjoy the novel, but it helps.

I'm still waiting for a P&P re-told entirely from the servants' perspective; either that or a self-help book for compulsive P&P readers.

Silly (but in a good, happy way)

I love a good Austen spin-off! Mr Darcy's Diary is entertaining and the narrator, David Rintoul does a really good characterisation of Mr Darcy (read: he has a bit of a dishy voice.. :P )

I found the inclusion of Lord Byron a bit of an odd addition to the story. On first reading (in book form) I was a little peeved by this, but upon later listenings of the story it really does add something wicked to the narrative (though the thought of D & B attending a Baccanal is still one that doesn't quite sit right with me).

A good bit of escapist fun! Mr Darcy's writings are certainly an interesting thing to be privy to...

The Best Mr. Darcy Reveals His Story

Where does Mr Darcy's Diary rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Probably ties with "Pride and Prejudice" as my first choices. Of course, I listen and re-listen to both often.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Mr Darcy's Diary?

When Darcy realizes he has behaved abominably as he sees the true character of his aunt. Lovely awakening!

Which character – as performed by David Rintoul – was your favorite?

Mr. Darcy --- who else?

If you could take any character from Mr Darcy's Diary out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Darcy - and just because I could!

Any additional comments?

I've always loved David RIntoul's Mr. Darcy in the BBC mini-series production. He so fully captures Austen's character. This story sheds so much light on the inner man. It answers questions the readers of Pride and Prejudice might have had as to why he was so stoic and proud. That it was actual read by Rintoul was simply a delight. Now, when I go to rewatch Pride - it will give so much more dimension to the story. Just a fantastic listen!

A more realistic man’s point of view and lifestyle

I recommend this if you’re open minded on true to canon content. Although this story follows canon faithfully it’s far from tame when it comes to a male point of view and therefore much more revealing about what men of rank, means and leisure spent their time.

Because I do have an open mind and I did like seeing what Mr Darcy was thinking about Elizabeth and wanted to listen to the natural conclusion I hung in there.

I liked the diary format of the story. But I could have done without two or three fewer trips to fancy brothels an a little less time spent with Byron although dropping his character into the story was interesting. I may not listen to this again for some time and then I might skip over a scene or two. I’m grown up enough to know that Darcy was nearly thirty years old and obviously had some experience before meeting Elizabeth. A fan fiction writer travels a fine line there. As fans we seem to want his previous relationships to be highly dissatisfactory.

I didn’t like the way he treated Charles in this. But I do recommend the story.

A waste of time

I am disappointed as this is the worst telling I have yet to read. Darcy is no gentleman, he is no better than Wickham. I cannot even finish listening to it because he is a pig. I find that there is nothing for Elizabeth to like as he looks down on her, he is taking whores to bed and the maids in the house. The book doesn't share the same details that are in Pride and Prejudice at all. His mother did not die at childbirth also he is in London alot when his character is supposed to be at Netherfield. This a poor telling of Darcy and I would not recommend this to anyone.