By Force of Instinct

A Pride & Prejudice Variation

By: Abigail Reynolds

Narrated by: Pearl Hewitt

In Jane Austen's classic Pride & Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet never expects to see Mr. Darcy again after his disastrous proposal in Hunsford. But what if family business required him to stay at Rosings after giving her his letter? Coming face to face with Mr. Darcy only days later could give Elizabeth a new chance to understand him... or chance for even more misunderstandings.

©2002, 2007, 2011 Abigail Reynolds (P)2013 Abigail Reynolds

amazing retelling

this is the third book by this author that I have listened to and I have loved each one. they have all been very uniquely done but also held to Jane Austen's style that we all know and love. the only problem ive had with this one is the Narrator. I did not enjoy her as much As the others. There was something lacking in her performance. But other than that I have no issues with this book at all I absolutely loved it. If you are a Jane Austin fan I highly recommend it. It goes more into their love of each other and how they become one.

Tortuous journey of Darcy and Elizabeth

Very clever use of P and P premise and details woven with more modern knowledge of psychology of young people falling in love. Self confidence and sexual shame issues of young women explored as part of Elizabeth Bennet's journey toward self knowledge. I enjoyed the ride.

I have read this novel many times

I have read this novel many times over the years. Now was the first time listening to it. I really enjoyed it. It is well written. It contains mature bits :) a bit saucy but lovely. Highly recommended it.

Enjoyable read & performance

The storyline was very enjoyable and I wanted to keep listening all the way to the end. The reader was also excellent as for once Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth did not sound like they were sisters but male and female.

Not much of a plot

I listen to a lot of Pride and Prejudice variations but this one didn't grab me. Nothing much happens in the plot, there is a quick series of misunderstandings and resolutions up front that gave me whiplash, you'd think after one or two misunderstandings and resolutions there would end up with some level of trust but it keeps happening! There's no big climax either, it just sort of limps to the finish. There are definitely worse out there but the lack of true plot here, with the only villain really being each of the characters own insecurities, made for an oddly paced read without a really satisfying conclusion.

The voice performance was really pretty good, I didn't care for her rendition of Lord Matlock which I had to turn the volume down for every time, it was like she shouted everything for his lines. But otherwise not bad!