The Last Letter

A Pride and Prejudice Variation

De: Jennifer William

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

Set two years after the original Pride and Prejudice, Lizzy Bennet never married Mr. Darcy. After the failed proposal at Hunsford, they parted ways—seemingly forever. Now, in an alternate version of events, Mr. Bennet has died unexpectedly, Longbourn is entailed away, and the Bennet women face destitution. Lizzy, hardened by the years, accepts a position as a governess at a remote estate in the North... which just so happens to be near Pemberley.

Fate brings Lizzy and Darcy back into each other’s orbit—but they’re not the same people anymore. Both carry regrets, old pride, and lingering resentment. And neither believes the other capable of forgiveness.

But when Lizzy discovers an unsent letter buried in her father’s things—one Mr. Darcy wrote after their fateful encounter—it calls into question everything she thought she knew. Can two people with sharp minds and guarded hearts learn to trust each other again, or has time closed the door for good?

Nah

This was a short story. Unfortunately the author chose a virtual voice with American accent. That is capital offence to Jane Austen fan fiction. Can’t do. My ears cry. Other than that ok.

Odd

The premise caught my attention, but the narrative was lacking. There were many gaps and unexplained occurrences. It felt more like a stream of consciousness type of story instead of one that had extensive research to match the customs and thinking of the Regency era. For instance, for two years Mr. Bennet held a letter from Mr. Darcy to Elizabeth. But, we don’t know how he has this letter or what excuse Darcy would give Mr. Bennet by giving his unmarried daughter a letter without suspicion. There is also little discussed at the problems that a governess would encounter, and Darcy doesn’t address the gossip that it would bring if they were to marry.