A Most Excellent Understanding

A Humorous Pride and Prejudice Variation

De: Wade H. Mann

Narrado por: Joanna Lee

The first time I rejected a proposal of marriage, my suitor would not take "no" for an answer, so I have resolved to be more forceful in any future ones.

Elizabeth Bennet is a lady of decided opinions—especially about a certain Mr Darcy. When Colonel Fitzwilliam reveals that gentleman as the cause of her sister’s romantic woes, Elizabeth does not become angry or distraught. Instead, the news offers some relief, because it allows her to finally understand everything that happened in Hertfordshire the previous autumn. With this new knowledge, she acts to remove herself from the disagreeable company at Rosings.

Fitzwilliam Darcy finds himself thoroughly confused by Elizabeth’s abrupt departure on the very day he thought to propose. Surprisingly, his cousin is reluctant to offer enlightenment as Darcy pursues Elizabeth to London, where he encounters a less than forgiving pair of Bennet sisters. Darcy must overcome his own reserve to explain himself, which is not easy as others require their share of conversation—especially as it concerns the Bingleys and any future alliance between Darcy and Elizabeth.

In this hard-fought battle of wits, can Darcy find the words to prove himself worthy of Elizabeth’s good opinion and win her heart, or will she remain firm in her most decided opinion of the master of Pemberley?

©2022 Wade Hatler (P)2022 Quills & Quartos Publishing

witty and charming

When Richard inadvertently tells Lizzy of Darcy's actions to separate Bingley from Jane she doesn't hide her anger as with the original. This changes everything. not just Darcy and Elizabeths path but Jane's, Anne's and all the sisters. the story is mostly lighthearted fun and witty. the narration was enjoyable. so glad the author chose an actual human narrator wish he would have done the same with his other books instead of virtual voice.

Not Great

Characters were basically we-written. Did not feel like a variation but the same character names in a different story. I didn’t love the narrator but she was great at doing a variety of voices.

Everything that a JAFF audiobook aught to be

Clever, funny and romantic with very little angst. Jane, Anne and Lady Catherine evolve into much more intelligent and likable characters. Caroline gets what she deserves and Bingley is encouraged to become a better man. Miscommunication between ODC is identified early on so that we get lots of time watching their love story evolve. Lovely, extended wrap up feels quite as it should.

developed all characters with subtle plot

Enjoyed the transformation of many characters; it was satisfying and surprising. The plot did not have violence like kidnapping and duels, so it felt more real. I will read this multiple times.

The book of lectures

First, the narrator has an expressive voice, but her male versions all sound alike — like little old men. She did put feeling into the dialogue and I found she is quite tolerable to listen to.

What would happen if Jane and Elizabeth said exactly what they thought without a filter? Ah, what it must be like to be perfect so you can tell everyone else all their flaws and how they should live their lives.

They lecture Darcy and the Bingleys throughout the book. (But any set down of the Bingley sisters is always welcome to me.) Yet the irony is that they lecture Bingley about always following what Darcy’s tells him to do, (like leaving Netherfield), and then proceed to tell him how be a gentleman, how to run his estate, and how to run his life, and expect him to follow their edicts. Poor Bingley is treated so badly by Jane. She obviously wasn’t over his leaving as she professed.

They lecture Darcy till he becomes this meek, weak-willed doormat of a man who seems a bit afraid of Elizabeth’s criticism. There’s no friendly banter and wit.

By the middle of the book, I was frustrated with the constant lectures. There was no depth of character for any of them, and they are far from canon. Then Colonel Fitzwilliam and Lady Catherine join the fray and they start lecturing as well.

I finished it because I hate to give up. The ending is a bit more satisfying while rushed. There’s a nice epilogue. I just prefer a stronger Darcy, and Jane and Elizabeth as kind in adversity, not as self righteous harpies.