By Force of Instinct

A Pride & Prejudice Variation

By: Abigail Reynolds

Narrated by: Pearl Hewitt

Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's Summary

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

well developed motivations

I have read (listened to) several of these that have very "un-austin" like romantic behavior that just dropped it all in without developing the motivations. This one does a good job of explaining the thought process of the characters as she takes them through very human emotions. very enjoyable.

Interesting insight on well known characters.

While I'm not loving the takes on Mr. Bennet, Mr. Gardiner and to an extent; Georgiana- I love the insight on why Elizabeth and Darcy behave the way they do. The way each was brought up and the impact their parents had on the people they are today is believable. Georgiana isn't the super sweet, timid thing she is in P&P and the other variations but she isn't a demon and does one crappy thing, not that horrible given her station, situation and age. Of course, like other Reynolds' works there is premarital hanky-panky. Unlike the others..... Elizabeth does well in the pre game warm up but doesn't hit one out of the park each time she and Darcy are up to bat......
Embarrassing to say, but true.

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.

Not my favorite

I love all things P&P and have read many variations. However, I didn’t care for the take on ANY of the characters in this book, except for maybe Mr. Bingley and Mrs. Gardner. Elizabeth wasn’t a strong character, Mr. Darcy was anything but proper. Miss Darcy just annoyed me.

I did like the narrator, with the exception of her Mr. Darcy voice.

He said; she said

There are other ways in the English language to express the voice during a dialogue, the author only knows one. If the work was ever edited, the editor should be shot. The plot itself is not too bad. Too many pocket-psychology explanations of the characters motivations spoil the work. The narration is good. Save your credits/money

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.

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!

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.

By Force of Instinct

Loved it. Another great story by Abigail Reynolds. Narration by Pearl Hewitt was great as well.