In Plain Sight

A Pride & Prejudice Variation

By: Don Jacobson

Narrated by: Amanda Berry

Length: 13 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's Summary

When Fitzwilliam Darcy’s father slides into an early grave, his son is forced to take on Pemberley’s mantle. Brandy numbs his pain, but Darcy’s worst inclinations run wild. After tragedy rips everything away, he spends years finding his way back to a new life as a man redeemed by a woman’s loving understanding.

Elizabeth Bennet is afflicted with a common regency ailment: observing the world about her but not seeing those beneath her notice. Then, a clarifying act shatters the propriety that has denied her heart the transcendent love she craves.

In Plain Sight explores Jane Austen’s eternal love story by flipping social roles on their heads. From their first encounter, Elizabeth Bennet and the convict known as “Smith” must overcome their prejudices and break through their pride. Only then can they share the treasure hidden in plain sight.

©2020 Don Jacobson (P)2020 Don Jacobson

Evocative Story of Redemption and Love

A choice to drown his grief and guilt over his father's death leads to disastrous consequences and a long-term life journey that he could have never foreseen made In Plain Sight a deeply felt story of redemption and romance. Don Jacobson masterfully brings his heroes and heroines to their lowest points and then builds them up again for a triumphant tale told well by the sensational narration work of Amanda Berry.

The hero of Pride and Prejudice was a man who weathered his personal family tragedy and his responsibilities with inner strength and a strong sense of right, but In Plain Sight asks, 'what if he wasn't able to cope with any of it? I found the first half of this book fascinating and, oh yes, quite emotionally gripping- as I pondered this. It did occur to me in one of my later readings of the original Pride and Prejudice that Darcy deserved a lot of credit for weathering his parents' deaths, his taking on the large estate duties and his sister's guardianship, but I never gave thought to what he- and any ordinary person- would struggle with emotionally and mentally as a result. In Plain Sight shows Darcy more vulnerable and human because he does collapse under it all. Now, it's more complicated than that in this variation because he feels unwarranted guilt about his father's death and much of the conflict in this story for Darcy and others is not light or easily dealt with. I also found it interesting exploring a role reversal situation as Darcy left his upper class position to serve as an anonymous person on a chain gang. His life was forever changed.

As to the rest of the characters, Elizabeth and the other Bennets situation took on changes in the original story as well. There were some familiar elements, but a great deal that was vastly different. I took this story on its own and enjoyed it more than if I'd seen it as a P&P variation. It was great seeing Mary, the middle sister, step up strong and supportive and I enjoyed seeing the secondary family and friend relationships forming.
But, above all, Darcy and Elizabeth's individual journeys and their romantic journey to each other was the strong core that made all the villainy and struggle worth it.

My only niggle, and maybe this was from experiencing the book on audio, was that at times I got twisted around in the reflective moments and some of the descriptive imagery of the writing. I've always loved the author's style and still do, but for some reason, this time I got distracted at times from the narrative. Maybe in print this wouldn't have happened for me.

A fun side note. It was fun to see some crossover characters appear from the Bennet Wardrobe series. They play different roles, but I was tickled to see them here.

As to the narration work, I'm already a huge fan of Amanda Berry's talent and this only solidified with In Plain Sight. She made me feel the emotions of this story deeply and drew my focus more sharply to characters and themes. She has the rhythm of the writing and I was easily able to slip into the world of the story.

All in all, this was a fabulous twist on a classic that was an amazing journey from start to finish. Sensitive readers like me will need tissues handy at times, but there is laughter and deep felt happiness too. Those who enjoy Austenesque fiction or sweet historical romance should definitely pick this one up.

Amazing and heart wrenching

(Spoiler alert!)
After a disastrous accident, Darcy is stripped of his name and rank, and as a prisoner of the state, he is to work on the Mimram River Project. The Bennet family luckily owns shares in that project, and soon a man is discovered on the muddy bank of the Mimram by Elizabeth Bennet. The man is half-dead by his injuries, including several horrible whippings, one which is seen by Mr Bennet, Mary and Elizabeth Bennet, I was crying my eyes out at some of these scenes, but it also opened my eyes to how England was building up towards the Industrial Revolution already during the Regency Period, and even how blind we are today towards people who are supposedly beneath us because their circumstances are awry or different than ours.

This sets our beloved couple on a journey to discover both themselves and how to see past their prejudice and pride and find the hidden treasures that are each other, behind the expected behaviours. I will also admit to screaming at Don several times when Mr Collins appeared on the scene, and how he nearly discovered the emerging feelings Elizabeth and Darcy has for each other.

Soon a scandal is rolling in Meryton during the Harvest Ball, due to Miss Caroline Bingley, what a horrible woman she is, but as always Don makes sure that the bad people get their comeuppance! The scandal forces several characters to leave the comfortable Hertfordshire for the northern counties. Here Elizabeth is forced to see the world around her, from a new perspective, namely the world she has been blind to, the servants and workers, who is now her new level. Finally, the hearts of Elizabeth and the convict known as “Smith” open to each other, and love is discovered.

A daring plan is soon underway with the help of Richard Fitzwilliam, Mr Edward and Mrs Mary Benton and Elizabeth to prove that ‘Smith’ is ready to rejoin society and return to his former name. I was sitting on the edge of my seat at this point! Don’s new book was both a revelation and a shock to the system at certain points! The book also, in my opinion, was based on the principles of change and acceptance of the unexpected!

One quote Darcy makes during one of the last scenes touched me utterly!

“Henry Wilson was the Baptist, albeit preaching silently.” Smith smiled and chuckled at his jest. “His presence meant my term need not be served without companionship. Youngster that he was, he impressed upon me that I could negotiate the space within which I existed.” … “Wilson taught me that I was not alone, despite my imagined condition after my father’s death. Miss Elizabeth impressed upon me that I had become worthy of being loved”
It touched me since Darcy says that without Henry Wilson he would not have survived, or that is how I read it. But Don was not done, he several times referred to his own works, with the concepts of “The Loves” which is the cornerstones of changes in the Wardrobe series.

“The Greeks in their wisdom have identified four great loves. Miss Bennet has shown me the Fifth and Sixth… Exagoras agapis – The love that Redeems – and Synchotiki agape – the love that Forgives”
The Ending was as all of Don’s endings, happy, changed and ready to begin a new life after being lost in the wilderness.

The Best Yet

Of all the pride and prejudice variations, this is the best I've read. I'm so glad the author didn't descend to graphic sex. I have no problem with manipulating the characters somewhat. Thank you.

Great story.

It was very different to other fanfic but oh so good. I was hooked from the start. Well written and a lot of wittiness. I laughed out loud many times over puns. The narrator did a great job too. Enjoyed it very much.

The Best!

Never judge a book by its cover! I am so thankful to have found Don Jacobson here on Audible. The story made me laugh and cry, I loved the Narration by Amanda Berry, spot on! For any P& B fans this is a must. Going about my day I found I could not stop listening. I will listen again. Thank you Mr Jacobson for sharing your talent. I will look for more of you.

Is love based on who a person is, or circumstances

If Darcy and Lizzie were at different places in their lives, what would that mean to their story?
Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books for a large number of reasons, and the love story of Lizzie and Darcy is definitely one of those reasons. This book takes you through if they had each made some different choices which resulted in their meeting under completely altered circumstances, what would happen? There is a level of growth for both characters that you see because of circumstances as well as a longer time frame.
Personally I love reimaginings and retellings of stories, and this author does a good job with fleshing out the characters so you better understand motivations and choices. Enjoyable, interesting, and a story that pulled me into the one-more-chapter trap.
And as always, the narration was wonderfully done!

love is pure

Elizabeth Bennet and Darcy are forced to see the world from a perspective other than privilege. In doing so, they find a strength in their love and value in others. This is a heartwarming story of the struggle of the lovers who must outside of the norms of the ton.

Interesting plot.

The story had me anxious and often close to tears for our beloved couple. The narration was good on the whole but regional accents need more work. Pronunciation of some words were also totally wrong, even for those from the aristocracy.