Mistaken

By: Jessie Lewis

Narrated by: Arthur Rowan

Length: 18 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

A tempestuous acquaintance and disastrous marriage proposal makes it unlikely Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet will ever reconcile. Despairing of their own reunion, they attend with great energy to salvaging that of Darcy’s friend Mr. Bingley and Elizabeth’s sister Jane. People are rarely so easily maneuvered in and out of love, however, they follow a series of misunderstandings, both willful and unwitting, that complicates all four star-crossed lovers’ alliances more than ever before.

A witty and romantic novel that delights in the folly of human nature and also honors Austen’s original Pride and Prejudice and holds appeal for listeners of all genres.

©2017 Jessie Lewis (P)2019 Jessie Lewis

Listened to it twice in one month!

I was lucky enough to read the first half of this story as a work in progress on a favorite JAFF fan-site. Ms. Lewis stopped posting for a year or so while she completed the story and went on with her life. During this time I think I reread the story at least a dozen times - it was so good. Then she finally returned and posted the rest of the story before pulling it to publish. So I have a long history with reading this novel.

I have to say that listening to the story is even better than reading it. The narrator, who I had never heard before, was excellent and the dialog and timing of the lines was spot on. It made a book that I already loved just ten times better. So much so that I listened to it again just a couple weeks later - took up my whole weekend but well worth it. The cleaning could wait.

Ms. Lewis' mastering of the language and true knowledge of Darcy and Elizabeth's character made this one of the very best P&P fanfics I have ever read - and I've read hundreds over the last 15 years. This book ranks right up there in the top 5 P&P variations on my favorites list. I hope she honors us with another great story soon.

Clever and funny, but not what I was looking for.

First, I must commend Mr. Artur Rowan's incredible voice and commitment. His pitch-perfect delivery is what kept me listening as long as I did. I will for certain be looking into other books narrated by him. I hope he goes far with audio narration.

As for the book, although its a funny and cleverly written Pride and Prejudice variation, Mistaken was just not for me. In my opinion, an Austen variation works best when the characters still maintain their core personality and values, despite what new situations they get thrown into. When Mistaken holds to this it's utterly delightful and very well done. It falters when the characters make choices or react in ways that feel inherently dishonest to their well-know and well-loved natures. Mistaken also flirts with the idea of the things left unsaid by Austen's characters. Sometimes this was clever and just a touch naughty, but all too frequently it was just this side of raunchy. Not even Mr. Arthur Rowan's superb narration could save this uneven-toned variation for me.

😶

I truly enjoyed the book but really disliked both Jane and Charles Bingley. Both their characters are horrible, to which the storyline called for but I don't think I have disliked them so much is in this story. Caroline Bingley and both Hurst's were kittens compared to them. If I would have been Elizabeth, I know I would not have been as forgiving. I loved both Mr and Mrs Darcy exceedingly.

Not the real Jane and Bingley

An entertaining enough story, though it shows no respect for the character that Jane Austen created in Jane; she’s turned into a jealous, conniving shrew, which turns the entire P&P world on its head. If you’re not a purist, you’ll probably find the story good enough to want to finish the book. The narrator has the absolute worst English accent imaginable, and he should really have learned how to pronounce the word “prodigiously” before narrating a book that uses it roughly every two pages.

A great audio book

Wow. The narrator was perfect. No silly voices that annoy you. The storyline was different as Jane was horrible to Lizzy because of jealousy. It made for a great book. I always wanted a story with a bad Jane and this was great. Not to worry Jane returns to herself after she realizes it’s her fault and not Lizzy’s. Darcy is a strong caring husband with a wicked sense of humor that Elizabeth appreciates.

I have an hour left to listen!

This book is making me CRAZY! So many twists and turns, I’m on pins and needles right now, fighting the urge to fast forward. I’m in doubt of there being a HEA ending and it just can’t happen!

Don’t misunderstand, or “mistake” my meaning, this is a really good book, told expertly and was well worth the credit, but the suspense is too much for my blood pressure!🤣🤣

Other reviewers have stated they loved the way the characters we know are portrayed, although Jane and Charles are way off character. Well, Jane in particular, I’ve long suspected Charles of being a little wishy washy. But, Colonel Fitzwilliam’s family, especially his and Dracy’s Grandmother Mrs. Sinclair, are excellent additions. Do not miss any scenes she is in and be prepared to laugh out loud at her comments.

Just adored it!!

So much laughter I had to withhold while listening to this story on the bus. People might have thought me deranged is so. Just loved the character of the Colonel’s grandmother Mrs Sinclair :) A story with enough angst to keep you on your toes. And a very bad Jane! Highly recommend this book to a Jane Austen fan fiction lover.

Superior PP fanfic

The storyline is strong and the author carried the convoluted plot twists successfully to throughout the entire tale. Unlike weaker fanfics that often become boring in the last 25% of the story, this one holds the readers interest with well drawn characters and superb setting. No historical blunders or errors in customs mar this story.

The narrator of the audible version gives an impeccable performance of all characters, rendering the authors intent in feeling and personality of each individual.

I highly recommend the story and audible performance to any Fan of Austen “variations”.

Don't hesitate to buy

At first I wasn't sure about the narrator but in the end he was prefect for the story. Some places made me laugh out loud.

Out of character Jane and Bingley

I finished it but I wish I hadn't. I love P&P variations and think I have a generally open mind to variations of character. However having Jane as the true evil in the story broke my heart.

Disappointing moments

Moments of sheer crudeness and extremely uncharacteristic actions from beloved characters...I would have liked this book without the crudeness and swearing...

Soooo long! 15 hrs!

It was fine. I’m not sure that it should have taken 15hrs to get through the whole plot of the story, some editing wouldn’t have gone a miss! I did like the narrators voice, he read the story well.

A fabulous story

Jessie Lewis is one of my favourite authors and this book is in my top 5 favourites in Pride and Prejudice variations. I bought the audio book and Arthur Rowan is simply brilliant. I have listened to this book a few times and have always found it delightful and engrossing. Thank you so much to Jessie Lewis and Arthur Rowan. its been a joy!!!!

Mistaken

This was a wonderful book!It kept my attention from start to finish.Mr Darcy is married to Lizzy,which is the crux of everything in the book. Arthur Rowan was the perfect narrator.His voices,even for the ladies,were spot on! Highly recommended.

Good story line

Very different from the usual very pleasant Jane and Bingley being the trouble makers. Enjoyed Elizabeth and Darcy post marriage but a little too melodramatic in ample proposals and probable death

different.

it was a very different variation. it made a change for the always happy and amiable Jane and Bingley to be the trouble makers and unlikeable characters in this tale. but I election enjoy it overall but won't revisit it.

Great narration

The narrator performance is wonderful (what a voice!!). The story is enjoyable even if there are some major changes in the character of Jane and Bingley. Mr Darcy is really wonderful. A must read between the P&P variations