Much to Be Talked Of

A Pride and Prejudice Variation

He trusted you with his deepest secrets… I believe he still loves you.

Elizabeth Bennet returns home from Kent with a burdened heart following Mr Darcy’s offer of marriage. She finds it hard to put aside the revelations of the gentleman’s letter—a letter that challenges everything she believed about pride, honour, and love. Reeling from the truths it contains, Elizabeth finds solace not in the bustling Bennet household at Longbourn, but in the quiet counsel of her godfather, Mr Goulding—a wise, kind-hearted neighbour whose own past is marked by tragedy and quiet heroism.

As Elizabeth comes to understand the failings of her own judgment, she also begins to see her family through new eyes—and with it, the social dangers they court daily. But Mr Goulding sees something more in Elizabeth: a strength of character and a moral clarity that make her the perfect steward for a surprising legacy.

With her future irrevocably altered by his final bequest, Elizabeth must navigate newfound purpose, lingering regret, and the bittersweet ache of a love that may be lost forever.

©2025 Nan Harrison (P)2026 Quills & Quartos Publishing

I really liked this one!

I listen to A LOT of P&P variations. Most I don’t bother to review, but this one was different. The author makes a peripheral character from P&P and makes him front and center. Mr Goulding is Elizabeth’s Godfather and it makes for an interesting story. Definitely worth the listen.

Unique amongst variations

This one doesn’t fall into a neat trope and for that I am so grateful to the author. The narrator brought moments of drama and did a terrific job. What’s more, zero voice characterizations were irritating. Neither Lady Catherine nor Caroline Bingley appears to cause fresh angst (more gratitude). Overall I found this novel interesting and fresh and a real standout among audiobooks.

Enlightment while separated

Another lovely story by Ms Harrison. D&E grow in maturity and understanding while separated. It seems to be a hallmark of this author how she has them become better people. Thi narration is good but some parts felt flat and I would zone out and have to rewind to follow the story.