Such Happy Manners

Pride and Prejudice Variations, Book 1

By: Clarissa Joy Thomas

Narrated by: Stevie Zimmerman

How would the story of Pride and Prejudice be altered if Mr. Wickham had been a good man?

Instead of becoming a scoundrel who regularly attempts to elope with teenage girls, Mr. Wickham studies the law as he originally told Mr. Darcy when he gave up the value of the living. After finishing his studies, Mr. Wickham finds work in Meryton with Mr. Phillips, a local solicitor and the Bennets's uncle.

By the time that the Netherfield party arrives, the Bennets are well-acquainted with Mr. Wickham. He is even engaged to one of the Bennets! How will this altered Wickham influence the rest of the characters and their road to happily ever after? Will Darcy still look down on the Bennets and their connections, even if one of those connections is his childhood best friend?

©2023 Clarissa Joy Thomas (P)2024 Tantor

Character inversion

This was a nice story with a good Wickham. Darcy and Elizabeth as friends. Lady Catherine was EXTREMELY EVIL.

A very sweet what if story

This story allowed some characters we don't normally see come out of their reserve, blossom into their full potential. I really enjoyed this book. I recommend it if you want an easy listen.

Pleasant, enjoyable

It was nice to see a reformed Wickham, and a stronger-minded Bingley, a more flexible Darcy and a more pleasant Mary. Lydia, Kitty, Thomas and Mrs. Bennet are not as awful as usually portrayed either. i enjoyed this story.

Fantastic story

I enjoyed this premise. I really like variations wherein Wickham has either reformed or is at least far less of a degenerate than canon. I cannot wait to recommend this to others!

Good Variation

This variation is true to Canon, but put some of the characters in very different roles than we normally see. This is my first work by this author, and I enjoyed it. The narrator does a good job, though her voices are sometimes hard to differentiate.

My rare poor review of P&P titles with either a good author or narrator.

Felt like I was reading a narrative.

Given all readers of such a book know the Darcy/Elizabeth part, we could have used some mystery, anxiety, or other signs of uncertainty. Feelings are described without emotion, especially for Elizabeth.

The other couples’ formations (Mary, Kitty, and Lydia) were simply reported, despite the idea that each formation would likely face much difficulty.