The Longbourn Quarantine

A Pride & Prejudice Variation

By: Don Jacobson

Narrated by: Stevie Zimmerman

Refugees flood the roads. The feared specter of smallpox has escaped London’s grimy docklands and now threatens the wealthy districts. Amongst that ragged stream is a single carriage jostling its way toward Meryton. Inside are the Darcy siblings along with Charles and Caroline Bingley. They desperately seek the safety of Netherfield Park.

For all their riches, they cannot evade the plague’s dark hand. Bingley’s leasehold has been reduced to rubble as roving bands rape, pillage, and burn. The only sanctuary is Longbourn where, once installed, the Darcys and Bingleys are barred from leaving by a fortnight’s quarantine.

Events converge with disease in The Longbourn Quarantine. Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy abandon old prejudices in the face of grief and mourning. Pride is set aside as Death hovers nearby. The couple forges ahead, knowing that love unexplored is love lost — that words must be said lest they remain unspoken in the time of epidemic.

©2020 Don Jacobson (P)2020 Don Jacobson

A well written book with a great narrator

I read this book when it first came out and enjoyed it very much! The narrator is one of my favorites so after some time I decided to give the audio a try. I really enjoyed it. It wasn’t as difficult to hear as some other epidemic versions I read which is good because it’s not terribly long, but it is enough for the story to feel complete. I always enjoy Mr. Jacobson’s vivid imagery and rich vocabulary. It always brings up slightly different visions in my mind of that time period.

Nicely done.

During a smallpox outbreak, the Darcys and the Bingleys are forced to isolate themselves at Longbourn with the Bennet family. This time of quarantine affords the occupants an opportunity to examine relationships and past misunderstandings. This time period of quarantine also provides a time for self-examination. I particularly enjoyed Mrs. Bennet’s portrayal as the good matriarch I favour, rather than the usual flighty, nervous Mrs. Bennet we so often see portrayed. I also appreciated the way Wickham’s role in the story was written. Elizabeth’s reflections about Darcy holding back his emotions were spot on. Another excellent narration by Stevie Zimmerman.

Very well written. I do recommend it. After reading the footnote attached to its reference, I’m not sure I want to try the punch recipe! ;-)

Wonderful surprise

Don't let the brevity of this book cheat you from experiencing its pleasure. Worthy writing and a delightful trip back to the characters of Pride and Prejudice.

Great story

This story about quarantine is similar to today’s virus spreading the world. New revelations to ODC. Wickham is doing his thing to help. Really an endearing story. I liked it a lot.

Wonderfully written short story.

I love the premise, lack of angst, and the true to character renditions created by this author.