Pride/Prejudice: A Novel of Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet, and Their Forbidden Lovers
For readers who've loved Jane Austen's most popular novel—the inestimable Pride and Prejudice—questions have always remained. What is the real nature of Darcy's intense friendship with Charles Bingley, to explain why he would prevent Bingley's marriage to Elizabeth's beautiful and virtuous sister Jane? How can Darcy reconcile his own desire for Elizabeth with his determination to save his friend from a similar entanglement? What is the disturbing history behind Darcy's tortured relationship...
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For readers who've loved Jane Austen's most popular novel—the inestimable Pride and Prejudice—questions have always remained. What is the real nature of Darcy's intense friendship with Charles Bingley, to explain why he would prevent Bingley's marriage to Elizabeth's beautiful and virtuous sister Jane? How can Darcy reconcile his own desire for Elizabeth with his determination to save his friend from a similar entanglement? What is the disturbing history behind Darcy's tortured relationship with his foster brother, George Wickham? And what other intimacies, besides their cherished friendship, are exchanged between Elizabeth and Charlotte Lucas? Ann Herendeen, acclaimed author of Phyllida and the Brotherhood of Philander, reimagines this classic love story, focusing on the untold aspects of Jane Austen's timeless novel. Pride/Prejudice brings to light all the buried secrets, potential scandals, and unspoken, forbidden loves of Austen's story, weaving a tale of intertwined passions, pride humbled, and ultimately, freedom from prejudice.Publishers WeeklyNo Cliff's Notes required for this classic, recast by Herendeen (Phyllida and the Brotherhood of Philander) with a bisexual backstory that would have had the Regency author blushing. Though Herendeen claims she's merely unearthed the “hidden” story from clues already written into the original, what unquestionably occurs in this unlikely redo is erotic, witty and as often silly as refreshing. Here, Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy match wits and sexual appetites while engaging in same-sex relationships, she with older-and-wiser Charlotte, he with younger and pliable Charles Bingley, who struggles with his attraction to Elizabeth's sister, Jane. Sure, the permutations make the already complicated plot even more convoluted, but the sex—hokey as it is with all the pulsing and throbbing—helps ease the prideful misunderstandings and ignorant prejudices. (Jan.)
\ Pamela Regis"Audacious and masterful. . . . True to Austen’s spirit, Ann Herendeen has given us a compelling, and sexual, novel of manners. In scenes that illuminate the motives and intellects of our favorite characters, we witness their most private moments. Delectable."\ \ \ \ \ Sandra Kitt"Ann Herendeen has turned Jane Austen’s beloved classic novel on its head with this beautifully written ‘what if’ story. It is the erotic retelling of Jane’s very eighteenth century characters. The book is surprisingly creative and makes this version timely, realistic and clever fun. An entertaining read!"\ \ \ Pam Rosenthal"I gobbled up this delicious book in one sexy/cerebral reading orgy. Now I need to go back and marvel at my leisure, at its author’s wealth of insight and imagination."\ \ \ \ \ Publishers WeeklyNo Cliff's Notes required for this classic, recast by Herendeen (Phyllida and the Brotherhood of Philander) with a bisexual backstory that would have had the Regency author blushing. Though Herendeen claims she's merely unearthed the “hidden” story from clues already written into the original, what unquestionably occurs in this unlikely redo is erotic, witty and as often silly as refreshing. Here, Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy match wits and sexual appetites while engaging in same-sex relationships, she with older-and-wiser Charlotte, he with younger and pliable Charles Bingley, who struggles with his attraction to Elizabeth's sister, Jane. Sure, the permutations make the already complicated plot even more convoluted, but the sex—hokey as it is with all the pulsing and throbbing—helps ease the prideful misunderstandings and ignorant prejudices. (Jan.)\ \ \ \ \ Library JournalHerendeen is to be commended for her daringly original interpretation of Jane Austen's masterpiece. Its exploration of an alternative sexuality as motivating factor in the behavior of the major characters offers brilliant insights into the psychology behind the beloved classic. However, it is a disappointing performance after her impressive debut, The Brotherhood of Philander. The wittily wicked dialog and sensual imagery have lost their sparkle to a more awkwardly mechanical style that tells rather than shows this complex tale of love's triumph over social conventions. While psychologically more compelling, Herendeen's second novel lacks the wit, humor, and sheer panache of her first book. VERDICT Although Austen fans might be intrigued by the novel's clever premise, even the hardiest of them will be put off by the image of Darcy and Wickham shattering a window during a youthful game of baseball.—Cynthia Johnson, Cary Memorial Lib., Lexington, MA\ \
