Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart 05/01/11

Jane Austen's books in their pure unadulterated form aren't my cup of tea. I would like them to be. I have tried to read them. I have failed at reading them. But tucked away in those books are good stories but I tend to like them as adaptations, Austenlite, I suppose.

One recent addition to the Austen adaptation ring is Beth Pattillo. Last year I read and loved Jane Austen Ruined My Life. So when I was asked to review her second Jane Austen inspired novel, Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart, I jumped at the chance.

Now as you know from my review of Mr. Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange, I don't swoon over Mr. Darcy and I can never remember what Colin Firth looks like. That said, by the title alone I probably would have skipped the book. I chose to read it because I had enjoyed the author's previous one.

From the first chapter I already liked the book better than the first. The main character in Jane Austen Ruined My Life is a diehard Austen fanatic and is gaga for Mr. Firth. This time the character isn't an Austen fan and is only going to England to present a paper as a favor to her sister (the Austen expert in the family).

Now of course Miss Bennett didn't like Mr. Darcy either for most of the book either. So as an adaptation the set up works too, especially when the one man at the conference begins to get under the main character's skin. Fortunately for me, modern day Darcy (aka Neil) is a little more likable than his counterpart, though his character development is flawed in places.

Ultimately though what sent me over the edge to full fledged squeedom was the return of Harriet and the other members of the secret Jane Austen society.

Five stars

Comments (2)

Comment #1: Monday, May, 2, 2011 at 14:45:42

teresa

I've got this one on my TBR pile and need to get to it soon!

Comment #2: Thursday, May 5, 2011 at 23:29:44

Pussreboots

Great. I hope you enjoy it. Happy reading.