Monday 9 May 2011

Review: Mr Darcy and the Secret of Becoming a Gentleman - Maria Hamilton

Genre: Pride and Prejudice variation
Pages: 464
Published: May 1st 2011 Sourcebooks landmark

When Elizabeth Bennet refuses his hand, Darcy is devastated and makes it his mission to change. By every civility in his power, Darcy slowly tries to win her affections, but Elizabeth is not easily swayed. Darcy vows to unlock the secrets that will make her his. He curses himself for his social awkwardness and appearance of pride, and sets out to right the wrongs he's done her family.

Elizabeth's family and friends misunderstand his intentions, and being in Elizabeth's presence proves to be both excruciating for the shy Darcy-and a dream come true. For the first time in his life, he must please a woman worth having, and the transformation leads him to a depth of understanding and love that he never could have imagined.

My thoughts:
Yes I still adore anything Pride and Prejudice related. These may not be for everyone and to that I will just say that variations are fun and always make me smile.

This book again was different because much was from Darcy's POV. The book begins after his failed proposal and he realizes that he needs to change. He needs to be more out there and he needs to make the wrongs to right. First he needs to get Bingley and Jane together and then he needs to work on making Elizabeth fall for him.

I had my heart in my throat a couple of times when it came to this book. I am just gonna spill it now because it happens almost at once. Mrs Bennet gets the wrong idea when ´Darcy shows up alone and soon it is over the whole area that he is courting Jane. It was horrible, in a good way, what a twist and I sat there shaking my head at Mrs Bennet's folly. If you thought she was bad before then here, it was almost that I did from shame myself. So I certainly applaud this twist.

This was a nice variation with a Mr Darcy who really tries to better himself, he puts himself out there, he tries to socialise, and he becomes the gentleman she wants him to be, or should we say expect him to be. And then we watch Lizzy fall for him once again.

Conclusion:
A fun variation where Mr Darcy is more in focus. We hear his thoughts, we watch his heartache. He is a wonderful man underneath and the journey to happiness is lovely to watch. And as I said, be prepared for the oh so amusing twist.

Rating:
Fall in love with Mr Darcy all over again.

Cover
Meh

from the publisher

Check back tomorrow when I have Maria Hamilton over for an interview

37 comments:

  1. I am more than willing to fall in love with Mr. Darcy.

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  2. Oh, it sounds like a fun read! I enjoyed your review :-)

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  3. This is one of the best Austen variations out there. I was familiar with this several years ago when she first wrote it before she published it at Sourcebooks. I'm very happy for her, it's a great P&P story!

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  4. Perhaps it is good but I dunno...of course you can make me read almost anything (and have made me read at least one book I would never ever touch otherwise) but deep down I am not sure whether I would enjoy another Mr Darcy-related story. Thanks for a review anyway!

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  5. Another Austen variation! I wish I had come across them earlier! I have this huge list of variations that I desperately want to read and now this book is on that list too. I think I would love this book as Mr Darcy is the focus :D

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  6. I'll be reading this book soon, and I can't wait. Looking forward to reading Hamilton's version of Mrs. Bennet!

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  7. I absolutely love the sound of this variation! I'm glad when Darcy is at the centre of a story. We see PP from Lizzie's POV, but I am more intrigued by Darcy's.

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  8. My mom loves books like this and they're okay for me. This might be a great summer read.

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  9. This is one that I don't think I've read! LOL!

    Is there smexing in this one? You know I love my P&P variations with some smexing in them.

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  10. This sounds like a great take on the original! I'll need to check it out!

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  11. I wish I could get into these books like you do. I do enjoy them sometimes. I love your enthusiasm for them though.

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  12. sounds really good, and who doesn't want to fall in love with mr darcy again?

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  13. Wow! You do read a lot of variations. I'm glad each one has made you smile. That is all that matters. ;)

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  14. Mystica
    Aren't we all :D

    Mary
    Thanks! It was a fun book to read.

    Juju
    I am glad you like it

    Julie
    I just love that so many of there self-published stories are being published again so that I can get to read them and find out about more

    Ana
    Lol, yes I am unsure too whether I could get you to read one. Perhaps when I find the one that has such an amazing twist that it will just shake you to the core and make you a firm believer of all things Darcy

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  15. Misha
    Tell me about it :D I remember when I read my first and fell in love, and then I realized that there are more out there, and more are coming

    Anna
    Mrs Bennet was like she always is, lol, honestly I was mortified! What a mother

    Irena
    He sure has a hidden side that we never get to see so that was sure fun to read about

    Bermuda
    Then this one is for your mum :)

    Chris
    Lol, so when are you gonna write that Mr Darcy and Leopold story...or whatever a male name for Lizzy would be ;)

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  16. Alas, I am not a fiction writer. :)

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  17. Lynette
    Alas no :( No Smexing, and I do know how you like that :D

    Amused
    You sure need to :D

    Darlene
    Lol, I do enjoy them, I think they are a secret (ok not so secret) pleasure

    Carrie
    I sure wanna :D

    Missie
    Hihi, yes I do..ahem, one more coming later this week, but then that is the last...before June

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  18. I just can't get into all these variations.

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  19. I'm still feeling guilty about not having read the original Pride & Prejudice! Maybe it would be better to start with a book like this? :)

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  20. darcy continues to be irresistable no matter what variation ;-D

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  21. I can never get too much of Mr. Darcy!

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  22. Chris
    Too bad cos I do think a m/m Pride and prejudice variation would rock. I feel like writing one myself ;)

    Carol
    I do understand that

    Mel
    Lol, start with a variation ;) I fell in love with PP cos of a miniseries so I am no better

    VV
    He sure is, so so very lovable

    DC
    I can't get enough either

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  23. Wow, I never knew there were so many P&P variations out there! I like the idea of one where Mr. Darcy is more of a focus:)

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  24. Nice review, but not a book for me. I agree with you on the cover.

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  25. I love falling in love with Darcy!! :D

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  26. I love seeing Darcy do whatever it takes to win Elizabeth's heart.

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  27. Fall in love with Darcy again? That line sold it to me. Oh yes... love the variations. :)

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  28. Glad you enjoy these so much, I still haven't ventured into the realm of P&P variations :)

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  29. Oh, this sounds like such a great read. But I just can't seem to get myself to read it. :) I'll live through your and everyone elses reviews. ;) Thank you!

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  30. It has been a couple of months since I've read a P & P varation. Your review and comments has me wanting to read this one!

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  31. I love these types of books. I don't think I heard of this one. I'm going to add it to my wishlist.

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  32. Jenny
    There are more to come ;) I kind of wish for one where Kitty finds love, she is always so on the background

    Aurian
    We can't all love variations :)

    Staci
    He is just simply utterly wonderful

    Jenny
    He sure works for it, and I love that about him here

    Melissa
    Lol, you and me both :) They are such a pleasure to read, and even though I know the story I am always surprised

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  33. Teddy
    I am sure enjoying my time here. perhaps you will join in one day

    Melissa
    I do understand :) You can just come by and read my thoughts then

    Nise
    I try to read one once a month, lol. You should try one again

    Yvonne
    Add away, I am sure you would enjoy it

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  34. I am going to look for this next time i'm out book shopping. It really does sound fantastic

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  35. Darcy...*sigh* This book does sound good.

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