By Force of Instinct: A Pride & Prejudice Variation

I own all Abigail Reynold's adaptations and am a huge fan. This one definitely is a departure from Darcy, Elizabeth, Mr. Bennet and even Georgianna's characters as we have all grown to know and love. Still, I enjoyed this clever take on what could have happened if. My favorite line in the book occurs in Chapter 3 when Darcy brings Bingley to see Jane in London: " 'Miss Bennet, it was not generous of me. I wanted to give you all that is mine, but to my misfortune, I discovered that I only possessed two things which you wanted: another chance for Mr. Bingley and your sister, and a book.' ... His voice carried finality as he raised her hand to his lips and kissed it lightly, trying to store the sensation to memory." Abigail Reynold's is a master at toying with our romantic sensibilities and this courageous departure from the original novel has much to recommend.

This is my favorite novel among Pemberley Variations, and I have read it again and again, coming back to my favorite passages many times. In her lucid, compact prose Abigail Reynolds conjures up the behind-the-scenes world of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. Their inner struggles, passions, trepidations, despair and triumphs are told in the most captivating manner. Abigail Reynolds is impressively knowledgeable of all things Regency: her characters speak and act as Darcy and Elizabeth would. There is a wonderful abundance of literary and philosophical discussions, so very true to the age, as it was the age when a spirited exchange of ideas was highly valued. But most of all, the author succeeds in showing the characters struggling to reconcile the conflicting demands of propriety and passion, of family allegiances and unwavering devotion to their lovers, of class distinction and intellectual and emotional parity. Finally, this novel is charged with sensuality. The passion is always bubbling very close to the surface, yet the eroticism is not gratuitous but a logical outcome of the characters' yearning.

Amidst the quantity of P & P inspired books being published there is certainly a wide variation in quality. Not, however, where Abigail Reynolds is concerned. I have read all her Regency variations and there is noone else who comes close to her standard. She is consistently brilliant! This is again another wonderful 'what if' tale that continues with our two favourite characters detained in each other's company at Rosings. Learning to understand each other under the eye of a refreshingly written normal (ie teenage and slightly spoilt) Georgiana and a host of other relatives, the story draws you in and once again enthralls you with Abigail's grasp on her characters and their interactions. If you are seeking a P & P variation that is of the highest quality in every respect, then buy this one. I have read it several times, and I am sure that you will too!

This is my favorite of the Pemberley Variations. Although I am a fan of the happy ending, sometimes I like my characters to work a little to get it. Abigail Reynolds creates some excellent tension between the characters. The relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy grows, and endures painful misunderstandings, interference from family, and the characters' own doubts. It is a lovely, balanced characterization. There are some added treats - the poetry, and discussion of the arts and ideas of the time, and we also get to see a rather petulant Georgiana, Mr. Bennet as an idiot, and Lady Catherine at her nasty best. There is just enough detail to give one a sense of the time. All in all, an excellent choice.

This is an absolutely lovely book. It transports you to the world of Pride & Prejudice and then takes you places you always secretly wished Jane Austen would. Darcy is so finely drawn you feel his intense emotions through each page. Reynolds has captured the wit and vivacity of Elizabeth Bennett and given her more down to earth depth. I would highly recommend this story to anyone.