In this Pride and Prejudice variation, after being forced into a loveless marriage, Elizabeth, vows never to marry again. She has just come out of morning the loss of her late husband when she meets a young Mr. Darcy. After overhearing his disparaging words about her and her family Elizabeth thinks Darcy is overbearing, rude and pompous. As Darcy learns more about Elizabeth, he becomes intrigued by her. He sees a sadness in her that most don’t see and feels the need to protect her. Elizabeth however, is not willing to listen to him when he cautions her about the new friends she is making.
Traveling to London with Jane and Bingley, Elizabeth is determined to enjoy the Season. She becomes friends with the widow Lady Marie Hargrove. Having received a nice settlement from her late husband, Lady Marie has money and independence, which she has no intention of giving up by re-marrying. Elizabeth is also receiving the attention of Lord Winthrop. Darcy, suspicious of both, tries to warn her but she is unwilling to listen to him.
I found Elizabeth to be a bit naive. She wants to have the freedom and fun she had before she married, but doesn’t realize the position she is in now. While she is dancing and enjoying the company of certain men, they on the other hand have entirely different ideas of what the company of a widow might bring. Also, I was not fond of the fact that Elizabeth is older than Darcy. It just didn't seem right with me, but I was able to ignore that and enjoy the rest of the story.
I loved finding lines from Pride and Prejudice put in a variety of places throughout the story. In some cases, it would be the same character, in the same setting, saying the line. Other times, it would be a different character, in a different setting, saying a line. Quite fun!
I always enjoy reading P O Dixon’s stories! Still a Young Man is a fun read with an interesting twist!
I always enjoy reading P O Dixon’s stories! Still a Young Man is a fun read with an interesting twist!
4 out of 5 stars
I purchased my own copy of Still a Young Man.
Buy a copy here. (Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. Should you purchase a copy from link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!)
About the Author:
P O Dixon writes Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice adaptations with one overriding purpose in mind—falling in love with Darcy and Elizabeth all over again. Her initial exposure to Pride and Prejudice was in 2007. After watching the 2005 film at least two times a day for as many weeks, she determined she needed to know much more of the story's hero. After reading the novel, along with several excellent ‘what-if’ books that told the story from Mr. Darcy’s perspective, she came across a link to the online Jane Austen Fan Fiction community. Her life has never been quite the same.
She lives in North Carolina with her husband and preteen daughter, Elizabeth.
Connect with P O Dixon:
Blog: http://podixon.blogspot.com
Twitter: @podixon
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/podixon
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/podixon
Website: http://podixon.com
Email: podixon@podixon.com
About the Author:
P O Dixon writes Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice adaptations with one overriding purpose in mind—falling in love with Darcy and Elizabeth all over again. Her initial exposure to Pride and Prejudice was in 2007. After watching the 2005 film at least two times a day for as many weeks, she determined she needed to know much more of the story's hero. After reading the novel, along with several excellent ‘what-if’ books that told the story from Mr. Darcy’s perspective, she came across a link to the online Jane Austen Fan Fiction community. Her life has never been quite the same.
She lives in North Carolina with her husband and preteen daughter, Elizabeth.
Connect with P O Dixon:
Blog: http://podixon.blogspot.com
Twitter: @podixon
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/podixon
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/podixon
Website: http://podixon.com
Email: podixon@podixon.com
Any thoughts? I would love to hear from you!
Nice review, Candy! I agree, I also found Elizabeth to be naive in this story. I got used to Elizabeth being older than Darcy, but at first, I wasn't sure how I would like the idea.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jakki! I just kept Darcy older in my mind! ;)
DeleteI got really annoyed with Elizabeth in this book as she was such a poor judge of character, she misjudges practically everybody, whereas in P&P she is generally quite good, her misjudgement of Darcy is down to his initial view of her, which makes her more susceptible to misjudging Wickham. I also didn't really see why she'd been made so much older, she could have had a previous marriage and still been the same age as in P&P, it made her naiveity less believable.
ReplyDeleteI read this book as one of my first Austenesque books and I think I originally judged it harshly because of that, I am less of a purist now so I've been able to enjoy it on a re-read but it'll never be a favourite for me because Lizzy is so dense!
I agree, Ceri, Elizabeth is a poor judge of character in this story. After judging her late husband's character so badly, you would think she would be more cautious.
DeleteIt's not my favorite P&P variation, but the way I devoured it, I sure did enjoy it! :) I look forward to reading more of Dixon's books!!
One thing I really like about P O Dixon stories is something you highlighted in your review; the bits of original Austen interspersed throughout are a lovely touch and work really well. I agree with you on the readability of her stuff too, you can zoom through them. I think my favourite of her books is Bewitched, Body and Soul.
DeleteRight now mine is Bewitched, Body and Soul, too. I still have to read He Taught Me To Hope, which I think I will love! :)
DeleteI try to be open-minded but I don't know if I could get passed the older Elizabeth. It really screws up the imagery in my head lol! But if the read is engaging it will cease to matter. Great review as always!
ReplyDeleteHi Jamie! Isn't that funny how we have ideas stuck in our minds and don't want to let go of them! Lizzy being older is one of those for me. haha! It is an engaging story, so don't let that deter you! :)
DeleteThere are books that I won't read because I can't get around the setup - I don't think it is fair to the author if I read it going in with a negative bias, and then review it. Being a part of this community has taught me the importance of reviews. There have been a few books that I prejudged wrong (Colette Saucier's All My Tomorrows), but for the most part, I stick with my instincts.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this book - but Bewitched, Body & Soul is my favorite Dixon book!
Hi Angie! There have been a few books that really surprised me, that I thought were going to be horrible and I loved them! So, you never know!
DeleteThe issue with Elizabeth's age is really a small issue and Darcy's maturity and wisdom more than make up for it. I would hope that that wouldn't stop someone from reading it. Like I said, it is a fun read! :)
This does sound pretty interesting, I must say. I really do need to read some "Pride and Prejudice" books like this.
ReplyDeleteI am now following your blog!
Hi Ruthhill! Oh, yes, I think you should, but of course, they are my favorite! ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you for following my blog!
Haven't read this one yet, though I do have the kindle version. I don't think I've ever read a variation where Lizzy was older, but I've suspended my disbelief for much much more outlandish things. Lol As you said, your mind has a way of "fixing" details. For example, I always envision Darcy's eyes as brown, even if an author specifically states that they are not. Just one of those things.
ReplyDeleteHi Monica! I had a very late night reading this one! I think you'll enjoy it!
DeleteHa! "I've suspended my disbelief for much much more outlandish things" I love it! I have too! ;)