Customer Reviews

The Darcy Connection: A Novel

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

While I would not count Elizabeth Ashton's latest, "The Darcy Connection" as an example of her very best work, I'd have to admit: it really is a charming and enjoyable read.

"The Darcy Connection" follows the fortunes of Mr. Collins' two daughters, Charlotte and Eliza, as they navigate their way through a merciless London season. Both Charlotte and Eliza are of marriageable age; however Mr. Collins, now Bishop of Ripon, has not the means to secure either of his daughters a desirous match. Fortunately for Charlotte at least, her wealthy godmother is willing to sponsor a London season for her, sure that her extraordinary beauty will ensure her a brilliant match. Headstrong Eliza however accompanies her sister not because an equally brilliant match is expected for her so much as to remove her from the sphere of a smitten suitor whose parents oppose of their son's attachment to Eliza. Defiant, Eliza is resolved to show no interest in London swains and fashions -- that is until a dismissive remark from a certain gentleman causes her to rethink her stance...

While quite the enjoyable and delightful read, Elizabeth Ashton did reuse many plot motifs and devices from previous novels -- like beautiful but remote elder sisters, and heroes who seem to disapprove of the heroine and who make initial cutting remarks that they later live to regret. So really, there was nothing terribly original or unique about "The Darcy Connection." On the other hand, it was a well crafted novel, full of thoughtfully depicted characters, that made for an absorbing and compelling read. So that even though I personally wished that Charlotte had been less of a cipher and that she had figured more vitally into the story at hand; and even though I thought that there was a missed opportunity not to have included Mr. Collins more into the plot, I will say that "The Darcy Connection" truly was a charming and delightful read.

I just finished it and have such a grin on my face! I have enjoyed all of Ashton's books-- and this one is by far her best! Her writing is always top-notch, well-developed story lines, and well researched for the language and period. How can you not immediately love the heroine of the story who is named after her godmother, Elizabeth Darcy! and has similar character traits. Some of Ashton's characters from her previous books are sprinkled through out adding color and drama... even the dispicable George Warren, the angling, spiteful step-son of Caroline Warren, nee Bingley. Eliza is the 2nd daughter of the Collins' and like in P&P, she is not so beautiful as her elder sister so must get on by her other natural assets. I'll not spoil any of the story for you but know it is full of sweet romance, witty conversations, a clever maid!, handsome,exciting, rich men (both good and bad!) and even a Mr. Darcy sighting! I've been waiting for this new novel and am so glad to add it to my library. The subtle and some blatant similarities to P&P are entertaining and fun to recognize! I look forward to re-reading this at a more leisurely pace. This is a keeper.

That famously infamous power couple from "Pride and Prejudice", Mr. and Mrs. Collins, have grown into middle age and now have two grown daughters, Eliza and Charlotte, both unmarried, and like all Austen maidens, in need of a husband. A visit from Mrs. Collin's aunt, Lady Grandpoint, along with an entanglement between Eliza and the son of the local squire, generates the perfect excuse for a London season for the two girls. With great pleasure, Lady Grandpoint escorts Eliza and Charlotte to her London home. There the Grand Dame hopes that Charlotte's beauty will ensnare a man of fortune, as she looks for ways to quench Eliza's passions and pressure her to accept the advances of a respectable, but boorish, clergyman.

Unbeknownst to the forthright Lady Grandpoint, for her two young companions, London is the place for secrets. The aloof and extraordinarily beautiful Charlotte does attract many admirers, but the coolness of her manners leads one to conclude that her heart is not easily touched. As Eliza watches with a careful eye and bets are placed at the aristocratic mens' clubs, all wonder, "Who will Charlotte choose?" It seems that for everyone there is money at stake.

And Eliza herself is no slouch when it comes to keeping her own counsel. Eliza finds herself reluctantly attracted to the sharp and intelligent Bartholomew Bruton, while she struggles with her loyalty to the boy back home, with whom she is secretly engaged. The secret correspondence between the two, if it became known, would ruin her reputation, and her sister's by association. As if such entanglements are not enough to keep her busy, Eliza must guard the secret of just how she is coming into the extra pin money that is paying for the fashionable gowns she is wearing about town. This last secret alone threatens to destroy not just her sister's and her own reputations, but risks the position and prospects of her father, Bishop Collins.

As the novel progresses, we learn more about the limits of Charlotte's restraint and watch Eliza grow to add sense to her sensibility. This is a clever play upon the sisterly relationships of Elinor and Marianne in Austen's "Sense and Sensibility," along with a bit of Jane and Elizabeth from "Pride and Prejudice." Aston's love for Austen shines through, but she never takes herself too seriously by trying to imitate too closely. Any serious fan of Jane Austen should find this sequel to be pleasurable fun.

I love P&P and have read several novels that dealt with "what if" or that were continuing the story in a way.
I have to say this is the first novel I read from Ms. Aston but it makes me want to read all of her other books :-)
This said, I really liked recognizing several of the "old" P&P characters but they only appeared more on the sidelines. I loved seeing this variation of Eliza & Darcy (in this case Bruton) cause I just love those characters. I think Ms. Aston did a great job in drawing similarities but at the same time make them loveable for their own character. I think all characters were drawn very well and besides having to smile quite a bit while reading it I found the story to be very captivating with several unexpected turns.
It was a very delightful read and I finished it the second night, even though it took me until 3 a.m. I just couldn't put it down anymore.
Definitely two thumbs up!!!

I'm a big fan of Elizabeth Aston and her "Darcy" sequels. I love to visit her characters: Pagoda Portal, Mrs. Rowan, the rogue and rue George Warren, his step-mother Lady Warren (the always fashionable but cold, Caroline Bingley), and the always giving Camilla Darcy Wytton.

This one was about Eliza Collins the daughter of Charlotte and Mr. Collins. She is also Elizabeth Darcy god-daughter and Charlotte hopes a little of Elizabeth's magic will rub off on her.

The book ended with Mr. Darcy's return to England -- does the next sequel include Mr. & Mrs. Darcy!?

The only criticism is the that the book is very short in comparion to Ms. Astons' other sequels. I am hoping that the next book is longer.

You might need to read the other books in order to know all of the recurring characters, but all are worth your time.

I have read most of Elizabeth Aston's Darcy books and this one was one of my favorites. I loved the character Eliza, she reminded me so much of Elizabeth Bennet. In fact this book shares many similarities with Pride and Prejudice. If you want a fun period story with plenty of romance I would highly recommend this book.

This is one of the best "Pride & Prejudice" related novels I've read (and I've read quite a few).

Endearing main character, Eliza, is Elizabeth Bennet Darcy's namesake---she is the daughter of Elizabeth's hometown best friend Charlotte Lucas and the dreaded Mr. Collins.

Eliza's beautiful sister is being brought to London due to her startling beauty...it is thought to be a waste of money to do the same for Eliza as she does not have the same astounding loveliness. Eliza is not jealous---she loves the countryside rather than the city....and has recently developed her own romance with a childhood friend,who sincerely returns her feelings. When a hint of romance between them is discovered, the parents decide to squash the match due to the Collins family lack of wealth. she too must go to London alledgely only to assist her sister---but really to remove her from her romance. In response, they secretly pledge to marry one another when they come of age.

Eliza's sister is a one of a kind beauty and is being introduced to London society by her godmother. No money/clothing/social promotion will be focused on the main character, Eliza----which is just fine with her as she years to return home to the country and to her secret fiance.

Definitely the story of the sister who is the "underdog" in the Regency world where beauty, insincere and inane conversation are valued, and social status mean everything. Meanwhile, she is comfortable standing aside as a keen observer---yet reacts just like Elizabeth Bennet when she overhears others criticizing her appearance and describing her as so "provincial". This elicits her wit, intellect, and verve in conversation---yet these are not qualities valued in that social sphere---they are simply noticed, frowned upon....or....they also may spark an attraction. Eliza's situation certainly has moments of deja vu to Elizabeth Bennet (think mud on her dress after tramping through the fields to visit her sister). See what happens ....treat yourself by finding this book at your library or at a book store!

Having read quite a few Austen spin-off's, this one gets two thumbs up. Intriguing all the way through to the end. The characters are memorable and the style is in keeping with Austen's. Isn't that why we keep buying spin-off's, because we can't get enough? This one is worth buying. Enjoy.

I have enjoyed all of this author's books and this is no exception. Mr. and Mrs. Collins' daughters are a great topic and as usual, the plain, outspoken one becomes the heroine. I recommend this without hesitation, and suggest reading the preceding books, as the characters tend to make a re-appearance.

I always have trouble finding a good book, but when i do i cant stop reading it. This book was by far one of the best i have read in a long time.