Customer Reviews

The diary of Henry Fitzwilliam Darcy

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(12)

 

 

If you love the novel "Pride & Prejudice", plus love its A&E series on video with Colin Firth, you will simply adore this newest addition to that heavenly constellation by Fasman. She was inspired to write Darcy's diary after seeing Firth play him and, boy, does it show! Wow! Fasman gives us Darcy's side to the whole story plus includes his life prior to meeting Elizabeth and their life after they are married. I was so "into" this diary that I spaced out reading the final 60 pages over 2 days because I couldn't stand finishing it! I only do this when I am head-over-heels with a book; I can't even remember the last time that happened, it was so long ago. Darcy's physically passionate longings and fulfillment are also portrayed along with a fully developed rationale for Darcy's pride-of-behavior. Fasman was a screenwriter up until 1945. She stopped writing then and THIS was her first effort, in 1998, after that long absence. All creative people should be lucky enough to experience this kind of "comeback". It is a beautifully bound and printed trade edition paperback with lovely cut-out figures of Darcy and Elizabeth on front and back covers. I don't recognize its small publisher though and, be warned, it took me 6 weeks to obtain it. Why this is such a hard-to-find book defies my comprehension. This should be in much wider distribution though because every woman in love with Colin Firth's portrayal of Darcy will want her own copy of this book. I think the only way I will be able to recover from finishing this book is to watch yet again the whole video series of Firth playing Darcy. Too bad I'm only allowed to give a 5 here; I'd love to give it a 10!

This is a lovely, modern-tinged sequel to Pride and Prejudice, with a commendable attempt at insight into Darcy's psyche. While not Miss Austen, Fasman has a warm, easily readable style, and a good grasp of character development. Her tone, as Darcy grows from small boy to adult male is never forced or cloying, and she has a knack for eliciting sympathy for her characters. This is definitely Darcy's book, but Fasman gives us some lovely additions to our pictures of Elizabeth, Mary Bennett, and Georgiana, as well as rounding Lady Catherine out as well, without detracting from the models drawn by Austen. I really liked this book, and will probably re-read it at a later date. I have read almost all of the Austen clones, and found this one to be a quick, charming read, with integrity and style. Ms. Fasman has made the aloof Darcy a much more accessible aristocrat.

I think I'm going to stop expecting anything from these P&P spinoffs because whenever I do, I'm inevitably disappointed.

Alright, the concept is interesting enough: a semi-retelling of P&P through the eyes of Mr. Darcy. The problem with this book, at least to me, was not that it went beyond the scope of the original novel (I actually don't mind that at all). My problem was that its portrayal of these previously unexplored events was unconvincing.

Like other reviewers, I found this book's depiction of Darcy's parents as cold and unfeeling people to be inconsistent with Darcy's regard for them (as evidenced by Darcy's willingness to honor his father's wishes for Wickham). I also had problems with the punctuation used throughout this book. Punctuation, you ask? Yes. Darcy writes repeatedly with the use of exclamation points, and comes off more like an excited schoolboy than the mature, reserved person we know him to be. Although this is to be expected early on (his first journal entry is when he is only 10), I'd expect his reserved character to come through at least in his later years. No such luck. The writing never progresses beyond the 10 year-old-boy level. Even as an adult, his journal entries continue to be repeatedly filled with statements like, "I love her! She's beautiful! How happy I am!" Enough already! :-) I expect Darcy's writing to be moving and elegant, not excitable and childish.

The book also goes beyond the P&P timeframe by covering events past the wedding. Again, I don't have a problem with that per se. I like to see what happens to the Darcys afterwards. They are portrayed here as happy, passionate people, which is great. However, the repeated use of exclamation points continued to annoy me and I found myself rushing through this last part of the book just to finish up the darn thing. If you don't want to expand on the P&P timeframe, this might be another annoying thing about this book. If you do want to know what happens to Darcy and Lizzy afterwards, I suggest reading the Bar Sinister. It's risque to be sure, but it's also fun and amusing--definitely a much better continuation of the Darcys' love affair than this excitable schoolboy version.

I've been told a much better version of Darcy's story exists. It is called "The Confession of Fitzwilliam Darcy" by Mary Street. Unfortunately, it's out of print and hard to get your hands on a copy. However, if you really want to read something that's actually good, I suggest holding out until you do find a copy. If however, you just can't get enough of P&P spinoffs, I'd suggest reading the Bar Sinister first (assuming you're not a purist--if you are, then read Letters from Pemberley). If you've read both and are desparate to get more (as I was), I suppose this will do (just don't expect anything). However, no matter how desperate you get, avoid at all costs anything by Emma Tennant, or you'll just end up being resentful (I think she's universally hated by P&P loyalists). Have fun reading, but consider yourself warned...

This is the best of all sequels to Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Believe me, I have read them ALL. Helen Fasman captures the character of Fitzwilliam Darcy and brings him to life. She was able to answer my questions about him, "How did he get like THAT, when he was really like THIS?" The story brought tears to my eyes and then absolute joy. One line in the book speaks out to me when Darcy says, "I am being rescued, Mrs. Reynolds, right here in Pemberley." I highly recommend this book and hope and pray that Helen Fasman writes a sequel to this sequel! In the meantime, I will be buying this book as gifts to my good friends. Must go now, have to start reading it all over again!

Marjorie Fasman's 'Diary of...Darcy' masterfully completes a portrait of Darcy's character that allows us to understand his background, his inner dialogues, his motivations, and his actions. It stays true to Austen's original work, and builds on it both believably and realistically.

The Diary begins when Darcy is only ten years old, before Georgianna has even been born, and traces events even further than Austen herself did--into the married lives of Elizabeth and Darcy.

The Diary does a great job of revealing the story from Darcy's perspective--adding a richness and depth to my love of the P&P tale.

I so loved this book that I read it straight through in one sitting--just couldn't put it down! That's probably my highest recommendation!

This is perhaps the best sequel to "Pride and Prejudice" that I've read. Marjorie Fasman takes us to Darcy's childhood and tries to give motivation and history to his coolness and reserve. While her history does not quite meet up w/ what was originally put forward by Jane Austen, it's certainly make Darcy that much more human. The book moves along fairly quickly through childhood and adolescence, where we meet up with the boy Wickham and see the beginnings of that particular feud. But the real magic of this book lies where Ms. Fasman gives us Darcy's thoughts and imaginings during the time he meets Elizabeth and their consequent meetings.

For example, regarding the conversation between Darcy and Elizabeth at Rosings Park, when he comes upon her alone in the house: "...she was asking...questions...my thoughts were...with her bedroom, and her bed; with the imprint of her lovely head on the pillow... She was in one place...I was in the upstairs with her in my arms."

In P&P, Darcy is so silent and reticent, we barely know how he feels, until Austen tells us so directly. Ms. Fasman lets you see the arc of feeling from contempt to appreciation to regard and finally to love. And she goes a step further. She allows us a peek into the first year of marriage for the Darcys. The ending is very sweet.

If you're like me, you'll want this peek into Darcy's inner thoughts, and the chance to read about their happiness together.

I was a bit disappointed with this sequel to "Pride and Prejudice". One should note that it is more of a sequel to the BBC movie (which I loved) than the Jane Austen book. The author force-fits some of the characters into a history that contradicts the novel. The concentration on the sexual side of the relationship disrupts the feel of the characters one has grown to know. The writing is fine and the Diary a quick read, but the substance of the writing will be disregarded in any of my musings about what happened to the wonderful characters of "Pride and Prejudice."

After I fell in love with Darcy (Colin Firth) in the TV version of Pride and Prejudice, I had to read the book. Again, I was enthralled with his character, his mysteriousness. What did he do when he went to London after Netherfield, what made him so proud and distainful? What were his thoughts as he sat silently, gazing at Lizzy? Read this book and find out! Georgiana and Darcy had everything to make them sociable and happy, but were they? You'll find out what made Georgiana so withdrawn, read about Darcy's childhood upbringing. This book also continues into Lizzy & Darcy's marriage showing a healthy relationship of love. Didn't we all wonder how it would work out? I highly recommend this book.

I gave this three stars, because it was well-written, and I really enjoyed the middle section of the book (the part that covers the same timeline as in the Jane Austen novel.) I just had a problem with a few details in the beginning, and more than a few problems with the ending. But not everyone will share my feelings, I am sure. It's a matter of taste, and opinion. I have read the Austen book countless times, am rather devoted to it. But I also enjoyed both TV miniseries ('96 and '79) and am capable of being a little flexible about the plot and storyline of this wonderful book.

I definitely could tell (and it is obvious from the author's own acknowledgements) that this book is primarily inspired by Colin Firth's portrayal of Darcy in the '96 A&E miniseries. Which is fine as far as I'm concerned. I liked Firth, and the A&E production brought out a more "earthy" Darcy - which really grew on me after a while. Though I hasten to add that Darcy isn't as "earthy" in Austen's book. (And I have to admit, I am very fond of the '79 series, with David Rintoul's fabulous, icy-cool Darcy. I feel like it followed the book far more religiously.)

I guess my main objection to the ending of the book (after the wedding) was that there was TMI. Too Much Information! There was too much detail about the honeymoon, and the passionate side of their marriage. Hey - I have no problem believing that Darcy and Elizabeth had a passionate and happy love life, but I couldn't see Jane Austen's Darcy actually writing such details in his diary. Ever. (Granted, these "details" were more PG-13 rated, and downright tasteful compared to most romance novels being written these days!) But still, seeing them disclosed in Darcy's diary like that - it did not ring true with me.

I also found certain details about the characters to be, well, out of character. A certain amount of things I was able to accept, because I believed that Darcy was (at heart) as "earthy" as the A&E TV version. But a few things just pushed the envelope too far.

However, I did enjoy the middle of the book, where Darcy meets Elizabeth, their courtship, etc. I found the author's insights on *his* thoughts to be quite enlightening. When reading the middle of the book, I often found myself thinking, "Of course! Of COURSE he was thinking that!" I really enjoyed most of the author's "spin" on what he was thinking, and usually felt she had it just right. And, I did appreciate some of the details given about his childhood, since they did seem to explain why he was so "proud", and uptight. I only had a few problems with the beginning part of the book.

All-in-all, it was a nice read. I think the author is capable, and talented. However, if you are devoted utterly to the Austen novel, and cannot bear any kind of deviation from it, then this is not the book for you. If you are familiar with the original book, but absolutely love the A&E series, you'll like it better. If you are a big romance novel fan, you will like it even more! But you need to be familiar with the original story. This book was never intended (I don't think) to be read by anyone who knows nothing about "Pride and Prejudice".

Now you've read all the "Bah Humbugs" reviews from the Janites and Purists. You've probably also read the "Wow" reviews. Take my advice and buy this book. Don't let the Negative reviews sway you. However, if you are a Jane Austen "Purist" forget it. This book was a lovely take on Darcy. Yes, he is more of a 20th century man, passionately in love with Lizzie, wanting to get her into bed but he is also a lonely man. How did he get that way? What are his thoughts? His upbringing from very strict, cold parents has a lot to do with his aloofness. Yes, I know Jane Austen didn't say his parents were cold fish, so again if you can't stand change, don't read this. If you are open to a new Darcy and love P&P, read it! I loved every minute of it, even when it deviated from Jane's version. Hey, any sequel that keeps Darcy and Lizzie going, is my kind of book! (Except Emma Tennant's).