The Other Mr. Darcy

September 15, 2009
Fairview's ("An Improper Suitor") contribution to the growing genre of Jane Austen offshoots imagines what happens to Caroline Bingley after her hoped-for marriage to Mr. Darcy falls through. To her shock, Caroline finds that her heart was truly engaged when it came to Fitzwilliam. Those hurt feelings have convinced her that she needs to be even more practical when it comes to marriage. Thus, in her initial interactions with Darcy's American cousin, Robert Darcy, she makes it abundantly clear that she is not for him. But her resolve is challenged when she is forced into proximity with the troublesome Robert. As the novel progresses, many of the familiar and beloved characters from "Pride and Prejudice" make an appearance to help or hinder the couple. And, surprisingly enough, given Miss Bingley's unlikability in the original work, Fairview manages to make Caroline sympathetic and the progression of her romance with the other Mr. Darcy heart-warming and charming. VERDICT Given the steady stream of sequels, prequels, and alternate tellings (e.g., "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies"), it's not surprising that the resulting books have been unevengood, bad, and ugly. Fairview's effort falls squarely in the good category. This will appeal to Austen and Regency romance fans alike. [See also Jane Rubino and Caitlen Rubino-Bradway's "Lady Vernon and Her Daughter: A Jane Austen Novel", p. 54, and Jane Austen and Ben H. Winter's "Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters", p. 53.Ed.]Jane Jorgenson, Madison P.L., WI

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