An Assembly Such as This

May 1, 2006
In this first installment of an originally self-published trilogy, Aidan succeeds in providing a complementary and expanded perspective on various events in Jane Austen -s "Pride and Prejudice", all from the viewpoint of Fitzwilliam Darcy. She develops the complexities of his friendship with Charles Bingley and reveals his opinions of Bingley -s sisters, stresses Darcy -s concern for his sister -s welfare after her entanglement with Mr. Wickham, and, above all, explores his inner conflict as his attraction to Elizabeth Bennet intensifies despite his doubts about her family and social position. Her original contributions, particularly the exchanges between Darcy and his valet, Fletcher, infuse humor into the plot and reveal Darcy -s humanity. Because this first volume ends with Darcy -s plan to convince Bingley of Jane Bennet -s indifference, libraries ordering this book should be prepared to purchase the sequels as well. Austen fans will definitely want Aidan -s version of the rest of the story. In fact, since all three self-published volumes are still readily available, it is curious that Simon & Schuster decided to publish another three-book set rather than combine them in a single volume. [For other "Pride and Prejudice" reinterpretations, see also Linda Berdoll -s "Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife" and "Darcy & Elizabeth". -Ed.]" -Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State Univ., Mankato"

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2006
Aidan retells the now iconic story of " Pride and Prejudice" through the eyes of Fitzwilliam Darcy as he visits Netherfield with his good friend Charles Bingley and his sisters. The austere Darcy takes life very seriously, and is at a loss as to how he became friends with the amicable Bingley. Darcy has escaped many marriage-minded mothers and their daughters, which is why he initially disdains the Bennet family. Once he gets to know Elizabeth, however, he realizes his mistake, but his attempts to apologize to her only make him act even more awkwardly in her presence. The first in Aidan's planned trilogy of improvisations on Jane Austen concludes with the infamous Netherfield ball. Austen fans will relish the tale's retelling from Darcy's perspective as well as new characters, including Fletcher, the insightful and amusing valet who apparently approves of the charming Miss Elizabeth Bennet. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)