I am pleased to welcome Susan Adriani, author of The Truth About Mr. Darcy (which I will be reviewing soon), to Diary of an Eccentric today. Those of you who regularly read my blog know I can’t get enough of all the variations of Jane Austen’s novels. I’m always curious about the authors who devote their creative energy to re-imagining Austen’s characters, and I wanted to hear about Susan’s love of Austen and why she took it to the next level by writing a “what if” novel based on Pride and Prejudice. Please give a warm welcome to Susan Adriani.
My fascination with Jane Austen and her characters
My first journey into Jane Austen’s world was when the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride & Prejudice first aired on television. My best friend lured me to her house, where we spent an entire rainy afternoon glued to the television (she’d taped it on VHS). The next day I went out and bought the book. After that, there was no turning back.
At first, it was Jane’s sense of humor that drew me in, but it was her cast of characters—heroes, heroines, and villains alike—that captivated me throughout. She also paints a very vivid picture of life in the regency period, and I’ve always found that life fascinating. I love the politeness of the era, the formality, the customs, the language, the dress—the list goes on and on!
As far as Jane Austen’s characters go, though, it’s definitely her heroines that I love the most—no offense to Mr. Darcy, but the ladies just have a certain strength and determination about them that was not particularly prevalent in her world, and I can’t help but admire those traits.
Jane Austen lived in a time where women had very little say about their fates, and her novels depict many different aspects of that life, be it through the eyes and experiences of heroines like Elizabeth Bennet and Emma Woodhouse, or more minor characters such as Charlotte Lucas and Anne Elliot’s friend Mrs. Smith.
Women of the gentry couldn’t work to support themselves and still be considered respectable, nor were unmarried ladies allowed to venture outside of their homes unaccompanied. Their well-being and their futures were entrusted to men—first their fathers, then their husbands. It mattered little what befell them; society expected them to conduct themselves respectably, and with dignity at all times, regardless of their situation. Jane used her talent and her sense of humor masterfully. Through her novels, we are given a very clear picture of how she felt about a woman’s role in regency society, and it helps us to understand and appreciate the uniqueness inherent in her characters all the more.In my story, The Truth About Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet is much as she was in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, but there are a few differences. For one, she recognizes Darcy’s worth and admiration of her much earlier. As a result, when he proposes the first time, she is far kinder in her refusal of him, as you can read for yourself in the following excerpt. Of course, we can’t discount the fact that Darcy has since recognized Elizabeth’s value as well, so his impromptu proposal is hardly reminiscent of the offensive one he delivered in Pride and Prejudice. I hope you’ll enjoy my version just as much.
When she finally spoke, it was quietly, but not without proper feeling. “You honor me, sir, with such a beautiful proposal, but I am afraid you will think me the greatest simpleton when I confess you have caught me quite off guard. I am moved, flattered, stunned that you have come to hold me in such a tender regard, and honored beyond words by your offer. As much as I do not wish to be the cause of any further distress to you, I am very sorry, Mr. Darcy, but I am afraid I cannot possibly give you the answer you wish to hear, at least not at this time. To be completely honest, sir, after spending so many weeks in your company, I am ashamed to say it has been only very recently I have begun to develop a better understanding of, and a true appreciation for, your admirable character, and it pains me to now say that, until a few days ago, I truly had no inkling of your deep regard for me.”“I see.” His disappointment was extreme, but Darcy would not be so easily dissuaded after such an honest speech—or such a positive physical response to his caresses. “Will you allow me, then, the honor of courting you, Miss Bennet?” he asked in a painfully quiet voice. “It will give you an opportunity to know me better. It will be a chance for both of us to know each other on a far more personal level. I promise I will not press for anything more in the near future, but please, if you cannot at this time agree to be my wife, I fervently hope you can, at least, find it within your heart to allow me this much.”
Elizabeth could not see any polite way to refuse such a reasonable request, especially given her difficulty in resisting the look of hopeful longing in his eyes as he gazed upon her. It obviously meant a great deal to him, and once she had begun to consider the idea, she had to agree that knowing him better could only serve to benefit them both. Finally, she gave him a small, almost shy smile and said, “I will agree to a courtship, Mr. Darcy. I do believe the prospect of knowing you better, sir, is one I shall welcome wholeheartedly.”
His smile was nothing short of radiant, and Elizabeth realized then she had never before seen him smile as he did at that moment, with his full self, as though illuminated from within. Though her answer to his proposal was not what he could have hoped for, the sheer pleasure her concession brought him was apparent, and it made her smile warmly in return. “Thank you,” he breathed as he gazed at her, his features full of rapture and love.
His expression was soon to grow serious, however. In the next moment, before either of them could possibly know what they were about, Elizabeth found Darcy leaning in to brush her lips so tenderly with his. She could not have prevented the shiver of pleasure she received even had she tried. Placing her hands against his chest, she became distracted by the gentle pressure of his lips as his fingertips lingered along the neckline at the back of her gown, caressing her shoulders and the nape of her neck in the most tantalizing manner.
As he noted Elizabeth’s continued responsiveness to his ministrations, Darcy felt an unadulterated thrill travel through his body and, with it, the last fragments of his self-control. With a wrenching determination, he pulled away and caressed the softness of her cheek with an unsteady hand, one thought predominant in his mind: If it is the last thing I do, I shall win her heart and make her my wife!
Thank you so much to Anna Horner for inviting me to be today’s guest blogger. It’s been a wonderful experience. And thank you to everyone who read my post on Diary of an Eccentric. I’ve really enjoyed being here today!
Thank you, Susan, for taking time out of your busy schedule to visit my blog. Congrats on your new release, and I wish you much success!
Courtesy of Sourcebooks, I am giving away a copy of The Truth About Mr. Darcy to one lucky winner. To enter, leave a comment with your e-mail address and let me know why you enjoy reading variations of Jane Austen’s novels, or if you haven’t yet read one, why you may be hesitant to give them a try. Because the publisher is shipping the book, this giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada addresses only. This giveaway will close at 11:59 pm EST on Sunday, May 22, 2011.
**Please note that this giveaway is now closed**
Disclosure: I am an IndieBound affiliate and an Amazon associate.
© 2011 Anna Horner of Diary of an Eccentric. All Rights Reserved. Please do not reproduce or republish content without permission.
I love reading variations of Jane Austen novels because I love the original books so much I can’t resist reading about the characters again in the variations. I especially love reading about Mr. Darcy, my favorite.
Thanks for a chance to win this book!
annesbookgarden@gmail.com
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If you love Austen’s novels, it can be hard to let the characters go.
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I would like to be entered into this giveaway. I don’t have this one yet, but I love reading them because each author has their own creative spin on things.
Thanks for the giveaway.
savvyverseandwit at gmail
I posted this on my blog in the sidebar.
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So true! Austen leaves a lot of her stories up to our imagination, and it’s interesting to see how many different interpretations there are. Thanks for spreading the word!
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Nice post 🙂 I did like this passionate re-telling
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Thanks!
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I’m a sucker for P&P retellings and enjoyed this excerpt! Elizabeth and Darcy are such fascinating characters. It’s such fun reading variations because it keeps Austen’s stories and characters alive for us — even hundreds of years later. Love it!
writing.meg [at] gmail.com
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Well said! With all the retellings, we never have to say goodbye to them.
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Thanks for this giveaway. Any unique book on Jane Austen interests me greatly. The approach towards the characters and the writing is always captivating.
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This definitely is a unique take, especially when it comes to the villains.
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Wonderful guest post, Anna and Susan!
I’ve read but a few Jane Austen inspired books, but I do agree that the heroines in Austen’s original stories are interesting because they have to be extra resourceful and creative due to the ridiculous constraints that women faced. I also find the romances to be quite wonderful in certain ways–delaying gratification leads to more passionate encounters.
I will post a link to this great giveaway in my blog’s sidebar.
suko95(at)gmail(dot)com
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Thanks, Suko! “delaying gratification leads to more passionate encounters” Well said! I couldn’t agree more. Austen was great at that. And it’s nice when you come along some variations in which they’re not delayed, providing a different take on things.
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I love reading variations of Jane Austen’s novels, because her characters are so vibrant, I want more.
marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com
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Vibrant is the perfect word for her characters!
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I haven’t yet read one of the Jane Austen variations, actually I have a couple on my TBR shelf, but keep delaying picking one up. Guess I’m too much of a stickler for the “old way”. But this one sounds good, and I am ready to jump in. Thanks for the giveaway.
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I can see why some people might be hesitant, but you’ll never know if you like them until you give them a try. 🙂
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I always enjoy getting to know the authors a bit better. I will be reading this one soon!
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I’ll keep an eye out for your review!
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I have never read a Jane Austin variation before, but I’d like to give it a try! Thanks for the chance.
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
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I hope you give one a try soon!
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Anne, I love reading variations on Jane Austen’s originals for the same reasons – and no matter how many sequels or what ifs I read, I just want to spend more and more time with my favorite characters. It’s also why I started writing my own stories.
sagustocox, I agree. And there are so many talented authors out there, all with their own unique style of storytelling, not to mention ideas.
blodeuedd, thank you so much! I’m thrilled that you enjoyed my book, and pleased beyond words that you left a review on Amazon. Thank you for that – it was very kind of you!
Meg, I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpt! It’s so true – Darcy and Elizabeth (and their relationship with each other) continue to fascinate us long after Jane Austen first introduced them to the world. I for one will never get enough!
Ellie, it is interesting to see how different writers choose to handle the same beloved characters. There are several I can think of off the top of my head who do a remarkable job.
Thank you, Suko! It’s true that it was very challenging for women in the regency period. They were under constant scrutiny to behave respectably, and there were so many restrictions. I admit to taking a few liberties in my book, and I have to say that the encounters that resulted were, indeed, quite passionate!
Marlene, I couldn’t have said it better!
Linda, when I first discovered variations, I was reluctant myself, but once I gave them a chance, I just couldn’t seem to stop myself from looking for more and, ultimately, writing my own.
Thank you, Staci – I enjoy getting to know the readers, too! I hope you enjoy my book!
Thank you so much, everyone, for taking the time to read my post, as well as the excerpt from my book. And thank you, Anna, for being so lovely and welcoming! I’ve enjoyed being your guest here at Diary of an Eccentric very much!
Best,
Susan
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Susan, thanks for stopping by and taking the time to respond to the comments. I really appreciate it!
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I LOVE reading Pride and Prejudice variations, and The Truth About Mr. Darcy landed on my radar awhile back! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!
And thank you, Susan, for sharing that fabulous excerpt! 🙂
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I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
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I love Jane Austen inspired books because her characters are so wonderful and I love to visit them over and over again! The Truth About Mr. Darcy looks lovely. I have read multiple excerpts and they all make me want to read it more and more.
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I can’t get enough of these types of books because I’m not willing to let these characters go. Even if these stories weren’t what Austen intended for her characters, it’s nice to see them in different scenarios.
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Hi Chelsea, and thanks so much! I’m so glad that my book is on your “to read” list. I have quite a long list at the moment, but very little time in which to make a dent. (Maybe you’ll win a copy here – I’ll keep my fingers crossed!)
Lieder, it’s so nice to see you! Thank you – I’m so happy you’ve been enjoying all the excerpts that have been making the rounds. To be honest, I love posting them everywhere I go. Good luck!
Best,
Susan
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[…] Comments « Guest Post and Giveaway: Susan Adriani, Author of The Truth About Mr. Darcy […]
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I just can’t get enough of Jane Austen and her characters. I love the what ifs involved in the adaptations. Thanks for the giveaway.
msudawgtoo[at]comsouth[dot]net
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It’s so interesting to see how many different takes there are on the same book. I find that fascinating.
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I enjoyed Susan’s guest post particularly as she enjoys some of the same things in Austen’s novels that I do such as the time period, so very different from how we live now and Austen’s characters. I also enjoyed learning more about Susan’s novel and her version of Elizabeth and Darcy which interests me quite a bit!
I haven’t read any variations of Jane Austen’s novels, yet, but I’m interested in doing so. I am a little hesitant, although, because I enjoy Austen’s books so much and the characters and stories are so set in my mind, I don’t want to do anything to lessen their appeal. But the opportunity to read more about Austen’t characters from a different perspective, as well as read some more stories with similar setting intrigues me.
Thank you Anna and Susan for this giveaway.
~ Amy
Aimala127(at)gmail(dot)com
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I hope you enjoy reading the variations as much as I do. They’ll never top the originals, but they’re a lot of fun.
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I love “what-ifs!” Jane gave us so many unexplored areas and avenues where readers and authors can ask “what if” that the possibilities are endless! I love seeing how each author and each story portrays Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship. I always wonder if the author will place them in passionate situations, how long it will take them to come to a mutual understanding, and how the other characters are developed. Oh, and one more thing, I love to read how each story dialogues the wit between the two lovers as well! (I could continue to go on about all the things I love, but I will save that for another day)!
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Sounds like you’d really enjoy this book!
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I would love to try this one – that BBC version hooked me as well. I’ve read one and enjoyed it, but honestly, this one sounds better 🙂
stacybooks at yahoo
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My first experience with P&P was the Laurence Olivier version, so I’ll always have a special place in my heart for it. 😉
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I haven’t read any of those types of books yet but I’m definitely interested. This one sounds really good.
quixoticdreamer(at)hotmail(dot)com
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I hope you’ll give one a try soon!
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Woops, I just noticed I forgot my email address.
jakki36(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks so much for the giveaway! 🙂
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Thanks, Jakki!
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Nancye, I’m so sorry for missing you the last time I posted! I hope you will decide to give the variations a try, if not with my book, with one of the others. There are quite a few talented authors out there who do a wonderful job.
Anna, it’s my pleasure! Part of the fun of being your guest is having an opportunity to interact with your readers, who have been lovely and welcoming. I’m honestly enjoying myself, so thank you!
rbclibrary, no matter how many Austen-inspired books I read, I always look forward to reading more. There is such a variety out there, and it’s a lot of fun to dig through them!
Amy, when I first discovered an entire world of Jane Austen sequels, prequels, and variations, I had a very difficult time making the trip from regency to modern, and also regular sequels to variations. But I stumbled upon one of Abigail Reynold’s stories one afternoon and decided to give the variations a try. I couldn’t get enough, obviously! I hope you’ll give them a try, too. If you aren’t particularly fond of explicit intimacy being introduced to JA’s world, then perhaps The Truth About Mr. Darcy may not be your cup of tea. One of my absolute favorites is Abigail Reynold’s “What would Mr. Darcy Do?” It has some beautiful moments between Darcy and Elizabeth, and all are PG. Her might also like her book, “Mr. Darcy’s Obsession”, which also has no sex scenes. I’m so glad you enjoyed my post – thanks so much!
Jakki, you sound so much like me, lol! Like Anna mentioned, it does sound like my book might be right up your alley If you do read it, I sincerely hope you’ll enjoy it. Thanks so much for your enthusiasm!
Stacy, thank you! I hope you will enjoy my book. (Incidentally, there are a lot of excerpts floating around the blog scene right now, so track them down if you have a moment and have fun!)
Brittany, thank you! I hope you’ll give the variations a try. There are some wonderful ones out there, and it’s always fun discovering them.
Thank you so much for leaving me such nice comments – you’re all so lovely! Good luck to all in the drawing!
Best,
Susan
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Thank you for hosting this giveaway
Though I must say I prefer to stick to the original Jane Austin Novels, I also like authors who take it up to the next step to a *what could have happened*
I enjoyed reading this guest post
Thank you for hosting this giveaway
Louis
schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com
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The originals will always be the best, but it definitely is nice to be able to take those “what if” journeys now and again.
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Ever since I can remember, I’ve always had a hard time dealing with the endings of my favorite books. I loved them so much, I wanted to stay within that world for a longer time, so I would always think up new scenarios in my mind for what might have happened after “the end.” So it was only natural that I took so well to the Austen variations, for I’ve always wondered, “what happens after that?”
Margay1122ATaolDOTcom
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I’m with you! I don’t want to let go of the characters and the world created by Austen, and I’m thankful for all these variations because once I finish Emma, I’ve read all the originals.
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Louis, I’m glad you enjoyed reading my post. Thank you!
Margay, you sound like me – I always wondered what happened after the story was over, and that eventually turned into questions about what would have happened if…?
Best,
Susan
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I haven’t read alternations to the great novels of Jane Austen. I just love them the way they are but I’m willing to give one a try if I win a copy. I seriously can’t bring myself to buy one!
thecozyreader @ gmail.com
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They definitely aren’t for everyone, but you should at least give one a try!
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thecozyreader, I had a very difficult time reading any sort of modern adaptations of JA’s wonderful novels in the beginning, but was much more open to reading sequels. If you consider yourself to be a true JA purist, I doubt you’ll enjoy my book. It is not only a variation, meaning it alters the events of the original, but also has some explicit content. Thank you for leaving a comment!
Best,
Susan
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I love reading book variations of Jane Austen’s books. I have read a few last year and this year. I find them enjoyable reads. and would love to be included in the book giveaway. Thanks for hosting the giveaway.
iowagramma.ann@gmail.com
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They are very enjoyable, and I’ve started a collection of them 🙂
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Gigi, when I discovered variations I was a little reluctant to dive right in, but once I gave them a chance I couldn’t get enough – obviously, as I started to write my own! Best of luck to you on the giveaway!
Best,
Susan
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i enjoy reading Austen variations because i’m amazed w/the imagination & creativity the authors have to continue w/Jane’s original writings………….i’m far from being creative, so i’m just in awe of those who are!!!!!
thank you for the giveaway & good luck to Susan!!!
Cynthia
cyn209@juno.com
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It does take a very creative author to retell P&P and make it new and exciting!
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Cynthia, I’m so glad that you enjoy the Austen variations so much, because I love writing them, as do so many other talented writers I know. It’s nearly impossible not to think of new scenarios and jot them down. I keep a bunch of scrap paper and receipts in my pocket book, which I’m always scribbling on – it drives my family crazy, lol!
Good luck with the giveaway, Cynthia, and thank you so much!
Best,
Susan
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This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to all who entered, and thanks to Susan for keeping up with all the comments! The winner will be chosen via Randomizer.org, e-mailed, and announced soon.
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Anna, it was my pleasure – I had a wonderful time with you and your readers! Thank you again and again for having me, and good luck to everyone on the giveaway!
Best,
Susan
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