“They really are — I can see why they hold your attention…” his head lolled forward for a second and Darcy feared he had lapsed into unconsciousness and grabbed his good arm to steady him, but then Theo shook his head again and raised it to meet his brother’s confused gaze.
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She has — do you not think, she has the finest pair of…”
“Theo!”
Theo blinked; then, he fixed Darcy with a stern look. “If you would only let me finish, Brother! She has the finest pair of eyes I have ever seen on a woman.”
(from The Darcy Brothers)
Quick summary: The Darcy Brothers is a collaborative retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by Monica Fairview, Maria Grace, Cassandra Grafton, Susan Mason-Milks, and Abigail Reynolds. Fitzwilliam and Theophilus Darcy barely tolerate one another but embark on a trip together to visit their Aunt Catherine at Rosings, at the same time that Elizabeth Bennet is visiting her friend, Mrs. Collins, at the parsonage. It’s not long before Theo meets Elizabeth and is entranced, and Elizabeth is surprised that Theo is much more charming and amiable than his older brother. But even as Elizabeth learns that William is not as proud and arrogant as she initially thought, she can’t help but notice the rift in the brothers’ relationship, and she wants nothing more but for them to reconcile.
Why I wanted to read it: I’ve enjoyed several books by Monica Fairview, Maria Grace, and Abigail Reynolds, so I couldn’t resist. Plus, I’ve heard Theo is a charmer, and I wanted to meet him.
What I liked: Giving Darcy a younger brother who is everything he is not and who immediately captivates Elizabeth puts a wrench in his plans to win her over. The authors’ portrayal of Anne de Bourgh is hilarious, from her outspokenness and her scheming to her ability to perfectly tie a cravat. Theo is a fantastic character, and his complicated relationship with Darcy ensures the novel is not just another romantic retelling of Pride and Prejudice. But what I loved the most is that the narrative is seamless and the voices are consistent, despite having multiple authors.
What I disliked: Nothing, except that I had to say goodbye to Theo before I was ready, and I wanted to know how things played out for Anne.
Final thoughts: The Darcy Brothers is a novel full of misunderstandings and schemes, with the right balance of humor and heaviness. It’s easy to fall in love with Theo, who has the easy charm of Mr. Wickham, the amiability of Mr. Bingley, the goodness and honor of the Darcys, and of course, a touch of mischief. I hope it’s not the last we see of him!
Disclosure: I received The Darcy Brothers from the authors for review.
© 2015 Anna Horner of Diary of an Eccentric. All Rights Reserved. Please do not reproduce or republish content without permission.
I loved reading this last year and taking part in the Reader’s Vote over in Austen Variations. As you say, Anna, the writing was so seamless between the authors, even when they collaborated on the same chapter.
Your comment about Anne and her campaign with the cravat made me chuckle over my breakfast this morning! I totally agree with what you said about her and would love to find out not just what happens to her and Theo in the future but also Monty the Mountain.
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Yes, can’t forget about Monty! 😉
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Really enjoyed reading your review, Anna! So pleased you enjoyed getting to know Theo!
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Thanks! It was such a fun book!
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Sounds perfect for you!
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It was! 🙂
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Anna, I am glad you were charmed by Theo, and this book. Wonderful review of The Darcy Brothers! It sounds like a book that I’d also enjoy reading.
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I hope you get a chance to read it. I think you would enjoy it!
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This sounds like a fun retelling!
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You should read it!
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Aww yes this one 🙂
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Yes, and aww is right! 😉
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Reblogged this on Jane Austen Variations and commented:
The good, the bad and the positive. Anna Horner reviews The Darcy Brothers.
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Thanks for a lovely review, Anna. I do agree that Theo is a fine specimen 😉 I think all five of us fell a bit in love with him.
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I think it would have been impossible not to!
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