Claire Prescott is a sensible woman who believes in facts and figures, not fairy tales. But when she agrees to present a paper to a summer symposium at Oxford on her ailing sister's behalf, Claire finds herself thrown into an adventure with a gaggle of Jane Austen-loving women all on the lookout for their Mr. Darcy. Claire isn't looking for Mr. Anyone. She's been dating Neil -- a nice if a bit negligent -- sports fanatic. But when a tall, dark and dashing stranger crosses her path, will the staid Claire suddenly discover her inner romantic heroine? Her chance meeting with a mysterious woman who claims to have an early version of Austen's Pride and Prejudice -- in which Lizzie ends up with someone other than Fitzwilliam Darcy -- leads to an astounding discovery about the venerated author's own struggle to find the right hero for Lizzie Bennett. Neil's unexpected arrival in Oxford complicates Claire's journey to finding her own romantic lead. [via GoodReads]Although this story is mostly about Claire's life and her relationships (boyfriend, sister, etc.), I have to confess that what drew me in was the lure of the "lost" manuscript of a first draft of Austen's Pride and Prejudice. To explain a little better, there are basically two story lines in this story - one being Claire's life and second is more of a story within the story - the reading of First Impressions (a/k/a P&P).
There is a lot going on in this book, but I love a book that has various story lines that all combine to give you a sweet, romantic tale. Claire was a great heroine. She was engaging and humorous. I enjoyed reading of her choices when it dealt with her feelings towards her sister (who she raised from a very young age), her sports-addicted boyfriend, Neil, and her confusing, yet budding relationship with James (Mr. Darcy doppelganger).
I especially loved the reading of First Impressions and the surprising twists and plot changes rather then what the finished/published product is. The descriptions of Oxford and the classroom where Claire attends the seminar and even what we read of the seminar where very interesting.
I think Ms. Pattillo does a superb job of making Austen's work come alive for Claire as she uses it to compare the relationships in her own life. I found myself thoroughly entertained. This was a light, fast-paced, and enjoyable read that will definitely seduce lovers of Austen, but can also be enjoyed by those who haven't read her works as well.
This book was provided for review by Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists.
My Rating:
10 comments:
It is interesting to see how people reading the same book react to it in such different ways. I still feel like the only person who didn't really care for this one - I found the characters to be rather flat. The lost Austen manuscript was definitely the most intriguing part of the story for me.
Great review. Perhaps I will check this out. I adore this cover. The dress is just breathtaking!
Great review my friend! I think this will be one to borrow from the library :)
♥Isalys
I think books of this nature are getting a bit overdone, but this does look interesting...
good review, thanks! must read.
Great review. As an Austen fan, I am intrigued by this book, and after your review, it's going on my TBR list (curse you for making it back to more than 1 page on Goodreads!) :)
Austen does seem to be popping up everywhere these days... nevertheless, this one sounds like an interesting read. I love the cover!
I really liked both books in this series too. :)
Claire's relationships sound lovely. I'm very interested to read this book now. :-)
This is the first I've heard of this title and it sounds intriguing, especially since I've developed an addiction to P&P. I may have to put it on my Want™ list.
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