Caffeinated Reviewer

Sophia Rose is here with an audiobook review of A Frankness of Character by Pemberley Darcy, narrated by Harry Frost. Come see what she enjoyed about these familiar characters in a new situation.

An apology more offensive than an infamous insult. A decidedly epic set down. A gentleman left properly humbled. An impertinent young lady provoked to civil disdain.

As humiliating as an ill-bred set down was from an impertinent country miss, the veracity of Elizabeth Bennet’s arguments and the humiliation at his own lack of understanding started to sink in. After years of entrenched isolation, others would take notice if he appeared more civil. How was he to take his place in society without raising expectations?

He wrote to the one person he could trust, Colonel Fitzwilliam, who would neither gossip, nor be too kind to censure him, who would not scruple to tell less than the whole truth for the sake of sparing his feelings. Knowing some things could not be taught through a finely crafted instructional letter with too many syllables, Colonel Fitzwilliam joins the party at Netherfield.

The colonel’s plan for Mr. Darcy’s redemption seems on course until his aunt’s obsequious parson proposes marriage to Miss Bingley, setting off a flurry of unintended consequences that even he struggles to contain. Longbourn is in an uproar. Lady Catherine de Bourgh is on a rampage. Our dear couple is in the midst of a misunderstanding that threatens their happy ending. Will Darcy and Elizabeth find their way with the help of the Gardiners’?

Sophia Rose’s Review

An overheard insult, a not-so-sorry-apology, mischievous matchmaking, and a classic romance gets turned on its ear in Pemberley Darcy’s A Frankness of Character.  As further enticement, a familiar and engaging narrator told this new-to-me author’s debut Pride and Prejudice variation story.

Whether familiar with the original classic or not, readers and listeners can follow along for this engaging Regency era sweet romance which begins when a wealthy, high ranking man who can’t see he has gotten a smidge arrogant.  Fitzwilliam Darcy is overheard by the lady when he throws shade on her ‘tolerable’ beauty and declines dancing with her or any of the rest of the country neighborhood ladies.  Elizabeth, who normally laughs at people’s folly, reacts strongly to the insult and tells Fitzwilliam Darcy what he can do with his half-hearted not-so apology when he learns she heard him and comes to do the gentlemanly thing.

Neither of them pick up on the mutual attraction and have reasons for not wanting anything to do with it if it were true.  His is duty to class and hers is her doubt in his character.  Though Mr. Darcy softens first, confronts his flaws after Elizabeth threw them in his face, and is well aware he met his match even without his cousin’s matchmaking efforts to help him, Elizabeth has to learn her own truth about first impressions and she isn’t as good at gauging people’s characters as she thought. 

Plenty of interference comes from others, some of it fun and some stirring up trouble.  A secondary romance for Jane Bennet goes along calmly by comparison and there is a startling turn of events for Elizabeth’s wildest younger sister, Lydia. 

Between the antics of silly Mr. Collins, Lady Catherine and mean girl, Caroline Bingley, things sure weren’t dull and I got a few good laughs, but seeing a couple grow in understanding and love at the center of it all was sweet indeed.

The pacing is uneven.  There are times of repetitive thoughts that bog down the plot.  But, it does have fascinating portraits of the character personalities and weaves some interesting storylines around the central couple.

Harry Frost is a familiar voice in Austenesque fiction and he handles this latest variation just as well.  His character voices and astute tone and pacing made a good story even better.

All in all, this was a good time with familiar characters in new situations and I found it endearing with an eminently satisfying ending.

Amazon* | Audible

*KindleUnlimited

About Sophia Rose

Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.

Twitter | Goodreads

About Kimberly

Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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