Pride & Prejudice fanfic rec list (2 of 3)
Continued from previous post...
Story: Hunsford, Interrupted
http://austen.com/derby/mege3.htm
Word count: 5,000
Rating: All
Author: Meg Epperly
Summary: A bit too much medicinal claret and a more-blunt-than-usual Elizabeth cause Mr. Darcy's Hunsford proposal to go awry. Sometimes, however, the best-laid plans ought to go astray.
Gioia’s Rec: This short story was very funny!
My only critique: OOC behavior and rapid resolution, but it’s meant to be a humorous piece.
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Story: I Am Weary, Let Me Rest
http://austen.com/derby/old_2004/elke16.htm
Word count: 19,900
Rating: All
Author: Elke
Summary: Anne de Bourgh invites Elizabeth for tea, but then must retire to rest. She leaves Elizabeth to fend for herself in Rosings' library. Soon, Elizabeth discovers that she is not entirely alone.
Gioia’s Rec: This sweet story is mostly fluff. While at Rosings, Elizabeth and Darcy come to understand one another sooner. There are still problems along the way, but we end up with a quicker resolution.
My only critique: For some reason the title annoys me, even though I understand its application to more than one character and know the song from which it is derived.
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Story: I Shall Not Go Away
http://austen.com/derby/sandyl.htm
Word count: 21,000
Rating: All
Author: SBL
Summary: When Lady Catherine descends upon Longbourn to try to persuade Elizabeth Bennet to refuse Mr. Darcy's offer of marriage, she makes a number of idle threats which fail to convince the young lady. But what if she actually carried one of them out? We join our story in progress, where Lady Catherine has already stated much of her case, and found Elizabeth unaccommodating to her wishes...
Gioia’s Rec: What happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object? When one is Lady Catherine and the other is Elizabeth, the answer is quite entertaining. This is a humorous fic which explores what would’ve happened if Lady Catherine had refused to leave until Elizabeth agreed never to marry Darcy.
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Story: In Essentials (Much As It Ever Was)
http://austen.com/derby/old_2007/vangie.htm
Word count: 58,700
Author: Vangie
Summary: When Darcy and Elizabeth meet at Meryton, they have each passed quite different summers than those that preceded the events of the novel. Elizabeth and the Gardiners have recently returned from their tour of the Peak District, and Miss Georgiana Darcy, having been ill for much of the summer, failed to make her trip to Ramsgate.
Gioia’s Rec: Elizabeth is less prejudiced upon first meeting Darcy, but he is more so. As they get to know each other she assumes the best of him and he assumes the worst of her. By the time we reach Hunsford, things are quite different.
My only critique: In case you haven’t caught on by now, I’m angst-phobic. So I struggle to be objective about stories which introduce new forms of angst for the couple.
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Story: In Loving Memory
http://austen.com/derby/heathf1.htm
Word count: 261,400
Author: Heather F
Summary: During her walk in the park with Colonel Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth Bennet hears of Mr. Darcy's efforts to separate her sister from Mr. Bingley. Naturally, she is furious at his interference, and her agitation causes a headache. Instead of staying at the parsonage, she decides to go for another walk to think about the consequences of his actions, and her sister's resulting misery. When she does not return to the parsonage, Mrs Collins becomes concerned …
Gioia’s Rec: This is a well-written amnesia fic. After a head injury, Elizabeth forgets that Mr. Darcy proposes. The story covers the post-Hunsford time period and explores how that would’ve impacted the progression of their relationship. There is also an OC introduced as a long-lost relative, bringing the Bennets into contact with several other OCs.
My only critique: It probably would’ve worked better as two separate what-if tales rather than combining the plots, as the story feels a bit long as a result (261,400 words).
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Story: In Sickness and in Health
http://austen.com/derby/betsyr5.htm
Word count: 32,500
Author: Betsy R
Summary: n/a
Gioia’s Rec: When a deadly fever strikes the Meryton area after Christmas, the Bennets are seriously impacted. I bawled my way through much of this fic but absolutely love the beautiful ending.
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Story: Intermezzo
http://www.austeninterlude.org/abigail/int/int2.html
Word count: 13,400
Author: Abigail R
Summary: n/a
Gioia’s Rec: Mr. Bingley returns in May instead of going to Pemberley with Darcy, so Elizabeth doesn’t encounter Darcy there when she visits with her relatives. This story tells of a slightly longer road to reconciliation between Darcy and Elizabeth. Very sweet.
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Story: It Hardly Signifies
http://www.austen.com/derby/old_2008/kent1.htm
Word count: 18,200
Author: Kent (ballpoint202)
Summary: n/a
Gioia’s Rec: Lizzy is called home before Mr. Darcy can propose at Hunsford, but he learns of her opinion of him anyway, forcing him to take a better look at himself. This is a different, less angsty path to resolution which I quite enjoyed. I like everything of his that I’ve read.
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Story: Janet and Elisabeth
http://austen.com/derby/old_2002/tamsin10.htm
Word count: 111,300
Author: Tamsin
Summary: Janet and Elisabeth Fitzwilliam, daughters of the Earl and Countess of Matlock, were kidnapped as young children. Twenty years after the crime took place, it is revealed that they were taken and raised by a family named Bennet from Hertfordshire.
Gioia’s Rec: I don’t know why I read this type of crack fic. Something about the Elizabeth-is-actually-an-heiress-(possibly-a-Fitzwilliam!) scenario cracks me up, maybe partly because it defeats the entire premise of P&P. (Entirely illogical of me, I know.) This particularly fic includes some poorly written scenes and characterizations, and yet it still entertains me. I offer no excuse for having read it twice. It’s FUN!
My only critique: See my comments about this sub-genre on the entry for “All That This Entails.” Be aware that this is the most crack-ish version of this premise that I’ve rec’ed and there are some definite stylistic issues I have with the writing.
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Story: In the Shadow of her Sister
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?showtopic=5130
Word count: 30,700
Author: Donna L
Summary: Affected by her parents' control and the constant comparisons of herself to Jane, Lizzy becomes withdrawn.
Gioia’s Rec: This story’s premise has Lizzy in a Cinderella-ish setting of degradation and despair in which she is unwanted and abused by Mr. & Mrs. Bennet, particularly compared to their beloved Jane. She is deliberately OOC here, behaving not unlike canon-Georgiana. We periodically get glimpses of canon-Elizabeth which spark Darcy’s interest. In spite of the OOC behavior it’s easy to see why Darcy is interested in her, as her suffering earns his compassion and her hidden wit and intelligence fuel his growing love. There are typos in this fic and some stylistic concerns, but I enjoyed the story. I liked the way Darcy’s character growth is brought about in a different way and the way that Elizabeth is still clearly the same person despite her trauma and resulting timidity.
My only critique: Typos.
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Story: The Journey
http://austen.com/derby/old_2005/janh3.htm
Word count: 100,500
Author: Jan H
Summary: Elizabeth finds herself in a carriage with Darcy, Caroline, and Mrs. Hurst. When they are attacked by robbers, Darcy quickly comes to her defense.
Gioia’s Rec: One of my favorite JA fics. I particularly like how angry this fic can make me, as it neatly avoids fluff or unnecessary angst and delves right into the complicated relationship between Elizabeth & Darcy. The same issues exist here as are in P&P - the protagonists merely deal with them in a different setting, under more dramatic circumstances. This is one of the few P&P fics with a real action/drama plot.
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Story: Kitty
http://austen.com/derby/old_2002/abby2.htm
Word count: 141,500
Author: Abby
Summary: Before heading off to a visit to Pemberley, Kitty Bennet decides she doesn't want to get married just yet, but wants to find a man she can love and respect.
Gioia’s Rec: This is one of the first P&P fics I read, and one of the few I’ve read, to date, in which the protagonist is a P&P side character. I was delighted by the character development and the interesting plot. There is a WIP sequel.
My only critique: I find it hard to imagine such a man actually being interested in Kitty, to say nothing of how popular she suddenly is with the ton.
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Story: Lasting Impressions
http://aaran-st-vines.nsns.fanficauthors.net/Lasting_Impressions_by_Pamela_St_Vines/index/
Word count: 61,000
Author: Pamela St Vines
Summary:
Gioia’s Rec: Abandoned Story. I’m rec’ing both of this author’s MIA stories, because they’re just too good to ignore and they don’t end on cliffhangers. Her stories are all based on the attempt to maintain character growth and integrity while eliminating months of uncertainty and angst. In this one I think Darcy is a bit more sentimental than I would expect from the canon character, but I can’t help loving the fic anyway. This is the story in which Lizzy is closely involved with Longbourn’s tenants, even providing rudimentary nursing assistance.
My only critique: Abandoned. Elizabeth is SO perfect that she borders on being a Mary Sue.
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Story: le course de francais
http://austen.com/derby/old_2007/betsyr2.htm
Word count: 9,600
Author: Betsy R (birdwoman)
Summary: French and fluffiness ensues when Mrs Jenkinson, er, is removed from the plot.
Gioia’s Rec: Sweet, fluffy fic!
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Story: The Lesser of Two Evils
http://austen.com/derby/old_2006/sandy4.htm
Word count: 5,000
Author: Sandy W
Summary: Mr. Collins over-imbibes on Mr. Bingley's wine and Elizabeth must flee to protect her reputation.
Gioia’s Rec: Another good example of a speedy, fluffy resolution! During the Netherfield ball, Elizabeth is fleeing from Mr. Collins advances when Darcy comes to the rescue.
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Story: Listening at Hedges
http://austen.com/derby/old_2006/sofie15.htm
Word count: 7,500
Author: Sofie
Summary: Chapters of angst are avoided when Elizabeth eavesdrops on a very important conversation.
Gioia’s Rec: I liked the creative way in which Lizzy discovers the truth about Wickham in this fic. By the end of this fic I had more respect for Bingley and Darcy than most fics (and even canon, in Bingley’s case) allow.
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Story: A Little More Practice
http://austen.com/derby/sandyw2a.htm
Word count: 57,600
Author: Sandy W
Summary: The day after Lady Catherine critiques her musical performance, Elizabeth Bennet follows her Ladyship's advice and commences practice on the piano in Mrs. Jenkinson's room.
Gioia’s Rec: This is a sweet, novel-length fic which starts at Rosings before Darcy’s proposal. He and Lizzy get to know each other, and know what each thinks of the other, sooner than in P&P. Events progress a bit quicker as a result.
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Story: London Outskirts
http://www.austen.com/derby/old_2008/kent2.htm
Word count: 33,400
Author: Kent (ballpoint202)
Summary: Lizzy encounters Darcy two days before traveling to Kent, and an eventful curricle ride ensues. Think of the 1995 BBC miniseries. And yes, I have a thing for that cross.
Gioia’s Rec: Cute, fluffy and well written! I’ve yet to read a story by Kent which I don’t love.
My only critique: The innuendo is amusing, but rather OOC for the characters and the time period. It makes me giggle, though.
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Story: Moonlighting
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?showtopic=4092
Word count: 89,900
Author: Ola (ardnaskela)
Summary: Darcy as a werewolf.
Gioia’s Rec: Let me be honest and say that this Is crackfic. But it’s GOOD crackfic! Rather angsty at times, but with some interesting moral dilemmas for the characters, especially Darcy, who is very deceptive in his dealings with Elizabeth in order to protect his secret. Elizabeth’s concerns weren’t wholly answered, but the story has a happy ending ultimately.
My only critique: Darcy is a werewolf. Yes, seriously.
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Story: A Most Beloved Sister, Volume 1
http://www.austenunderground.com/PDF%27s.php
Word count: 77,500
Author: Casey
Summary: When Elizabeth rejects Darcy's second proposal, he is devastated. However, before he goes, she gifts him with a letter of her own. She loves him, but because of his interference with Jane and Bingley (whom Jane could not forgive), she claims she cannot accept him. Although he is devastated, he meets her again a year or so later and decides that he cannot let her go. But after a tragedy strikes her family, will he be able to convince Elizabeth to accept his love and be his wife once and for all?
Gioia’s Rec: This is a very angsty fic initially. Darcy’s second proposal from P&P is rejected, even though she admittedly loves him by then. However because Jane refused Bingley when he proposed (feeling that he was inconstant), Elizabeth fears that accepting Darcy would hurt Jane too much. What follows is an initially sob-filled story about what it takes to bring the couple together. The story is very well-written, though I think the OCs were a bit under-developed. Although I’m not generally an angst fan, I do think this was a great fic.
My only critique: Angst makes me cry.
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Story: A Most Civil Proposal
Rated PG: http://austen.com/derby/old_2005/colin1.htm
Rated M: http://meryton.com/ellenspdf/A%20Most%20Civil%20Proposal.pdf
Author: Colin
Summary: A central point of Pride and Prejudice is the incredible arrogance of Darcy's proposal in Kent and the despair and mortification that Darcy and, to a lesser degree, Elizabeth undergo as a result of that event and its aftermath. That resulting shock was crucial in inspiring Darcy to examine his own motivations and behavior and to resolve to amend his interactions with others. Similarly, it shook Elizabeth's similar but lesser prejudice, based on her wrong assumptions regarding Darcy's character and her own pride in her insight, leading her to regret what she had rejected with so little thought. This story is a look at what might have happened if Darcy's proposal had been a more considered, thoughtful, and civil proposal. Without that catastrophic evening at the Parsonage to drive change in both characters, the story considers whether Darcy can reject his pride and arrogance and if Elizabeth will ever correct the mistake in her estimation of Darcy's character.
Gioia’s Rec:
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Story: A Musical Interlude
http://austen.com/derby/old_2007/betsyr4.htm
Word count: 7,800
Author: Betsy R
Summary: In this particular ditty, there is no Wickham rearing his ugly head. Darcy is not so morose, probably because there is no Wickham rearing his ugly head.
Gioia’s Rec: Pure fluff, but very lovely. I liked this a lot.
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Story: My Love for You
http://www.austeninterlude.org/belen/mlfy/mlfy.html
Word count: 21,300
Author: Belén
Summary: Darcy comes to Hertfordshire to reunite Bingley and Jane, and also to see if he has a new chance with Elizabeth. When he doesn't find the answer he wants, he decides to return to London, but an unfortunate accident keeps him in Longbourn.
Gioia’s Rec: This was a sweet, well-written fic. 99% fluff.
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Story: A New Beginning
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4661917/1/A_New_Beginning
Word count: 62,600
Author: Maisedoat
Summary: What if Darcy and Elizabeth met under entirely different circumstance? Naturally, "The course of love does not run smooth" but I hope it runs interestingly.
Gioia’s Rec: An extremely good story which features a different set of circumstances but similar journeys of self-discovery as compared to P&P. It begins with Elizabeth meeting Darcy on his way to Netherfield when a gravel cart overturns. The story is unique enough in its plot to hold my interest, but the characterizations are so similar that I still am drawn to the protagonists. It is told largely from Darcy’s POV, and his loneliness really touches the heart.
My only critique: There’s no sequel!
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Story: No Finer County
http://www.faulkes.co.uk/heather/nfc/pg1.html
Word count: 13,900
Author: Heather F
Summary: Charles Bingley did not lease a house in the country and Fitzwilliam Darcy was unable to visit Lady Catherine the following Easter. Therefore, when the Master of Pemberley arrives home to find a young woman visiting with her Aunt and Uncle, he knows that they have never met before, yet she leaves an indelible impression upon him.
Gioia’s Rec: This fic is a beautifully paced and not too overly-optimistic depiction of what might have happened had Darcy and Elizabeth not met till she toured Pemberley. I liked the ending, in particular, because the author didn’t try to resolve the entire story. It’s merely an example of how the story as a whole might’ve had a different prologue. Very nicely written.
My only critique: It’s somewhat implausible to me that Darcy would be so nice to strangers on his property without the Hunsford heads-up. But then, most AU fics require willing suspension of disbelief.
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Story: No More Tears
http://www.desertmusings.net/les/?page_id=2
Word count: 118,000
Author: Linnea Eileen
Summary: Darcy's past hardships alters his views of love & marriage so much that he makes choices none who knew him would have anticipated.
Gioia’s Rec: I have mixed feelings about this fic. To be honest, the pacing is rather slow and there is not much action in this story. In addition, it’s rather angsty (and I hate angst). On the other hand, it is one of the best depictions of unconditional love I’ve ever encountered. I wish the story had been a bit more concise, but it was ultimately a very meaningful tale and stayed with me for some time thereafter.
My only critique: Slow pacing, not very concise. Contrary to the title, it’s very angsty.
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Story: November 27th
http://austen.com/derby/old_2002/judyly13.htm
Word count: 9,200
Author: Judy-Lynne
Summary: Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet find a chance to avert disaster when each overhears important information which calls into doubt all of their preconceptions.
Gioia’s Rec: For all the character development which occurs in this story, it is surprisingly short.
My only critique: I question the plausibility of Lizzy’s confidant, but the discussion itself and Darcy’s reaction to overhearing it are very nicely written. The rest of the story, too, is extremely well-written and captivating. I wish there were more!
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Story: Of Dreams and Memories
http://austen.com/derby/old_2003/aliciam10.htm
Word count: 30,600
Author: Alicia M
Summary: Darcy injures his head after proposing to Elizabeth at Hunsford, leading to some misunderstandings between them.
Gioia’s Rec: The author of this story does a far better job of duplicating J.A.’s reflective writing style than most of the other fic authors I’ve encountered. The blend of canon text with original text is nearly seamless in many places.
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Story: Of Scoundrels and Suitors
http://aaran-st-vines.nsns.fanficauthors.net/Of_Scoundrels_and_Suitors_by_Pamela_St_Vines/A_Pride_and_Prejudice_Story/
Word count: 20,580
Author: Pamela St Vines
Summary: This is another "happy what if" story. In this instance, what if Darcy had talked to Elizabeth instead of just staring at her. The story begins at Netherfield during Jane's illness and ends shortly after the Bennet sisters return to Longbourn.
Gioia’s Rec: This author is one of my absolute favorites in the JA fandom, though she appears to be relatively unknown. I know of her husband as a popular HP author. Her characterizations are fantastic, the plots are interesting, and the stories themselves are always very well written. This fic is no exception.
My only critique: I want more!
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Story: On the Nature of Love
http://austen.com/derby/old_2003/lucy4.htm
Word count: 5,600
Rating: All
Author: Lucy
Summary: Though their acceptance of Darcy's marriage was slow in coming, five years after their marriage, Darcy and Elizabeth can enjoy having his family for the holidays.
Gioia’s Rec: There’s a lot of emotional punch in this one. Elizabeth and Darcy are vindicated a bit when the Earl admits before all that he was mistaken in not accepting their marriage initially. But it’s the conversation between Bingley and Darcy about the way love changes over the years that is particularly powerful. Great writing!
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Story: The Other Bingley
http://www.trueproficient.com/fictionold/lissa/tob1.html
Word count: 43,600
Rating: Mature?
Author: Lissa
Summary: Additional or fewer Bingley siblings
I’ve encountered multiple P&P fics in which an OC is added to Gioia’s Rec: the mix in order to resolve things more quickly. This is one of the few which I think has a plot well-developed and unique enough in its own right to merit the creation of the OC as a means of diverging from canon. (Too many times the OCs are so Mary-Sue-ish that they are laughable, or their inclusion doesn’t change much anyway.) I like the way Darcy and Elizabeth’s problems aren’t instantly resolved in this fic - they just find other hurdles and other means to overcome them. However, the fic is generally angst-free, which is exactly as I prefer.
My only critique: There are some minor typos, and I must reluctantly admit that the OC is a tad bit Mary Sue-ish, though I maintain that she is far better than one would expect.
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Story: Rainy Days
http://www.austeninterlude.org/loryl/rainy.html
Word count: 201,500
Author: Lory L
Summary: Two days before the Netherfield Ball, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy were caught in a storm and forced to shelter from the rain in a cottage. This event changed their opinion about each other and the whole story took a different course.
Gioia’s Rec: There are some stylistic concerns I have with this story, particularly in the beginning. But when I moved past those I found the story to be an interesting what-if scenario that leads to a speedier resolution of the P&P plot. I’ve read this multiple times.
My only critique: There is some OOC behavior.
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Story: Reconcilable Differences
http://austen.com/derby/old_2004/kathyt17.htm
Word count: 7,700
Author: Kathy Taylor
Summary: Darcy eavesdrops on Elizabeth's and Charlotte's discussion of the Netherfield Ball and hears Elizabeth's opinion of him. He takes the opportunity to explain himself.
Gioia’s Rec: What appeals to me most about this story is the spectacularly passion Darcy exhibits by the end of it. There is some damn hot kissing in this tale.
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Story: Relations Such as These
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?showtopic=2362
Word count: 142,700
Author: Sara (Sadieo)
Summary: We all know what Fitzwilliam Darcy's perception of the Bennet family is, but what of Elizabeth Bennet's perception of that gentleman's family? This story explores another side of our beloved P & P tale, in which our hero and his lovely lady are forced to maneuver through innumerable obstacles before they are rewarded with their 'happily ever after' ending.
Gioia’s Rec: I had reservations about this fic based on the OOC behavior of Col. Fitzwilliam, a few canon mistakes, and some other issues. However I ended up enjoying the story far more than I anticipated due to a plot filled with intrigue and, er, smut. This is probably another one of those stories about which you should determine ahead of time that it’s simply a romance based on P&P. Don’t expect it to be true to canon any more than Bridget Jones was.
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Story: Relative Indiscretions
http://austen.com/derby/old_2005/genet18.htm
Word count: 26,200
Author: Genette
Summary: After Elizabeth has refused Darcy, they are thrown together and torn apart by the passionate indiscretions of some of their female relatives.
Gioia’s Rec: This story involves Darcy and Elizabeth coming to a very similar resolution as seen in the book, but several months earlier. I liked the courtship that they undergo. This version doesn't feel like it sacrifices character development and lessons learned for a speedy, fluffy ending, as some fics do.
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Story: Remembrance of the Past
http://meryton.com/mrr/loryl/ROTP/ROTPIndex.html
Word count: 265,900
Author: Lory L
Summary: Elizabeth and the Gardiners intended to start their tour in June, as planned, but Mr Gardiner's urgent business forced them to return to London and remain there for more than a fortnight. During this time, Elizabeth's paths will cross with Mr Darcy's again. However, Mr Darcy is not alone in London... The return of an old and dear friend will greatly influence him - and the entire story.
Later post-Hunsford altered events
Gioia’s Rec: This story is very well written and the opening chapter alone makes me emotional. And while lots of interesting subplots justify the excessive length, if it is professionally published it ought to be edited down somewhat. Regardless, I can’t say I mind the length in a fanfic. The OC, Lady Cassandra, actually serves a valid purpose here and isn’t too Mary Sue-ish in fixing things early on.
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Continued:
P&P Recs - Page 1 of 3
P&P Recs - Page 3 of 3
Story: Hunsford, Interrupted
http://austen.com/derby/mege3.htm
Word count: 5,000
Rating: All
Author: Meg Epperly
Summary: A bit too much medicinal claret and a more-blunt-than-usual Elizabeth cause Mr. Darcy's Hunsford proposal to go awry. Sometimes, however, the best-laid plans ought to go astray.
Gioia’s Rec: This short story was very funny!
My only critique: OOC behavior and rapid resolution, but it’s meant to be a humorous piece.
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Story: I Am Weary, Let Me Rest
http://austen.com/derby/old_2004/elke16.htm
Word count: 19,900
Rating: All
Author: Elke
Summary: Anne de Bourgh invites Elizabeth for tea, but then must retire to rest. She leaves Elizabeth to fend for herself in Rosings' library. Soon, Elizabeth discovers that she is not entirely alone.
Gioia’s Rec: This sweet story is mostly fluff. While at Rosings, Elizabeth and Darcy come to understand one another sooner. There are still problems along the way, but we end up with a quicker resolution.
My only critique: For some reason the title annoys me, even though I understand its application to more than one character and know the song from which it is derived.
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Story: I Shall Not Go Away
http://austen.com/derby/sandyl.htm
Word count: 21,000
Rating: All
Author: SBL
Summary: When Lady Catherine descends upon Longbourn to try to persuade Elizabeth Bennet to refuse Mr. Darcy's offer of marriage, she makes a number of idle threats which fail to convince the young lady. But what if she actually carried one of them out? We join our story in progress, where Lady Catherine has already stated much of her case, and found Elizabeth unaccommodating to her wishes...
Gioia’s Rec: What happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object? When one is Lady Catherine and the other is Elizabeth, the answer is quite entertaining. This is a humorous fic which explores what would’ve happened if Lady Catherine had refused to leave until Elizabeth agreed never to marry Darcy.
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Story: In Essentials (Much As It Ever Was)
http://austen.com/derby/old_2007/vangie.htm
Word count: 58,700
Author: Vangie
Summary: When Darcy and Elizabeth meet at Meryton, they have each passed quite different summers than those that preceded the events of the novel. Elizabeth and the Gardiners have recently returned from their tour of the Peak District, and Miss Georgiana Darcy, having been ill for much of the summer, failed to make her trip to Ramsgate.
Gioia’s Rec: Elizabeth is less prejudiced upon first meeting Darcy, but he is more so. As they get to know each other she assumes the best of him and he assumes the worst of her. By the time we reach Hunsford, things are quite different.
My only critique: In case you haven’t caught on by now, I’m angst-phobic. So I struggle to be objective about stories which introduce new forms of angst for the couple.
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Story: In Loving Memory
http://austen.com/derby/heathf1.htm
Word count: 261,400
Author: Heather F
Summary: During her walk in the park with Colonel Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth Bennet hears of Mr. Darcy's efforts to separate her sister from Mr. Bingley. Naturally, she is furious at his interference, and her agitation causes a headache. Instead of staying at the parsonage, she decides to go for another walk to think about the consequences of his actions, and her sister's resulting misery. When she does not return to the parsonage, Mrs Collins becomes concerned …
Gioia’s Rec: This is a well-written amnesia fic. After a head injury, Elizabeth forgets that Mr. Darcy proposes. The story covers the post-Hunsford time period and explores how that would’ve impacted the progression of their relationship. There is also an OC introduced as a long-lost relative, bringing the Bennets into contact with several other OCs.
My only critique: It probably would’ve worked better as two separate what-if tales rather than combining the plots, as the story feels a bit long as a result (261,400 words).
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Story: In Sickness and in Health
http://austen.com/derby/betsyr5.htm
Word count: 32,500
Author: Betsy R
Summary: n/a
Gioia’s Rec: When a deadly fever strikes the Meryton area after Christmas, the Bennets are seriously impacted. I bawled my way through much of this fic but absolutely love the beautiful ending.
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Story: Intermezzo
http://www.austeninterlude.org/abigail/int/int2.html
Word count: 13,400
Author: Abigail R
Summary: n/a
Gioia’s Rec: Mr. Bingley returns in May instead of going to Pemberley with Darcy, so Elizabeth doesn’t encounter Darcy there when she visits with her relatives. This story tells of a slightly longer road to reconciliation between Darcy and Elizabeth. Very sweet.
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Story: It Hardly Signifies
http://www.austen.com/derby/old_2008/kent1.htm
Word count: 18,200
Author: Kent (ballpoint202)
Summary: n/a
Gioia’s Rec: Lizzy is called home before Mr. Darcy can propose at Hunsford, but he learns of her opinion of him anyway, forcing him to take a better look at himself. This is a different, less angsty path to resolution which I quite enjoyed. I like everything of his that I’ve read.
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Story: Janet and Elisabeth
http://austen.com/derby/old_2002/tamsin10.htm
Word count: 111,300
Author: Tamsin
Summary: Janet and Elisabeth Fitzwilliam, daughters of the Earl and Countess of Matlock, were kidnapped as young children. Twenty years after the crime took place, it is revealed that they were taken and raised by a family named Bennet from Hertfordshire.
Gioia’s Rec: I don’t know why I read this type of crack fic. Something about the Elizabeth-is-actually-an-heiress-(possibly-a-Fitzwilliam!) scenario cracks me up, maybe partly because it defeats the entire premise of P&P. (Entirely illogical of me, I know.) This particularly fic includes some poorly written scenes and characterizations, and yet it still entertains me. I offer no excuse for having read it twice. It’s FUN!
My only critique: See my comments about this sub-genre on the entry for “All That This Entails.” Be aware that this is the most crack-ish version of this premise that I’ve rec’ed and there are some definite stylistic issues I have with the writing.
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Story: In the Shadow of her Sister
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?showtopic=5130
Word count: 30,700
Author: Donna L
Summary: Affected by her parents' control and the constant comparisons of herself to Jane, Lizzy becomes withdrawn.
Gioia’s Rec: This story’s premise has Lizzy in a Cinderella-ish setting of degradation and despair in which she is unwanted and abused by Mr. & Mrs. Bennet, particularly compared to their beloved Jane. She is deliberately OOC here, behaving not unlike canon-Georgiana. We periodically get glimpses of canon-Elizabeth which spark Darcy’s interest. In spite of the OOC behavior it’s easy to see why Darcy is interested in her, as her suffering earns his compassion and her hidden wit and intelligence fuel his growing love. There are typos in this fic and some stylistic concerns, but I enjoyed the story. I liked the way Darcy’s character growth is brought about in a different way and the way that Elizabeth is still clearly the same person despite her trauma and resulting timidity.
My only critique: Typos.
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Story: The Journey
http://austen.com/derby/old_2005/janh3.htm
Word count: 100,500
Author: Jan H
Summary: Elizabeth finds herself in a carriage with Darcy, Caroline, and Mrs. Hurst. When they are attacked by robbers, Darcy quickly comes to her defense.
Gioia’s Rec: One of my favorite JA fics. I particularly like how angry this fic can make me, as it neatly avoids fluff or unnecessary angst and delves right into the complicated relationship between Elizabeth & Darcy. The same issues exist here as are in P&P - the protagonists merely deal with them in a different setting, under more dramatic circumstances. This is one of the few P&P fics with a real action/drama plot.
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Story: Kitty
http://austen.com/derby/old_2002/abby2.htm
Word count: 141,500
Author: Abby
Summary: Before heading off to a visit to Pemberley, Kitty Bennet decides she doesn't want to get married just yet, but wants to find a man she can love and respect.
Gioia’s Rec: This is one of the first P&P fics I read, and one of the few I’ve read, to date, in which the protagonist is a P&P side character. I was delighted by the character development and the interesting plot. There is a WIP sequel.
My only critique: I find it hard to imagine such a man actually being interested in Kitty, to say nothing of how popular she suddenly is with the ton.
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Story: Lasting Impressions
http://aaran-st-vines.nsns.fanficauthors.net/Lasting_Impressions_by_Pamela_St_Vines/index/
Word count: 61,000
Author: Pamela St Vines
Summary:
Gioia’s Rec: Abandoned Story. I’m rec’ing both of this author’s MIA stories, because they’re just too good to ignore and they don’t end on cliffhangers. Her stories are all based on the attempt to maintain character growth and integrity while eliminating months of uncertainty and angst. In this one I think Darcy is a bit more sentimental than I would expect from the canon character, but I can’t help loving the fic anyway. This is the story in which Lizzy is closely involved with Longbourn’s tenants, even providing rudimentary nursing assistance.
My only critique: Abandoned. Elizabeth is SO perfect that she borders on being a Mary Sue.
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Story: le course de francais
http://austen.com/derby/old_2007/betsyr2.htm
Word count: 9,600
Author: Betsy R (birdwoman)
Summary: French and fluffiness ensues when Mrs Jenkinson, er, is removed from the plot.
Gioia’s Rec: Sweet, fluffy fic!
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Story: The Lesser of Two Evils
http://austen.com/derby/old_2006/sandy4.htm
Word count: 5,000
Author: Sandy W
Summary: Mr. Collins over-imbibes on Mr. Bingley's wine and Elizabeth must flee to protect her reputation.
Gioia’s Rec: Another good example of a speedy, fluffy resolution! During the Netherfield ball, Elizabeth is fleeing from Mr. Collins advances when Darcy comes to the rescue.
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Story: Listening at Hedges
http://austen.com/derby/old_2006/sofie15.htm
Word count: 7,500
Author: Sofie
Summary: Chapters of angst are avoided when Elizabeth eavesdrops on a very important conversation.
Gioia’s Rec: I liked the creative way in which Lizzy discovers the truth about Wickham in this fic. By the end of this fic I had more respect for Bingley and Darcy than most fics (and even canon, in Bingley’s case) allow.
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Story: A Little More Practice
http://austen.com/derby/sandyw2a.htm
Word count: 57,600
Author: Sandy W
Summary: The day after Lady Catherine critiques her musical performance, Elizabeth Bennet follows her Ladyship's advice and commences practice on the piano in Mrs. Jenkinson's room.
Gioia’s Rec: This is a sweet, novel-length fic which starts at Rosings before Darcy’s proposal. He and Lizzy get to know each other, and know what each thinks of the other, sooner than in P&P. Events progress a bit quicker as a result.
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Story: London Outskirts
http://www.austen.com/derby/old_2008/kent2.htm
Word count: 33,400
Author: Kent (ballpoint202)
Summary: Lizzy encounters Darcy two days before traveling to Kent, and an eventful curricle ride ensues. Think of the 1995 BBC miniseries. And yes, I have a thing for that cross.
Gioia’s Rec: Cute, fluffy and well written! I’ve yet to read a story by Kent which I don’t love.
My only critique: The innuendo is amusing, but rather OOC for the characters and the time period. It makes me giggle, though.
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Story: Moonlighting
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?showtopic=4092
Word count: 89,900
Author: Ola (ardnaskela)
Summary: Darcy as a werewolf.
Gioia’s Rec: Let me be honest and say that this Is crackfic. But it’s GOOD crackfic! Rather angsty at times, but with some interesting moral dilemmas for the characters, especially Darcy, who is very deceptive in his dealings with Elizabeth in order to protect his secret. Elizabeth’s concerns weren’t wholly answered, but the story has a happy ending ultimately.
My only critique: Darcy is a werewolf. Yes, seriously.
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Story: A Most Beloved Sister, Volume 1
http://www.austenunderground.com/PDF%27s.php
Word count: 77,500
Author: Casey
Summary: When Elizabeth rejects Darcy's second proposal, he is devastated. However, before he goes, she gifts him with a letter of her own. She loves him, but because of his interference with Jane and Bingley (whom Jane could not forgive), she claims she cannot accept him. Although he is devastated, he meets her again a year or so later and decides that he cannot let her go. But after a tragedy strikes her family, will he be able to convince Elizabeth to accept his love and be his wife once and for all?
Gioia’s Rec: This is a very angsty fic initially. Darcy’s second proposal from P&P is rejected, even though she admittedly loves him by then. However because Jane refused Bingley when he proposed (feeling that he was inconstant), Elizabeth fears that accepting Darcy would hurt Jane too much. What follows is an initially sob-filled story about what it takes to bring the couple together. The story is very well-written, though I think the OCs were a bit under-developed. Although I’m not generally an angst fan, I do think this was a great fic.
My only critique: Angst makes me cry.
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Story: A Most Civil Proposal
Rated PG: http://austen.com/derby/old_2005/colin1.htm
Rated M: http://meryton.com/ellenspdf/A%20Most%20Civil%20Proposal.pdf
Author: Colin
Summary: A central point of Pride and Prejudice is the incredible arrogance of Darcy's proposal in Kent and the despair and mortification that Darcy and, to a lesser degree, Elizabeth undergo as a result of that event and its aftermath. That resulting shock was crucial in inspiring Darcy to examine his own motivations and behavior and to resolve to amend his interactions with others. Similarly, it shook Elizabeth's similar but lesser prejudice, based on her wrong assumptions regarding Darcy's character and her own pride in her insight, leading her to regret what she had rejected with so little thought. This story is a look at what might have happened if Darcy's proposal had been a more considered, thoughtful, and civil proposal. Without that catastrophic evening at the Parsonage to drive change in both characters, the story considers whether Darcy can reject his pride and arrogance and if Elizabeth will ever correct the mistake in her estimation of Darcy's character.
Gioia’s Rec:
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Story: A Musical Interlude
http://austen.com/derby/old_2007/betsyr4.htm
Word count: 7,800
Author: Betsy R
Summary: In this particular ditty, there is no Wickham rearing his ugly head. Darcy is not so morose, probably because there is no Wickham rearing his ugly head.
Gioia’s Rec: Pure fluff, but very lovely. I liked this a lot.
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Story: My Love for You
http://www.austeninterlude.org/belen/mlfy/mlfy.html
Word count: 21,300
Author: Belén
Summary: Darcy comes to Hertfordshire to reunite Bingley and Jane, and also to see if he has a new chance with Elizabeth. When he doesn't find the answer he wants, he decides to return to London, but an unfortunate accident keeps him in Longbourn.
Gioia’s Rec: This was a sweet, well-written fic. 99% fluff.
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Story: A New Beginning
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4661917/1/A_New_Beginning
Word count: 62,600
Author: Maisedoat
Summary: What if Darcy and Elizabeth met under entirely different circumstance? Naturally, "The course of love does not run smooth" but I hope it runs interestingly.
Gioia’s Rec: An extremely good story which features a different set of circumstances but similar journeys of self-discovery as compared to P&P. It begins with Elizabeth meeting Darcy on his way to Netherfield when a gravel cart overturns. The story is unique enough in its plot to hold my interest, but the characterizations are so similar that I still am drawn to the protagonists. It is told largely from Darcy’s POV, and his loneliness really touches the heart.
My only critique: There’s no sequel!
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Story: No Finer County
http://www.faulkes.co.uk/heather/nfc/pg1.html
Word count: 13,900
Author: Heather F
Summary: Charles Bingley did not lease a house in the country and Fitzwilliam Darcy was unable to visit Lady Catherine the following Easter. Therefore, when the Master of Pemberley arrives home to find a young woman visiting with her Aunt and Uncle, he knows that they have never met before, yet she leaves an indelible impression upon him.
Gioia’s Rec: This fic is a beautifully paced and not too overly-optimistic depiction of what might have happened had Darcy and Elizabeth not met till she toured Pemberley. I liked the ending, in particular, because the author didn’t try to resolve the entire story. It’s merely an example of how the story as a whole might’ve had a different prologue. Very nicely written.
My only critique: It’s somewhat implausible to me that Darcy would be so nice to strangers on his property without the Hunsford heads-up. But then, most AU fics require willing suspension of disbelief.
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Story: No More Tears
http://www.desertmusings.net/les/?page_id=2
Word count: 118,000
Author: Linnea Eileen
Summary: Darcy's past hardships alters his views of love & marriage so much that he makes choices none who knew him would have anticipated.
Gioia’s Rec: I have mixed feelings about this fic. To be honest, the pacing is rather slow and there is not much action in this story. In addition, it’s rather angsty (and I hate angst). On the other hand, it is one of the best depictions of unconditional love I’ve ever encountered. I wish the story had been a bit more concise, but it was ultimately a very meaningful tale and stayed with me for some time thereafter.
My only critique: Slow pacing, not very concise. Contrary to the title, it’s very angsty.
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Story: November 27th
http://austen.com/derby/old_2002/judyly13.htm
Word count: 9,200
Author: Judy-Lynne
Summary: Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet find a chance to avert disaster when each overhears important information which calls into doubt all of their preconceptions.
Gioia’s Rec: For all the character development which occurs in this story, it is surprisingly short.
My only critique: I question the plausibility of Lizzy’s confidant, but the discussion itself and Darcy’s reaction to overhearing it are very nicely written. The rest of the story, too, is extremely well-written and captivating. I wish there were more!
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Story: Of Dreams and Memories
http://austen.com/derby/old_2003/aliciam10.htm
Word count: 30,600
Author: Alicia M
Summary: Darcy injures his head after proposing to Elizabeth at Hunsford, leading to some misunderstandings between them.
Gioia’s Rec: The author of this story does a far better job of duplicating J.A.’s reflective writing style than most of the other fic authors I’ve encountered. The blend of canon text with original text is nearly seamless in many places.
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Story: Of Scoundrels and Suitors
http://aaran-st-vines.nsns.fanficauthors.net/Of_Scoundrels_and_Suitors_by_Pamela_St_Vines/A_Pride_and_Prejudice_Story/
Word count: 20,580
Author: Pamela St Vines
Summary: This is another "happy what if" story. In this instance, what if Darcy had talked to Elizabeth instead of just staring at her. The story begins at Netherfield during Jane's illness and ends shortly after the Bennet sisters return to Longbourn.
Gioia’s Rec: This author is one of my absolute favorites in the JA fandom, though she appears to be relatively unknown. I know of her husband as a popular HP author. Her characterizations are fantastic, the plots are interesting, and the stories themselves are always very well written. This fic is no exception.
My only critique: I want more!
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Story: On the Nature of Love
http://austen.com/derby/old_2003/lucy4.htm
Word count: 5,600
Rating: All
Author: Lucy
Summary: Though their acceptance of Darcy's marriage was slow in coming, five years after their marriage, Darcy and Elizabeth can enjoy having his family for the holidays.
Gioia’s Rec: There’s a lot of emotional punch in this one. Elizabeth and Darcy are vindicated a bit when the Earl admits before all that he was mistaken in not accepting their marriage initially. But it’s the conversation between Bingley and Darcy about the way love changes over the years that is particularly powerful. Great writing!
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Story: The Other Bingley
http://www.trueproficient.com/fictionold/lissa/tob1.html
Word count: 43,600
Rating: Mature?
Author: Lissa
Summary: Additional or fewer Bingley siblings
I’ve encountered multiple P&P fics in which an OC is added to Gioia’s Rec: the mix in order to resolve things more quickly. This is one of the few which I think has a plot well-developed and unique enough in its own right to merit the creation of the OC as a means of diverging from canon. (Too many times the OCs are so Mary-Sue-ish that they are laughable, or their inclusion doesn’t change much anyway.) I like the way Darcy and Elizabeth’s problems aren’t instantly resolved in this fic - they just find other hurdles and other means to overcome them. However, the fic is generally angst-free, which is exactly as I prefer.
My only critique: There are some minor typos, and I must reluctantly admit that the OC is a tad bit Mary Sue-ish, though I maintain that she is far better than one would expect.
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Story: Rainy Days
http://www.austeninterlude.org/loryl/rainy.html
Word count: 201,500
Author: Lory L
Summary: Two days before the Netherfield Ball, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy were caught in a storm and forced to shelter from the rain in a cottage. This event changed their opinion about each other and the whole story took a different course.
Gioia’s Rec: There are some stylistic concerns I have with this story, particularly in the beginning. But when I moved past those I found the story to be an interesting what-if scenario that leads to a speedier resolution of the P&P plot. I’ve read this multiple times.
My only critique: There is some OOC behavior.
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Story: Reconcilable Differences
http://austen.com/derby/old_2004/kathyt17.htm
Word count: 7,700
Author: Kathy Taylor
Summary: Darcy eavesdrops on Elizabeth's and Charlotte's discussion of the Netherfield Ball and hears Elizabeth's opinion of him. He takes the opportunity to explain himself.
Gioia’s Rec: What appeals to me most about this story is the spectacularly passion Darcy exhibits by the end of it. There is some damn hot kissing in this tale.
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Story: Relations Such as These
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?showtopic=2362
Word count: 142,700
Author: Sara (Sadieo)
Summary: We all know what Fitzwilliam Darcy's perception of the Bennet family is, but what of Elizabeth Bennet's perception of that gentleman's family? This story explores another side of our beloved P & P tale, in which our hero and his lovely lady are forced to maneuver through innumerable obstacles before they are rewarded with their 'happily ever after' ending.
Gioia’s Rec: I had reservations about this fic based on the OOC behavior of Col. Fitzwilliam, a few canon mistakes, and some other issues. However I ended up enjoying the story far more than I anticipated due to a plot filled with intrigue and, er, smut. This is probably another one of those stories about which you should determine ahead of time that it’s simply a romance based on P&P. Don’t expect it to be true to canon any more than Bridget Jones was.
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Story: Relative Indiscretions
http://austen.com/derby/old_2005/genet18.htm
Word count: 26,200
Author: Genette
Summary: After Elizabeth has refused Darcy, they are thrown together and torn apart by the passionate indiscretions of some of their female relatives.
Gioia’s Rec: This story involves Darcy and Elizabeth coming to a very similar resolution as seen in the book, but several months earlier. I liked the courtship that they undergo. This version doesn't feel like it sacrifices character development and lessons learned for a speedy, fluffy ending, as some fics do.
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Story: Remembrance of the Past
http://meryton.com/mrr/loryl/ROTP/ROTPIndex.html
Word count: 265,900
Author: Lory L
Summary: Elizabeth and the Gardiners intended to start their tour in June, as planned, but Mr Gardiner's urgent business forced them to return to London and remain there for more than a fortnight. During this time, Elizabeth's paths will cross with Mr Darcy's again. However, Mr Darcy is not alone in London... The return of an old and dear friend will greatly influence him - and the entire story.
Later post-Hunsford altered events
Gioia’s Rec: This story is very well written and the opening chapter alone makes me emotional. And while lots of interesting subplots justify the excessive length, if it is professionally published it ought to be edited down somewhat. Regardless, I can’t say I mind the length in a fanfic. The OC, Lady Cassandra, actually serves a valid purpose here and isn’t too Mary Sue-ish in fixing things early on.
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Continued:
P&P Recs - Page 1 of 3
P&P Recs - Page 3 of 3