Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: The Two Shall Become One by Sharon Lathan

 

In defense of Sharon Lathan:  Wow, some of the book reviewers over at Amazon.com really do not like this book.  I'm going to respectfully disagree with them and tell you this book is quite entertaining.  

1. She states in the forward that this book is inspired by the 2005 Keira Knightly / Matthew Macfadyin movie.  This is not my favorite or the most accurate representation of Jane Austen's work.  (I griped through the whole movie, to be honest.  I think my quote was, "This movie is like driving through Chicago at 60 miles an hour and saying you've visited the city").   However, who am I to begrudge Ms. Lathan for how she came to love Darcy and Elizabeth?  It is a club big enough for us all.  

2. The title of the book is The Two Shall Become One.  And they do become one.  A lot.  And with gusto.  

3. I think those who love Pride and Prejudice all hope to read a follow up that sounds just like it was written by Jane Austen herself.  In fact, if there were a follow up uncovered to have been secretly written by Jane, people probably would have problems with that one as well.  There are a few that really have hit all the marks for me.  That is the exception...not the expectation.  I have to read them all.  Have to.  "Some of [them] I throw across the room in disgust...but even when I angrily throw the book at the wall, I retrieve it and continue to read, looking for something I can enjoy." (Quote from writer Regina Jeffers on reading follow ups to P&P which I whole hearted-ly embrace.)

Using the appropriate expectations and references, I quite liked the book.  I finished it and immediately ordered the next 2.

 

Blurb from the back of the book:

...Their courtship was tempestuous; misunderstandings and misgivings nearly tore them apart.  But now they've seen each other without prejudice, their trust, attraction, and delight in each other grows with each passing day.  Both are inexperienced and innocent, sharing moments of shyness and boldness as they discover the kinds of intimacies that a newlywed couple shares.

As their love story unfolds, they reveal their innermost secrets and feelings, embracing each other in a marriage filled with romance, passion, humor, and drama that will keep you spellbound.

 

 

 

Language: B

Characterization: B

Plot: B

Revisit vs. Rehash: A

Nit Picky Things: C

Wonderful Moments: A+

Originality: A

The moment I was hooked: A+

Language:  

 

Darcy and Elizabeth do not merely miss each other, they yearn. They are not just happy but thrilled.  They are not just in love but enraptured.  The language is romantic and plentiful.  (Lathan likes to describe things in detail.)  There are a few words that do not seem to fit, like "lamely."  

B

 

 

Characterization:   

Darcy is funny, thoughtful, sentimental and poetic at times.  It is as if once he let down his guard with Elizabeth, the transition from who he was to who he becomes with her is complete and instant.  I would have liked to see more of a transformation process for him.  While it did feel like we were playing a game of telephone at times (where the original message has gotten a bit distorted, i.e. the characters themselves),  I grew to like this version of Darcy.  You know, once I loosened up a bit.  He writes romantic letters to My Dear, Precious Elizabeth, is a fantastic gift giver and trains and breaks horses for pleasure.  What is not to like? (Maybe if he were moved to tears a little less often.  What is it about a haughty Darcy that works for me?)

Elizabeth felt far more recognizable to me.  An interesting mixture of confidence and trepidation about her new life.

This is the first book of now 4 in a series.  There are wonderful characters in the coming books.  I certainly wanted to read more once I finished the first.

B

 

Plot: Using flashbacks, Lathan was able to add tension to parts of the story we already know. Brilliant.  

 

I felt the story moved along really well, if at times slowed down a bit by paragraphs of description. But remembering that Lathan was inspired by a movie, I felt she was really trying to give the reader a visual.  I prefer dialog and plot movement to description.  But that is just me.  

 

There were moments where the plot reminded me of Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife by Linda Berdoll. Each author chose some similar plot twists.  (This is true when comparing Berdoll's 2 books to Lathan's first 2).  However, the characters do not always respond in similar ways: in propriety, public displays of affection, swimming, dancing, the waltz...)  It was quite interesting for me to be able to compare the two.  I will say, it was not interesting to my husband at all to listen to me compare the two.  And I can not do it here without ruining the story for each book.

 

(I am in no way saying I think either author borrowed from the other.  I think there are a limited number of things that could happen to Darcy and Elizabeth given the time period and the information we already know about them.)

 

There is a lot of marital affection.  And it is described in detail.  A lot of detail.  There were parts I skimmed because it was just a bit much.  I wanted Darcy and Elizabeth to have a fulfilling marriage but hearing them call each other "Lover" made me wince.  

 

Oh, yes, and as I have established, run into the ground and beat a dead horse with...this book was based on the 2005 movie.  So there are flashbacks and references to things that only happened in that movie.  Ex: There is a bust of Darcy instead of a portrait.  

 

 

B

 

 

Rehash or Revisit:  No rehashing, which is excellent.  A few moments are referred to in conversation among characters and usually in a humorous or clever way.  There are 2 extended flashbacks that give new information and fit in very nicely to the story.

A

Nit Picky Things: The description of the romantic scenes.  It really did go on for pages.  

C

Wonderful Little Moments:   So many!  Elizabeth falling asleep on Darcy's arm,  The Book, skating, Darcy and Elizabeth's conversation while dancing.  The book is filled with wonderful moments.

A+

Originality: The only one I have read so far inspired not by the book or the 1995 movie, but by (lets say it all together this time) the 2005 Keira Knightly movie.

A

The moment I was hooked:  The first line. "Thank goodness it is finally over, Fitzwilliam Darcy thought with a heavy sigh."  I loved it that we were thrown right in where we left off with Austen.

A+

So , yes, the I heart Darcy and Elizabeth Club is big enough for us all.  Even if we think that those who love the 2005 movie version have to sit in the cheap seats.  But as those of us who are devoted to the 1995 Colin Firth / Jennifer Ehle movie version look down our noses at them...just remember that there is a group doing the same to us.  They many even challenge us to locate the exact passage where Darcy emerges from the  pond in a wet, white shirt in Austen's work.  I'm sure I remember reading it....

This is the original cover of the book.  Some libraries may have this version.

If this book were a movie, it would be rated R for the abounding, ardent love scenes.