Heather’s Bookshelf: A Dutiful Son
Author: Kelly Miller
Released: 04/04/23
Genre: Historical Romance/Classic Derivative
“A Dutiful Son” is based on the classic story Pride and Prejudice. It takes place in the same timeframe and with the same characters, but occurs with the change of finding the elder Mr. George Darcy alive and strong-willed. When his daughter, Georgiana, is found in a compromising position with a former family friend, Mr. George Darcy changes his stance on the eligibility of those to wed his children and makes those expectations clear.
Fitzwilliam Darcy, George’s son, is determined to abide by his father’s wishes and make him proud. However, he is introduced to his sister’s friend, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, who he finds different from anyone else he has ever met. Against his better judgment, he soon falls for the lovely and interesting young woman, but is torn as her station would go against his father’s wishes. Elizabeth also develops feelings for Darcy, but each hides their desires from each other in order to please their families.
Meanwhile, Darcy’s aunt sets out to do a little matchmaking. Will it lead to a love connection or will Darcy and Elizabeth find a way to each other afterall?
Trigger Warning: sexual situations, sexist/classist language (true to the time period)
Overall, I enjoyed this story. I love the idea of taking a classic and delving out a “what if” moment. The author does a great job in developing this concept into a tale that makes sense and adds to the idea of the original. It’s told in a voice and language that match the time period but in a way that does not make it hard to follow. It is told through multiple perspectives, and mostly from Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett. Each of the main character’s voices are well developed with insight into their beliefs, loves, and concerns. It also gives great insight into the interactions between each of the characters including with their own families. The story themes are much like the original and include addressing issues with class and gender, responsibility to family, and love vs. loyalty. This is not a fast moving tale filled with plot twists, but it is a well written and intriguing tale that kept me going back for more. There is a small section after the second half of the story that slows down a little more than the rest, but overall it moves along nicely. The ending feels complete and the epilogue filled in any questions that were leftover from the main story. I would love to see more of these “what if” stories in the future.
I checked out this story on Audiobook. The narrator was pleasing to listen to, easy to understand, and gave great tones to each of the characters.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A character-driven classic derivative of Pride and Prejudice that focuses on what would happen to Darcy and Elizabeth if the elder Mr. Darcy alive.
Want to learn more about the author?
Check out my interview with Kelly Miller
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