Epiphany: A Pride & Prejudice Variation

By: Jessie Lewis

Narrated by: Harry Frost

Somehow, his hapless sister had begun a rumor that he was romantically attached to the penniless young woman, from an unheard-of and vulgar family, with whom duty and good sense forbade him from ever considering an alliance…but whose extraordinary wit and captivating eyes he had been entirely unable to banish from his thoughts.

Having returned to London in December 1811, Mr. Darcy is appalled to learn that Anne de Bourgh, his vexatious spinster cousin, has embarked on a journey to Hertfordshire to visit Miss Elizabeth Bennet. From her correspondence with his sister, Georgiana Darcy, he learns that Anne intends to rid Miss Elizabeth of any false hopes she may have of marrying him. His dismay quickly turns into alarm when Anne begins to insert herself into Hertfordshire society, even attending balls with the dastardly George Wickham.

Elizabeth Bennet finds herself intrigued by Miss Anne de Bourgh. After all, what sort of lady could ever meet the standards of the proud and fastidious Mr. Darcy? She soon comes to realize, however, that her understanding of their supposed engagement - and indeed of Mr. Darcy himself - is distinctly flawed.

As the cold days of December bleed into the new year, epiphanies abound for Elizabeth, Darcy, and even Anne, laying bare the machinations and desires of all those around them.

©2021 Jessie Lewis (P)2022 Quills and Quartos Publishing

Love the Narrator

Oh my stars!!! I listen as I walk. Had to stop and laugh outloud when Anne de Bourgh spoke. He is just hilarious!!

Fun listen

I really enjoyed this one -- I loved how Anne was written. Great narration as well.

Love this Author

January 14, 2021 - Audiobook
Harry Frost is amazing. His performance and presentation of the characters in this excellent book is outstanding. He is my favourite male narrator in this genre. You cannot go wrong with any Jessie Lewis book or Harry Frost narration. Highly recommend!

Goodreads/Amazon Review:
Anne de Bourgh is on a mission. She has always believed the cradle betrothal between her and Darcy and that they will eventually marry. After reading a letter from Georgiana singing the praises of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, as related to her by her brother, Anne fears losing Darcy to this <i>“sharp-tongued country miss”</i>and decides to journey to Hertfordshire to discourage <i>“whatever false hope Darcy might have given her</i> [Elizabeth] <i>when he singled her out for a dance at his friend’s ball”.</i>—Quotes in book from correspondence to Georgiana from Anne.

Meanwhile, Darcy has been struggling with his feelings for Elizabeth and keeping them secret only to be thwarted by his own sister through her careless correspondence to Anne. He is infuriated with Anne’s apparent resolve to intimidate Elizabeth.

Anne’s portrayal of being a spoiled, demanding, rude and spiteful shrew gives Lady Catherine’s usual depiction a run for her money. This Anne is beyond appalling in the way she speaks and acts towards those she feels are below her socially. I eagerly anticipated every shocking statement she would say next. In fact, Anne’s isn’t the only conversation that will surprise you. I also found Mrs. Bennet’s ripostes to Anne very satisfying. Mr. Bennet also provides his sardonic wit from time to time.

When Darcy goes to Meryton to remove her from the potential wiles of Wickham, he is further mortified by Anne’s verbalizing what he often thought about Meryton and its residents but never spoke aloud himself.

Some realizations finally come to the fore and the main protagonists each have their respective epiphanies about relationships, leading to a guaranteed happy ending.

When Darcy’s expressions of love are finally spoken, they thoroughly warmed my heart and brought a soft sigh. Ms. Lewis most definitely has a way with words—certainly some beautiful prose in this novel.

<i>“He looked at her, his smile magnificent. “Never did I imagine I should love my wife as dearly as I love you. In truth, you make me feel such happiness when I am with you that everything I have previously done without you seems miserable in retrospect. Now, when I go home, I might choose to read a book in my library, as I have done a thousand times before, but with you reading yours next to me. I shall undoubtedly walk around the lake again, only this time arm in arm with you. If I sit quietly by the fire in my room, I shall enjoy the peace infinitely better than I ever have, for I shall have you in my arms. I shall continue to do all the things I have always done and more, only now I shall do them with you. I cannot express my anticipation to begin.”</i>—quote from book

I’ve never read a Jessie Lewis book I didn’t love and, this one is no exception. Her writing is always pleasing and often, amusing and entertaining. The following humorous quote nearly made me choke on my coffee!

<i>“We all know, Eliza,” Charlotte repeated. “It was not difficult to guess. A one-eyed partridge with a squint could see how dearly you both love each other.”</i>—quote from book

I highly recommend this this and all Jessie Lewis’ books. I detected no proofreading misses in this one—always a plus for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. (2021)
Kindle version purchased 2022.
Audiobook purchased January 2022.

Worth the listen

Started a little slow and I was surprised by the male narrator but I found by chapter 2 it wasn’t odd to hear Elizabeth’s inner voice narrated by a man. The story was very enjoyable. I laughed out loud during several passages.

Loved it

Amusing. A good yarn. Truly a good story. Worth a reading.

Characters well drawn by author.

Very Enjoyable Narration and Story!

I loved the narration! the different voices were hilarious😁. I didnt tnink Id like a variation with Anne DBG in it but this is a whole new Anne LoL. I very much would recommend this audiobook.

Fantastic!

I was Rofling all the time! It was soo funny and with! Go on Jesssie, write on! Yours every book was so enjoyable!

Harry Frost Narration is Spot On

The story was delightful - it had me laughing out loud. I especially enjoyed Henry Frost’s narration; it’s seems that P&P variations are often narrated in a mumbling style that screams ‘please, put me out of my misery’. I found Mr Frost’s characterizations enjoyable and his diction was perfect. Going forward, I will be looking for books narrated by Mr Frost.

Loved!

Jessie Lewis is a talented storyteller and Harry Frost tells the story so well. This is clever, emotive, and well-paced. Excellent tension. Easy to recommend.

Absolutely delightful!

I love Jane Austen’s books and especially Pride and Prejudice. I have read a lot of P&P fan fiction. Few people can successfully tell a story that is true to Jane Austen’s character’s and style. This story is wonderful. The banter between Darcy and Elizabethis clever, The story is romantic in a manner that is real and not contrived. Best of all was getting to know Anne De Bourgh. Her centrality within the story created real life, believable angst that made for a true to Jane, lovely story. I have read hundreds of P&P fanfiction. This is one of my top 3 favorites, if not my favorite!

Mr.Frost’s Darcy voice is as smooth and rich as velvet! His mastery of the feminine characters was spot on. I knew exactly which character was talking with the inflection of his voice. Brilliant! Thank you, Ms. Lewis for a most entertaining story.