Henry Fitzwilliam's War (Bennet Wardrobe Series Book 2)

By: Don Jacobson

Narrated by: Amanda Berry

Time is once again bent in 1883 as Viscount Henry Fitzwilliam, Viscount of Matlock, uses the remarkable Bennet Wardrobe to seek his manhood through combat as suggested by his great friend, Theodore Roosevelt. But, as Henry’s Great Grandmother, Lydia Bennet Wickham Fitzwilliam, noted, “The Wardrobe has a strange sense of humor.” The lessons the young aristocrat learns are not the ones he expected.

Henry travels over 30 years into the future to land in the middle of the most awful conflict in human history - World War I. His brief time at the Front teaches him that there is no longer any room on the battlefield for heroic combat. Rather he discovers the horrors of “modern” warfare - the machine gun, high explosive artillery, and poison gas - and the incredible waste of young men’s lives.

Henry's two weeks spent recuperating at the Beach House in Deauville, after being temporarily blinded by chlorine gas, that irrevocably changes his life. There he encounters an incredible woman, one who will define his near 10-year search for the love of his life after he returns to his own time - and he learns how his personality was shaped by their emerging relationship...one that was impossible on a number of levels.

This brief Pride and Prejudice Variation novella (approx. 20,500 words) grew from the author’s efforts to sketch the events that shaped the personality of Henry Fitzwilliam. Listeners can consider Henry Fitzwilliam's War to be a prequel to The Exile.

Named The Best Series of 2017 by More Agreeably Engaged.

©2016 Donald P. Jacobson (P)2018 Donald P. Jacobson

First experience with this series

I enjoyed the time travel aspect of this book, and was always interested to see what came next. The narrator did an excellent job. I particularly appreciated her different voices for the different characters.

War

Since this was a novella I knew I could get it done fast so I threw myself in. The Bennet family has a magic wardrobe that can transport you into the future. And that is what Henry Fitzwilliam does. He is the grandson of Lydia and he uses it to go to 1915. Of course this is not something you can decide. The wardrobe chooses where to send you and he wanted valour so this is what he gets.

We get to see him in the war, and then when he recuperates. There is meets someone that will later haunt him after he goes back to his old life.

Ack, yes it was only a novella! I need his whole story now and that is book 3, I will get to that soon enough.

Short and good. A prequel to book 3 and it will leave you wanting to get that book.

She is doing a good job narrating these books. They really transport you there

Even More Sensational In Audio Form

It wasn't long ago that that I first read this short, riveting novella in the Bennet Wardrobe series. This short piece war romance interlude that falls between the first and second books in the series was particularly poignant for me so I was eager for the chance to experience it in audio form.

Amanda Berry is a new to me narrator. I really enjoyed her work and thought she was great fit for this historical time travel- fantasy setting. Her accents, gender voices, pace, and tone were a great match. I'm glad to know that she has narrated another from the series and I can't wait to pick up my earbuds and listen to more of her work and more of this series. It stands up well to a re-read/listen.

A compelling 'voice' to the story...

I have never listened to an audio book until now and was asked by the author to review 'the performance' and provide my honest opinion. I have already 'read' and reviewed the book. I am a huge fan of the Bennet Wardrobe series and this novella should be listened to after 'The Keeper' in this collection. I must say, the narrator, Amanda Berry, gave a compelling 'voice' to the story. I thoroughly enjoyed how she varied the accents and voice of each of the characters. She drew me in. This is a small, but very important piece to the Bennet Wardrobe puzzle that is rich in history, emotions and the five senses that blend seamlessly together. The book description gives a good synopsis of the story. The conditions the soldiers of the Great War have to bear are brought front and center in this tale. Henry's injuries leave him in the care of a mysterious woman that touches his soul like no other. I highly recommend this imaginative series and the audible format!

Daring and insightful

This was my first time through Henry Fitzwilliam’s War, though I have read the other installments in the Wardrobe Series. Amanda Berry’s narration was crisp and brought life to the characters beautifully.

The book starts out gritty and ambitious, then waxes lyrical and transcendent as it tackles sweeping topics of ruinous pride and love that defies boundaries. Highly recommend this contribution to the popular Wardrobe Series!

Wonderful story

Only a piece of the Bennet Wardrobe mystery is in this book/audiobook, and yet makes the reader want to go straight back to the books to read the adventures of the Bennet girls. The performance of Amanda Berry was wonderful, and gripping as heartbreak and renewed seal for life appears, and her voice fits wonderfully well for Lydia, and even the mysterious “K”
I personally can’t wait to hear the rest of the stories coming from D. Jacobson’s hand.

Complex timelines, and rich historic settings

This was an interesting glimpse into the complicated aspects of this series, as well as the introduction to Kitty's story. The historic settings, detailed descriptions, and wonderful intertwining of times and characters make this series so addictive. I am however torn on whether this had to be a separate story, or if it could have been a first part to Kitty's book.
The audiobook performance was stellar, and does a great job giving voice to each character.