Mendacity & Mourning

A Pride & Prejudice Variation (Unabridged)

By: Jan Ashton

Narrated by: David Pickering

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a gossip in possession of misheard tales and desirous of both a good wife and an eager audience need only descend upon the sitting rooms of a small country town in order to find satisfaction. And with a push from Lady Catherine, Mr. Collins sets alight a series of misunderstandings, rumors, and lies that create obstacles to a romance between Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet.

This slightly unhinged romantic comedy follows Darcy as he sets off to find himself a wife and instead finds himself pulled into the mire of his aunt’s machinations and his own fascination with Elizabeth, whom he believes betrothed to another. As Meryton judges him the grieving groom of Anne de Bourgh and a caddish dallier with the hearts of others, Darcy must ferret out the truth behind his cousin’s disappearance, protect his sister from the fretful fate of all Fitzwilliam females, and most importantly, win Elizabeth’s heart.

©2020 Jan Ashton (P)2020 Jan Ashton

Fun book and well read

I enjoyed this fun book. Darcy and Richard plus Richard's father, Lord Matlock engaged in funny and entertaining conversations. The narrator did an excellent job with this book and he has great comedic timing with the dialog. Mr. Darcy wants a bride, but it is not Lady Anne. Fortunately, or unfortunately, Lady Anne becomes unavailable as a bride (she died), but Mr. Darcy's reputation takes a major hit. Lady Katherine and Rev. Collins are the reason for the gossip that is ruining Mr. Darcy's reputation. Rev Collins is disgusting. A new character, a portrait artist, is introduced into the tale and he is hilarious. Caroline is up to her usual antics trying to capture Mr. Darcy (really Pemberly). Jane is not so "good" and Lydia is not so "bad". This is a good book. It is a little risqué, but not nasty. A most enjoyable book!

Interesting story

It is well written and very detailed. A bit too long for my taste. You could have cut out half I think. But the story is funny and catching.

Mendacity & Mourning

I’ve both read and listened to this book several times, and it is always entertaining. I love the Colonel! His, and the Earl’s, bombastic wit and humor keep me laughing. Many thanks to Jan Ashton and the talented David Pickering!

Amusing and enjoyable!

The antics between the characters was beautifully portrayed. I enjoyed the clever way the many challenges were resolved.

Much wit, less romance.

There were many humorous moments. While fun and witty, the pacing and tone of this book didn't leave room enough for emotions to fully bloom between Elizabeth and Darcy.

A Fun if a bit Bawdy P&P Variation

A tongue-in-cheek, heavy with innuendo, near farce of a tale perfectly performed by David Pickering. I enjoyed this humorous tale, with the earthy Fitzwilliams and Anne’s artist. Aside from Darcy & Elizabeth and the Bennets, there is a lot of Mr Collins, Georgiana and Col Fitzwilliam. Some reviews seem to suggest there may be raunchy scenes in this story. I didn’t consider there was anything more than masculine innuendo, certain male preferences in female anatomy, a very well written but suggestive scene overheard by Darcy and his cousin which embarrassed them greatly and a little bawdy humor. I think the choice of narrator matched perfectly for this particular variation. Well done.

What a Hoot!

This is probably the funniest JAFF I have listened to so far. David Pickering was a good choice for the narrator, but his droll reading is a double edged sword. You have to listen carefully to be sure you catch the heavy innuendo, and there are plenty, but a droll reading is the only way it should be done. I found myself rewinding a lot, saying “What was that!” This is not a listen for young readers (listeners) with so very many veiled references to tightening male breeches, parts springing about and one comical reference to a headboard. It is tastefully done, but be prepared for an Anne you have never met before.

Mr. Collins was always a buffoon, but he takes grand prize in this one for trouble making and gossiping that cause all manner of issues and confusion.

Soooo Good!

I have read the book twice and now the audiobook. Both are laugh-out-loud funny! I never tire of it, and the performance of David Pickering is the icing on the cake. He perfectly executes the bawdy Fitzwilliams and the dry Darcy humour. Such a fun book and the audiobook deliciously brings it all to life.

Hilariously wonderful!

I recommend that you do yourself a great favor and listen to this book!!! I found myself laughing out loud on numerous occasions while enjoying this fantastic P&P variation! I highly recommend it to any and all who love all things Darcy & Elizabeth! David Pickering’s narration was priceless! Bravo!!! I will re-listen to it often when I need a joyous distraction, just as I rewatch favorite movies!!!!

Wonderful!!

Absolutely wonderful what a fun book what a fantastic narrator!! This story is very unusual compared to some of the other pride and prejudice variations but I must say it was great do yourself a favor and listen to this book I think you will agree with me.