There is nothing better than curling up on the couch with your friends and watching Kiera Knightly try not to laugh at “what excellent boiled potatoes” for the tenth time. Needless to say I LOVE Pride and Prejudice, and a few years ago, I stumbled upon a new way to get my P&P fix: variations.
What is a Pride and Prejudice Variation?
First of all, what is a Pride and Prejudice variation? Well, it is basically published Jane Austen fanfiction! Considering her novels were written at the beginning of the nineteenth century, Austen’s six books are in the public domain, aka no copyright issues! Because of this and the fact that some of us cannot get enough of her unique heroines and broody heroes there is a teeny tiny genre of books that dub themselves variations of the author’s most popular novel. They are classified as variations because they generally stick to the same major plot points and characters of the story but will change certain details.
For example, the first one I ever read explored what would have happened if Elizabeth had said yes to Mr. Darcy’s first proposal. There is a lot of room to move around moments and people within the classic story while keeping what makes the story and characters so enchanting. So if you are intrigued by this, here are some of my favorite Pride and Prejudice variations.
My Favorite Pride and Prejudice Variations!
The first variation I think you should read is the one I mentioned above, the first one I ever read. It is called Unequal Affections by Lara S. Ormiston. This book explores how events would have played out if Elizabeth had realized Mr. Darcy’s first offer of marriage was the best she was ever going to receive, so she accepted. Lizzy must reconcile the man who claims to love her with the one she believed hated her just as in the original novel. Darcy must either resign himself to a marriage of unequal affections, or make his betrothed fall in love with him. I enjoyed this book because it explores the steps Darcy takes to change as opposed to it all happening “off screen.” Definitely a great place to start!
Another amazing variation (or vagary as they are sometimes called) is Mr. Darcy’s Abducted Bride by Julie Cooper. While the title may seem a little concerning, it is Darcy that is doing the rescuing, not the true abducting. In this short novella, Mrs. Bennet drugs Elizabeth in an attempt to get her to marry Mr. Collins. Darcy happens upon them on the way to the church and immediately understands what is going on and he saves Elizabeth. Unfortunately (or fortunately) now he is alone in a carriage with a woman he is in love with who thinks he hates her but circumstances will most likely force them to marry (and it does). A short and sweet one!
You know in a show or a movie when two people are arguing and it is getting pretty intense and all of the sudden they kiss and it is the best thing ever? Well that is exactly what happens in Why I Kissed You by Christine Combe. Dacry kisses Elizabeth during their argument after his botched proposal at Rosings Park, but they are seen forcing them to get married. This one is just so fun because they have to truly get to know one another while already being married, I just love it!
These are just the tip of the iceberg! There are hundreds of these little gems floating around out there, especially if you have Kindle Unlimited. I hope you love them as much as I do and happy reading!