The Perfect Bride for Mr Darcy

Simonsen (Searching for Pemberley) spins off another superior Jane Austen homage, retelling Pride and Prejudice from Mr. Darcy's perspective. She makes him much more sympathetic in the process, revealing that where Elizabeth Bennet sees haughtiness and pride, Darcy feels only discomfort from being out of his element. She also improves on the character of his cousin, Anne de Bourgh, by making her the matchmaker who brings Darcy and Elizabeth together when both have despaired of unsnarling their complicated feelings for each other. This offering will entertain those who already know their Austen and Georgette Heyer by heart, as well as fans of old-fashioned romance where bodices stay firmly put and the greatest intimacy is found in eye contact and a few choice words. (Jan.)