Kathleen P. (kathleenmaciver) reviewed An Assembly Such as This (Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
I'm going to post this review for the whole trilogy for all three, since they are all three one story.
I love them. Yes, the story is VERY long, and there are a few aspects of Pamela Aidan's writing style that I don't care for... but I think she did an EXCELLENT job of making these books mesh with Pride and Prejudice. I've got P&P virtually memorized, and they flow so well, it's amazing.
I love the way Darcy's full character comes out, as well as how much more we see of Elizabeth. It is totally understandable why Darcy falls in love with her! The transitions that Darcy goes through between disinterest, to interest, to infatuation, to a lighter love, to anger, to a deeper and truer love are portrayed very, very well, too. I also love the way she brought out the characters of Georgiana, Col. Fitzwilliam, and Mr. Bingley. I like her new characters, too. They fall totally within the bounds of what a man of Mr. Darcy's station was likely to encounter.
Some people criticize the totally new (and slightly wild) plot line in Duty and Desire. I agree that it's out there, but Ms. Aidan had to create some sort of something... some story of what Darcy went through in trying to put Elizabeth from his thoughts. And in this, she did well. I love the way she portrayed what he went through.
Enough said... if you're a P&P fan, read these!
I love them. Yes, the story is VERY long, and there are a few aspects of Pamela Aidan's writing style that I don't care for... but I think she did an EXCELLENT job of making these books mesh with Pride and Prejudice. I've got P&P virtually memorized, and they flow so well, it's amazing.
I love the way Darcy's full character comes out, as well as how much more we see of Elizabeth. It is totally understandable why Darcy falls in love with her! The transitions that Darcy goes through between disinterest, to interest, to infatuation, to a lighter love, to anger, to a deeper and truer love are portrayed very, very well, too. I also love the way she brought out the characters of Georgiana, Col. Fitzwilliam, and Mr. Bingley. I like her new characters, too. They fall totally within the bounds of what a man of Mr. Darcy's station was likely to encounter.
Some people criticize the totally new (and slightly wild) plot line in Duty and Desire. I agree that it's out there, but Ms. Aidan had to create some sort of something... some story of what Darcy went through in trying to put Elizabeth from his thoughts. And in this, she did well. I love the way she portrayed what he went through.
Enough said... if you're a P&P fan, read these!
Helpful Score: 3
It's always fun to know the man's perspective! Mr. Darcy hid his feelings well in Pride and Prejudice, but they are all too obvious in this version. Great novel to read as a parallel to Jane Austen's classic.
Robyn S. (handyrae) reviewed An Assembly Such as This (Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I kept picking this book up and putting it down during the first half, as it did move rather slowing, especially (and strangely) in the parts where Darcy was pining for Elizabeth. Fortunately, I persevered did enjoy the books second half and found Darcys world in London quite fascinating. This book is very much written in Jane Austins style and it does take a while to get into the rhythm of the sentences. Like Austins Pride & Prejudice, I had some difficulty understanding the dialogue, and the mores of the time were frequently opaque to my modern sensibilities. In this regard, I was disappointed as I had hoped that Aiden would be in the position to bridge the gulf between Regency Britain and her 21st century readers. As a result, I was never really able to feel Darcys humanity his thoughts and reactions were so foreign to me that he seemed like a perfectly turned-out caricature of a stiff upper lip 19th century English gentleman, but never a real flesh and blood man. But we all know theres a real man in there somewhere, and Im looking forward to finally finding him in the second and third installments of Aidens trilogy.
Michelle B. (sdshellybean) reviewed An Assembly Such as This (Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman, Bk 1) on + 51 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
First book of a trilogy, Pride and Prejudice from Darcy's point of view. I thought it was very good. Darcy and Bingley gain extra dimension while Elizabeth is still a vague sketch (though this is understandable since Darcy at this point has little contact with her). Well-researched (fun historical details about clothing: wetted down dresses, intricate cravat knots, and shot-silk waistcoats abound) and well-written. I'm looking forward to the rest of this series!
Christy S. reviewed An Assembly Such as This (Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Book #1 in the "Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman" series. A faithful retelling of the "Pride & Prejudice" story from Darcy's POV. I thoroughly enjoyed this series!
Brandi F. (Fitzysmom) reviewed An Assembly Such as This (Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman, Bk 1) on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
If you loved Pride and Prejudice you'll really like this as well. It feels like you are just getting more of the story! Can't wait to read the next in the series.
Angela H. (brideofspoon) reviewed An Assembly Such as This (Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman, Bk 1) on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent read! This book keeps very well with the spirit of Pride and Prejudice. I couldn't put it down from start to finish. I enjoyed reading more about Darcy from his point of view. It added more detail to the general picture I have of Darcy as a flawed but sympathetic hero.
Rebecca M. (Becci) -
Helpful Score: 1
I'm actually never sure that any sequel to a much beloved book is ever as good as the original. It reminds me of the movie never lives up to the book line of thinking. However, I have to give the author some credit here because at least she didn't make it too much the same. There was enough introduction of new characters to keep it interesting. I am looking forward to reading the other 2 books to see if the new characters become fully developed or if they are still window dressings for book 1.
All in all, a very readable book. Not a stress on the mind to read and completed easily.
All in all, a very readable book. Not a stress on the mind to read and completed easily.
Elle S. (ElleS) reviewed An Assembly Such as This (Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman, Bk 1) on + 112 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I liked this book alot- it is seen thru Darcy's eyes- I would have liked to hear and think his thoughts alittle more when he meets Lizzie- and her family- I would have like it more like the entire book that Jane Austen wrote to be written the same- only thru Darcy's eyes and voice.
It was enjoyable just the same.
It was enjoyable just the same.
Kathie F. (KatFuds56) reviewed An Assembly Such as This (Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman, Bk 1) on + 42 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Very well done.
Beth K. reviewed An Assembly Such as This (Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
If you are a fan of Pride and Prejudice, this is a great book!! This book takes you through the same time period, but through Darcy's eyes!! I am a huge Jane Austin fan and loved this book!!
Sandra M. reviewed An Assembly Such as This (Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman, Bk 1) on + 29 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
for devoted Jane Austen readers who want to know more about Darcy thisis an engrossing read.
Jenny (Jenny) -
Well-written with lots of period detail, Aidan successfully fleshes out the character of Darcy and Bingley and adds some interesting characters of her own. Splitting the P&P story into a trilogy is sort of silly, as this volume doesn't stand on its own as a single novel. Oh well, I'm wish-listed for the other two books in the series...
Tina M. reviewed An Assembly Such as This (Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
a lot of this book is just a repeat. I actually lost interest about half way thru it. i am not impressed at all with this. it was a big dissappointment
Melissa A. (areadingwoman) reviewed An Assembly Such as This (Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman, Bk 1) on + 30 more book reviews
I love this series. Aidan is faithful to Austen's voice, but her male characters are more involved than Austen's female characters are. It's nice to see what happens to the proud Darcy when he decides to not love Elizabeth. However, there are so many additional characters added at the end of book one, that unless you read book two directly after finishing one you will forget who is who. I waited a year before getting book two and had to re-read book one just to know what was going on.
Lucy V. (punkee) reviewed An Assembly Such as This (Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
Very similar to a book that Janet Aylmer wrote called Darcy's Story.
