Review: What? Elizabeth Bennett marries the last man in the world WE KNOW she should marry?
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 16, 2014
Gail McEwen, one of my very favorite Austenesque writers, takes a brave leap and writes Miss Elizabeth Bennett like I have never seen her before. Unlike Austen’s masterpiece, Elizabeth refuses to read Mr. Darcy’s letter where he explains his dealings with Mr. Wickham --and she chooses to side with the last man in world we all know she should ever marry!It is beyond my comprehension to ever imagine Elizabeth ending up with George Wickham but like a traffic accident, I could not look away. I had to know how she could be so nave, so drawn in by the wrong man and yet be so blind to Mr. Darcy. And was it even possible to rescue a happily ever after from this obvious blunder?Not long after Elizabeth marries Wickham (YES—that is what I said, MARRIES Wickham) she starts having doubts about his authenticity.  And not very long thereafter, does he truly show his thoughtless, selfish and evil ways as a husband. Poor Elizabeth. Her pride keeps her from asking for help from her family and she wastes away, living in London squalor. However, Darcy finds out about her circumstances and blessedly still loves her—beyond comprehension. But can she escape her life she brought on by her blind-faith? And can Darcy accept all that this mistake entails?This was not my favorite of all Gail McEwen’s work but I appreciated the writing style and craft, and the courage casting such an iconic, beloved character in such a vulnerable role. Be forewarned: Austen purist will hate this—but I think those that are not opposed to seeing Darcy and Elizabeth (as well as other Austen characters) fleshed out in unconventional roles, might give this a try. It's definitely a new "what if" you have never encounter before! (3.5-4 stars)