The story of Darcy and Fitzwilliam is of two men who have been life long friends, competitors, relatives. They share little in common. Darcy is elegant, fabulously handsome and meticulous in manner and dress. The other one - well, Colonel Fitzwilliam is a rogue. Rough looking, brawny and possessing enough charm and love of life to sustain him through the years of England's war with France.
Their personal lives cross, with women and babies; feisty old Aunt Catherine is along for the ride. Hope you enjoy!
Reviews:
Both Jane Austen World and Jane Austen Today
“It’s intoxicating. It’s absorbing. It’s excellent.”
THE CALICO CRITIC
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Karen Wasylowski has done a fine job with these Austenian characters. She has stayed true to the original vision of their temperaments, yet brings new aspects of who they are to light. Their witty repartee is always fun, as they regularly jab at each other in non-cynical brotherly ways. Darcy and the Colonel passionately love their women, sometimes going to extremes to protect them and those they love. There is much drama in this narrative, although it doesn’t cross over into melodrama in the least.
There was more than one night when I had trouble putting the book down to go to bed! Being the men who they are, there are a few moments that are a bit PG-13 as far as language and sexual content. I mention this only for those who are particular about these issues or are considering this for young readers. Most of the bedroom material is within the confines of marriage, and Wasylowski doesn’t go overboard with frequent gratuitous moments of intimacy or colorful tirades.
Thank heavens this isn’t some tawdry bodice-ripper with blue dialog every other minute.
Darcy and Fitzwilliam was an enjoyable read. Karen provides an epilogue that occurs decades after the main story, and I think she could easily draft a sequel in the future. I readily enjoyed her treatment of these characters and hope she continues to revisit this world. Her work is page turning, humorous, maddening (Caroline!!) and touching.
This is a fine edition to the ever-growing library of Austenesque novels. It’s definitely a “bromance” worth an Austen fan’s consideration.
LINDA BANCHE REVIEW
Review: DARCY AND FITZWILLIAM: A TALE OF A GENTLEMAN AND AN OFFICER by Karen V. Wasylowski
Laugh until your sides ache and then laugh some more with Karen V. Wasylowski's delicious Darcy and Fitzwilliam: A Tale of a Gentleman and an Officer. This absorbing, fast-moving romp of a book catalogues the often hilarious ups and downs in the enduring affectionate friendship of those brothers-in-spirit, cousins Fitzwilliam Darcy and Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.
I read this entire 481 page book in one day, laughing all the way. Ms. Wasylowski has a good ear for realistic male banter, most of it uproariously funny. The best two lines in the whole novel occur when Darcy and Fitzwilliam reminisce about their youth and the hilariously disgusting things young boys do to each other. I still laugh when I think of those lines.A truly wonderful and original take on Pride and Prejudice. I can't wait for Ms. Wasylowski's next book.
HISTORICAL BOOKS Review
Pride and Prejudice has given contemporary writers of historical fiction an endless source of ideas. Many of these novels of possibilities are very good and honor the original classic, while others are wastebasket material. Karen V. Wasylowski has turned out one of the former, a charming and believable rendering that offers the reader a look at the men in Pride and Prejudice. Austen herself would no doubt welcome Darcy and Fitzwilliam, an amusing and witty interpretation.
Comment below, and include your user name (or some way to make sure that I can contact you) to win a free copy via random drawing! Karen will ship a signed copy of her book to one winner anywhere.
No comments:
Post a Comment