Contents:
It for sure takes work. Krosoczka turned to art to make some sense of his feelings about his family life. Luckily for him, his grandparents supported his passion: Their help in putting him through art school has resulted in almost 40 books with his drawings. This mostly hand-drawn book is filled with family history, artifacts from the past, and heart. In it, she chronicles her teenaged struggle with depression and feelings of isolation. At her prep school, her realization that she is a lesbian has so far been met with silence, which makes her nervous about approaching her parents, because they already seem to mostly ignore her.
But it was nice having him around. Not just because of the pressure that I should be taller and more charming by now, but because by the age of sixteen, Aurora had already snagged her happy ending, and her story was over. Thanks to Liberwriter, I can spend my time writing instead of banging my head against the wall. And when it comes to e-pub files, formatting, and the like, I did enough banging my head for help. Now, when I have a problem I email Liberwriter — end of problem.
I can honestly say I move from project to project. After all, a writer must write so he can be heard around the globe! LiberWriter is the best! I had been trying to format my manuscript on my own for weeks with no success; one problem after another. They were friendly, professional and accessible and my book was formatted and ready to be uploaded to Kindle in two days. He learns from a maid that Elizabeth is not abed but busy with estate affairs early in the morning. When did she take up the reins of household management?
In this story there are some other happenings with secondary characters: Richard is smitten, Miss Temple tells of her lost love, Charlotte offers advice and Elizabeth solicits Lady Catherine for some help.
Darcy was going to place our Elizabeth at Pemberley and she was going to be forgotten basically like an annoying gnat. Funny how all that changed with her "coming of age". I want to reread this and soon. I did so enjoy it. I know I do not deserve it, I have done you a thousand wrongs, but be generous, please. Such a delightful story View all 32 comments.
Jun 22, Sophia rated it it was amazing Shelves: I was well pleased when this one was chosen for me during one of our reading group challenges. I have truly wanted to read it since I heard of it, but Anyhoo, there was a lot of talk for this one and I started to get high expectations as a result. Let me end the suspense, this book more than lived up to the talk and expectations. First of all, this truly is a coming of age story. No little mild awkwardness and barely any flaws pretending to be coming of age stuff.
I I was well pleased when this one was chosen for me during one of our reading group challenges. It was painful to read because it was the real, conflicted, unstable stuff of a teenage girl who just lost her beloved father and her world is coming apart when she gets caught up in the repercussions of a scandal.
It is also painful because a young man who a little older, is no less troubled must face unrequited love and betrayal by two people close to him only to be saddled by a wild, unbridled petulant mess of a young female. And then, it doesn't just poof and vanish. Early mistakes and trauma stay with this pair for a long time to come. My heart was breaking and I had to take breaks with other fluffy rabbits and rainbows stories between.
But I kept coming back because of the masterful handling of the story and characters the author wrote. All that was worth it because, sa-woon, oh so swoon on the finish which still had outbursts of conflict and angst. I enjoyed the long denouement that was a good counter-balance for all that came before.
I'm just going to toss this in. I'm not one for high-angst these days. But then authors started abusing it with the manipulative stuff and the undo angst that was not organic in the story- just there as filler. The Coming of Age of Elizabeth Bennet gave me new hope that an angsty story can still appeal to me.
View all 15 comments. It's another one of my favorite posts of the year!
Thank you to all of my Goodreads friends who have already visited to share your comments. I love reading your comments! View all 7 comments. Jun 09, Joana Starnes rated it it was amazing Shelves: An amazing, gripping story, so poignant, so full of deep, human, wrenchingly real emotion!
She feels lost in a suddenly alien world and, in her overwhelming hurt that comes at the most vulnerable and unsettling age, she naively makes a decision that would alter her entire life. She runs away from home, only to be rescued quite dramatically from very dangerous circumstances by a year-old Fitzwilliam Darcy, and thanks to a spiteful acquaintance this sparks a scandal that leads to their early marriage. I loved how he vacillated between wanting to throttle the fiery year-old Elizabeth and showing his true nature with thoughtful gestures of kindness the Haddon and Pemberley dinner scenes were so adorable!
I loved the relationship Elizabeth established with the matriarch of Haddon Hall and especially that the Countess was not glossed into a picture of perfection and, while extremely kind to Elizabeth, she still maintained some very realistic and very strong class prejudices. How he became the brother she never had, and the unwavering support that Darcy was not there to give her, particularly in a dreadful circumstance that could have ruined them all. It was also a huge relief to see Elizabeth and Darcy reacting so sensibly to angst-y moments that could have caused a great deal of pain if misinterpreted and blown out of proportion.
They were hurt, but had the good sense to explore the hidden meanings and talk to each other, rather than fly into temper tantrums and jump to conclusions. I could have honestly strangled young Mr Darcy for his domineering manner and especially for deserting his young wife for such a length of time — 3 years?? What was he thinking? But I can see that he had to be absent for very long, otherwise Elizabeth would not have had the chance to grow into the poised and capable mistress of Pemberley he found on his return.
From his return, it was unstoppable delight. Mr Darcy was faced with the startling revelation that the hellion had matured into a perfectly behaved young woman who could deliver an impeccable set-down quite as smoothly and effectively as he. A poised lady of the house who takes no nonsense from anyone, least of all himself. And moreover, shockingly attractive. Their gradual opening towards each other was wonderful to read and deeply moving. To all this, add exquisite Regency language and beautifully crafted prose and you have an absolute must-read.
I could keep listing so many scenes and nuances I loved, but I really should let you discover them for yourself. View all 8 comments. Aug 13, Talia rated it it was amazing. This is my new all-time-favorite JAFF book. I just loved it. Elizabeth was everything I always want her to be and more. The author got everything exactly right. I loved her first book so much but this one blew me away.
There is nothing I would change except that she only has two books.
Thank you so much for sharing your talent. May 31, J. Garrett rated it it was amazing Shelves: It was so perfect in conveying a younger version of ODG [our dear girl] Elizabeth. To readers of this story…you cannot speed read this. I tried to speed read through a scene I assumed would be tedious and missed several important facts and had to go back and reread the scene again.
Besides, in the very last chapter Darcy reflects back on these early scenes. When our story opens, ODG is a mere child [small for her age] of 15 years grieving over the loss her father, her rock, foundation, source of comfort and companion. Though she was not the son they longed for, he delighted in her abilities, willingness to learn, her quick mind and wit and she soon became his favorite. All that changed with his death. His beloved study and estate was now the province of their odious cousin the elder Mr. He had the entail and all the Bennet ladies has to remove themselves from his house as soon as they could.
Darcy of Pemberley, Derbyshire. It was too much for her sensibilities and in her youthfulness she made foolish and rash decisions that would change her life forever. Most children [myself included] at some time or another have contemplated or attempted to run away. They simply run as fast and as far away from the problem as they can.
There is no reasoning, rationale or awareness of consequences, their basic gut instinct is to simply run…and that is what she did. Elizabeth was no different. This work was the coming of age of Elizabeth Bennet. Williams allowed us to walk with her as she traveled through the crucial periods of her life. I liked how Ms. Williams took us through those stages in chunks. We were there when Elizabeth finally realized that if she wanted things to be different, then she had to be different.
When she became Mistress of Pemberley, she did not have Mrs. Reynolds and the servants welcoming her with open arms, she had to earn their respect and loyalty. I loved the nods to other Austen works. Those little nuggets were a delightful surprise when I would come across them interspersed throughout this work. Williams was creative in how she used Austen dialogue and scenes from canon and moved and adjusted them to fit in this adaption.
Such surprises were thrilling whenever I would encounter them. The transitions were smooth and seamless. We have the Fitzwilliam family at Matlock. I loved the Countess Matlock. Our dear Colonel Fitzwilliam and his mother were a hoot. She was a powerhouse to be reckoned with and was a big help to Elizabeth throughout her life. After the eldest son and heir to Matlock made disastrous financial decisions that could have ruined the Fitzwilliam family, Darcy had to go to the Indies in order to sort it out and redistribute the family fortunes into safer ventures.
Our dear Colonel stayed at Pemberley and looked after Georgiana and Elizabeth. The Bingley connection occurred while Darcy was the Indies. How delicious she was in her attempts to garner his favor. The dialogue was different but still funny. The younger Collins was nearing taking his orders into the clergy and had turned his eye toward taking Jane as wife. Williams was so creative in getting him out of Hertfordshire and into the benevolence and condescension of Lady Catherine de Bourgh who needed to fill the living in her gift.
The rest, as they say…was canon. Wickham was a rake and scoundrel of the highest order. Everything he thought Darcy owned or coveted he attempted to taint or destroy. He was awful, nothing was sacred to him…profligate, gamester, seducer, and the list goes on. The reveal to the depths of his seduction was a shocker and a…not too graphic sex scene…but close enough that will raise eyebrows and an OMG moment. This was why I cautioned readers to not speed read. Those early encounters, that set things in motion, were due in part to what happened right here.
This is long enough. If the other reviewers and I have not convinced you to read this, nothing will. Just take it slow as it is worth it. I would have liked an epilogue to know what happened to everyone and there were those pesky editing problems. View all 4 comments. Bennet passed away he made arrangements for Elizabeth to live at Pemberley with his good friend George Darcy and be raised alongside the eleven-year-old Georgiana.
But Elizabeth wants none of it! She goes to Pemberley most unwillingly, and in a desperate attempt to avoid this preordained fate she runs away…repeatedly. Malicious rumors start to spread and both Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam are forced into an unlikely situation to protect both their reputations.
What a surprising and inventive premise! Such an early meeting for our hero and heroine. And what a unique twist for Elizabeth to lose her father at such a young age. I absolutely adore how Ms. Williams portrayed Darcy and Elizabeth at these younger ages. At fifteen, Elizabeth is a spiky, rough-around-the-edges firebrand with unchecked impudence and unpolished manners. Meanwhile, Darcy is a young buck newly entered into society — finding his identity, getting into some small scrapes, and experiencing his first feelings of infatuation.
I thought these youthful portrayals were well-crafted and believable. They are different from the Darcy and Elizabeth we know in Pride and Prejudice. They have flaws and sometimes act negatively because of their of pain, loneliness and insecurities. It was interesting to observe how both Mr. The dynamic between Darcy and Elizabeth is very distinctive in this variation. Not only does Elizabeth detest Mr. Darcy, but he very much feels the same way.
Tempers flaring, heated blowouts, indifferent coldness, and silent treatments — you begin to wonder if Darcy and Elizabeth will ever become friends, understand each other, and overcome their past discords! It was thrilling to be in suspense about how their relationship would evolve and if and when they would finally come together. Williams deserves much praise for her skillful construction and brilliant execution throughout this novel. I thought she represented Darcy and Elizabeth respectfully and tapped into their emotions and experiences very perceptively and sympathetically.
I loved the unexpected series of events, the heart-wrenching scenes of conflict, the fragile instances of softening, and the achingly beautiful moments where love is realized and sought. This is definitely a story to become completely emotionally wrapped up in and consumed with! I loved how Ms. Williams portrayed other characters in this earlier timeline and premise. It was interesting to see how characters like Mr. Collins, George Wickham, and Caroline Bingley came into play!
I also adored Ms. Bingley my husband might complain about feeling neglected while this book consumed my every thought!! The Coming of Age of Elizabeth Bennet is a sensitive, unconventional, and deeply emotional tale that is incredibly captivating and exquisitely designed!
It is most definitely not one to be missed! Jun 25, Mary rated it it was amazing Shelves: It kinda says it all. Dear reader, Imagine,if you will,a fifteen year old Elizabeth Bennet,favourite child of her most beloved father,happily ensconced in a loving, boisterous family of seven, suddenly about to be wrenched from all she holds dear,placed within the confines of a large, stately manor,under the guardianship of a total stranger,far removed from her remaining family,and suffering f It's 2: Dear reader, Imagine,if you will,a fifteen year old Elizabeth Bennet,favourite child of her most beloved father,happily ensconced in a loving, boisterous family of seven, suddenly about to be wrenched from all she holds dear,placed within the confines of a large, stately manor,under the guardianship of a total stranger,far removed from her remaining family,and suffering from the grievous effects of losing the parent she held most dear,a parent who arranged these set of incomprehensible consequences shortly before his death.
Imagine the inner turmoil, anger and indeed rebellious spirit that would be roused in such circumstances and you understand immediately why she chose to flee, to run away from everything that was now occurring in this new unreality of hers,to Imagine also,if you will,a young twenty three old,arrogant,spoilt Mr F Darcy,heir to Pemberley,a man who still heeds the advice of his father,still needs guidance and yet, seeks to prove that he can stand on his own two feet and act independently,waiting patiently for a chance to prove such.
When said Mr D is offered this chance,and sets off to find E,what unfolds changes forever the lives of these independent characters and weaves and unites their destiny into one.
This is a coming of age story that chronicles my early years growing up in inner- city, Brooklyn, New York amidst the turbulent, racially and socially explosive. Jesse's touching memoir “Away From My Mother's Watchful Eye a coming of age story” chronicles his experiences growing up in inner-city Brooklyn, New York.
You can imagine then,dear reader,the histrionics,the teenage and early adulthood tantrums that seem an all too daily occurrence within the hallowed walls of P. You will understand too,why,when given the opportunity,F Darcy in turn flees,to Scotland initially,and then to the West Indies. When he returns from his sojourn,after a period of some three years,what he encounters amazes and intrigues him.
The source of such feelings? Why Mrs Darcy,nee Bennet of course,who has now thrown off the mantel of rebellious teen to envelop herself in the title,appearance and role of Mistress of Pemberley. The tendrils of new love and tender understanding that slowly begin to grow between these two fiery,spirited strangers,is to touching to read. The fear of being cast aside,of not being accepted,of not being allowed entry into the other's heart,of there being another who holds a prominent position in said heart was so understandable given the circumstances that these two virtual strangers,married in name only,find themselves.
The love story that unfolds is so beautifully scripted,so enthralling,so utterly compelling,that you could very happily find yourself sleep deprived,hungry and isolated from the outside world, while reading this tale. There were so many aspects of this story that I loved,too numerous to mention here,but I will add that the scene where E is asked to dance by Mr Burton,stands out. While she refused his offer,she accepted the reality that were she Elizabeth Bennet,and not Mrs Darcy,she had probably,just then, met her future husband.
She could envision their dance,their shared smiles, conversations,walks and utter enjoyment of being in each other's company, the inevitable courtship request and marriage proposal,the enviable position of being loved by another,of being held in the arms of a friend,lover and helpmate All this she had never experienced,and sadly,slowly,she realised,she never would. The way this was portrayed by Caitlin almost made me cry. The fact that Elizabeth denounced the name Mrs Elizabeth Darcy,as a non entity made her situation all the more tragic,for what she said,in reality was true.
Words cannot do justice to the overall merits of this book,you must simply read it for yourself,to fully understand why other reviewers have waxed so lyrically about it! I loved it and urge all readers to spend time with these wonderful characters. You will laugh,you may cry,but you will not regret choosing this tale and whiling away the hours wondering what will befall Elizabeth,Darcy,Col Fitz,Ms Temple and Georgiana.
I received this book from a friend of mine ,whom I met on GR. Thank you for this wonderful gift!! Jun 02, Debbie Brown rated it it was amazing Shelves: I really loved this. I was hooked from the opening pages, which quickly establish that this is a very, very unique variation of Pride and Prejudice. Both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are 5 years younger. Darcy is still alive; unfortunately, Mr. The surviving Bennet family is splitting up, with Jane to live with the Gardiners in London, and Mrs.
Bennet to live in a cottage in Meryton along with Mary, Kitty and Lydia. Bennet made specific arrangements with his good friend, the se I really loved this. Bennet made specific arrangements with his good friend, the senior Mr. Darcy, for Elizabeth to be taken to Pemberley and raised as his ward alongside his children, Georgiana and Fitzwilliam. As the book begins, Elizabeth is reeling from the grief of her father's death and the betrayal she feels in being forced to separate from the rest of her family and live miles from them with people she's never met.
Since she is an immature year-old tomboy, she runs off rather than peacefully acceding to her father's last wishes for her. Fitzwilliam, who is 24, quickly volunteers to go after her and unwisely pursues her on his own. A succession of events leads to him being observed at an inn alone in a room with Elizabeth. Rumors immediately start flying, and in order to avoid a scandal attached to the revered Darcy name, Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam reluctantly marry each other.
Rather than receiving lessons from Miss Temple, the governess originally hired to teach both her and Georgiana, Elizabeth's first entrance to Pemberley is as the newly wed Mrs. Darcy even though she isn't much more than a child herself. The story that follows is heartbreaking and believable.