The Darcys & the Bingleys: Pride and Prejudice Continues

A disappointing read to a true Jane Austen Fan/Purist

I am I guess what you would call a Pride and Prejudice/ Jane Austen Purist. I hate it when authors destroy what Jane Austen created over 200 years ago. I have read several continuations of P&P and there has yet to be one that I have read that I have not liked, that was until this one. I tried to read it twice and I could not get beyond chapter 3 of section 2. Ms. Altman has destroyed the characters of Bingley, Darcy, Elizabeth, and Jane. The fact that she has Darcy bring Bingley a copy of the Kauma Sautra shows how little she knows the true characters. I will say the one good part of the whole book was when Darcy and Bingley threw Wickham out of the window. Overall I was extremely disappointed with this book and wish that I had spent more time researching it then I did. Because if I knew then what I know now I never would not have bought it. If you are looking for a good p&p continuation to read then I recommend Darcy's Story or Mr. Darcy's Diary, both do a much better job of staying true to Austen's Style and to the characters that we have come to know and love. I will not be reading any of the sequels in this series or any other book that Ms.Altman writes ever again.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Loved IT

I think this is the book that Linda Bedroll tried to write but failed terribly! This book is more mature as it has much to do with relations, which is a perfect continuation for the sweet Miss Benets that now became wives. This book gives Austen fans a real glimpse into what setttled after the two happy couples rode off in the carriages. I found this book sexy but not erotic or perverse or even pornographic as was "Mr.Darcy takes Wife".
Seriosuly, if you are like me and you hated that book, and you LOVE Pride and Prejudice, this is a great book to follow up with. One of many great sequels.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Humorous with vivid characters

Since it has been over 30 years since reading Jane Austen I'm not real sure of the trueness of this as a continuation. But I really liked it. The plot seemed to float around, more like two separate tales. A very restful curl up with a glass of tea book. Makes me need to go back and read Jane again .

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Really enjoyed it!

I found this story to be a wonderful, light and easy read. It follows the Darcys and Bingleys well after their wedding and is full of humorous dialogue and some nail-biting moments as well. If you are an Austen purist then this is probably not the book for you, but if you love anything P&P related, and are open to just about anything, then you'll enjoy this book!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Not what I was expecting

Ok, so I have to say I am a big fan of Fanfiction and Jane Austen. I have a lot of Pride and Prejudice sequals and when I read and saw this book I pre-ordered it. What a waste. The book was ok for the story, however i wonder if Ms. Altman has every read Jane Austen. The way she depicts the characters is so out of character. I never would have pegged Darcy as a drunk, and Bingley so clueless that he has to go to Darcy about everything. Anyway, the story line was basically about Miss Bingley finding the right husband. Every now and then you saw Jane and Elizabeth. There were parts of the story that were very unbelievable about the Jane Austen's characters.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

The Darcys & the Bingleys meet the Kama Sutra?

Now they had come to it, the moment he dreaded. ¿We are to marry in nearly two days -¿ ¿It has not escaped my notice, I assure you.¿ ¿- and I find myself in need of some . . . advice.¿ Mr. Bingley & Mr. Darcy, The Darcys & the Bingleys And so gentle readers, begins the premise of the latest sequel to Jane Austen¿s novel Pride and Prejudice, entitled The Darcys and The Bingleys. In this debut novel by Marsha Altman the story is centered on the friendship of Charles Bingley and Fitzwilliam Darcy, elevating Mr. Bingley to co-protagonist with his future brother-in-law. We are immediately reconnected to the original story as Charles Bingley, that amiably good natured friend of the commanding Mr. Darcy ruminates over their approaching marriages to the Bennet sisters, Jane and Elizabeth. Endearingly true to character, Mr. Bingley is not quite sure of himself or how to resolve a pressing matter. After much deliberation he determines that his closest friend Mr. Darcy is the best man to approach on the delicate subject of martial relations and entreats his advice. Mr. Darcy responds by presenting him with a wedding gift ¿ `the book¿¿ an illustrated and transcribed ancient Indian text of the Kama Sutra. Not only is Charles Bingley concerned about his wedding night performance, his future bride Jane Bennet is in turn confused and alarmed after the obligatory mother-daughter chat on wifely duties that her mother unloads on her and sister Elizabeth the day before the wedding. Luckily their aunt Mrs. Gardiner was also present to smooth the waters so-to-speak, but even cool and clever Elizabeth is befuddled by the vagueness of the information and asks her fiancé, Mr. Darcy for reassurance. As the invited guests arrive for the wedding, we are re-acquainted with many familiar characters from Pride and Prejudice Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, Rev. Mr. Collins and wife Charlotte, Mr. & Mrs. Bennet and their daughters Kitty and Mary, Lydia Wickham, Anne de Borough who has escaped from Rosings and the clutches of her mother Lady Catherine, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Georgiana Darcy, Mr. & Mrs. Hurst, Caroline Bingley, and one uninvited guest, George Wickham who is unceremoniously pitched out the second floor window of Netherfield Park and into a manure pile by Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley. The men folk then proceed to throw a stag party, and Mr. Darcy has a bit too much to drink. We are also privy to a snipet of the back story on the friendship of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy many years before ¿Netherfield Park is let at last¿ when Pride and Prejudice begins, enlightening us further on their personalities and relationships. Bingley and Darcy became fast friends at Cambridge University after Bingley rescued him from a scandalous situation after their introduction at a faculty soirée. A nineteen-year old Mr. Darcy was deep in his cups, seduced by a disreputable young lady and found in another student¿s dorm room incoherent and disheveled. With Bingley¿s help, the matter was swiftly smoothed over, but since it was so unlike his friend¿s usual reserved manner, he continues to chide him about it whenever he needs to privately put the grand Mr. Darcy of Pemberley in his place. At the conclusion of the wedding ceremony and dinner, the Darcy¿s and the Bingley¿s depart for there respective townhouses in London, and hopefully on to connubial bliss. Like Mr. Darcy¿s new bride Elizabeth, we see a more relaxed and casual husband after the ceremony. This Darcy makes jokes with his new wife. ¿I shall do my best to be an upstanding gentleman, ignoring your presence almost entirely in company, and never endeavour to gaze upon you or whisper private jokes in your ear at parties_ ¿ Her response was to kiss him. Well, to kiss him and to climb on top of him, the ultimate assertion of authority. ¿That is not what I prefer, Mr. Darcy.¿ ¿Then we are in agreement. I will treat you with great love and compassion in front of guests and as a wanton wench i

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Adorable

When people said they laughed out loud I totally didn't believe them. This story was simply wonderful. Darcy was a funny little stiff character who had issues resolving hiw he should act with his wife in public. Bingley really came into his own as a man and the head of his family. Jane and Elizabeth had a wonderful time teasing their husbands. They were all ridiculous in a good way the whole way through. I will really be reading this one again. I just wish it had some saucy scenes ;D

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Highly recommend

I really had fun reading this book. I even laughed out loud a number of times. Recommended reading

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Interesting Quick Read

This book had an interesting take on what happens to the Binglys and Darcys after their marriages. The flashbacks to Darcy and Bingly at University were somewhat entertaining. However, the author needs to do a little more research in a few areas. Most notably, her reference to "Noah's daughters". I'm assuming the author is really referring to the biblical account of Lot and his daughters, since Noah is not on record as having any daughters and there are no accounts of egregious behavior with his three daughter-in-laws, either before or after the flood. Also, her reference to Middle English is not completely correct. Middle English is not the same language as Modern English. There are more differences than just regional dialect and spellings between the two. Middle English, much like Anglo Saxon (Old English), is considered a completely different language. Even with "modernized" spellings, people who are not familiar with Middle English are most likely not going to understand the language.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Light fun for P&P addicts, not purists

If you simply can't get enough of P&P fiction, you'll have some fun with this book. The plot is very improbable but amusing. Hinting at sex more than Jane ever would but not steamy, the romantic scenes bring smiles rather than blushes. The characters are only 2-dimensional versions of the originals and there is too much drunkeness to fit the characters or overall social world that Austen created. The attempt to develop Miss Bingley's story and build a mystery into the tale falls flat. I'd call it a harmless beach read if you can borrow and not buy it.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Could Have Been Better

The writing style was mediocre and the plot very contrived. Nothing that I wouldn't have been able to find on Fanfiction.net written by a fifteen year old

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Loved it

Th story w dynamic and entertaining! Definitely a fun version of life after pride and prejudice.

GOOD READ!

I think Jane Austen would have approved of this sequel to "Pride and Prejudice." I found it to be humorous and a good read.

Perfect!

...love reading about Mr. Dracy and Elizabeth, however this book actually gives u a wonderful insight on Mr. Bingley. It shows u just how these two men know and rely on each other, not only for their sensability, but also for their unbridled humor...at times found myself laughing out loud. The book also gives you a better insight to the love between Mr. and Mrs. Darcy.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Fun read!

I loved this book.

Another twist on Jane Austen

This is another in a variation on a theme for those who can't get enough Jane Austen. It helps to satisfy the question 'what happened next?' It is more personal because we see the characters private moments and that makes them more modern. It is a little racy but in a proper way for the period, and that is interesting. We get to see more of the characters personalities. They become more 'human'. It is interesting and engaging and seems right. I recommend it especially for those who love Jane Austen's books and have grown to love her characters.

Hilariously funny and charming

There is only one regret I have for this book, and it's why did I not read this one sooner? it was hilarious! I heard myself chuckle here and there at almost every other chapter. Darcy and Bingley are central to this book as most of the humor surrounds them and their actions. Sometimes it's their playful banter, other times it's Darcy's wit and his ability to take it out on Charles. Other times...well let's just say when they drink it just gets even more funny. It was a nice side to see to these two men, I've always thought they can't always be so stuffy and formal can they? they have to loosen up sometimes during life! and this book shows the side of the two that you've always wondered about. It's definitely a fun read and a cheerful one.

Aside from the wit and humor, you also see inside of both their marriages and again, it's a different face to the characters you're used to reading in Pride and Prejudice. It's amazing to see both Jane and Elizabeth take charge in their marriages and manage to get their own way when it comes to decisions. I liked seeing Darcy having to give in to Elizabeth's demands although it may seem very uncharacteristic at first as whoever thought Elizabeth could just order Darcy around and have him coiled around her little finger? (I actually never pictured their marriage to be this way but it's not that bad to read). You don't hear much from Lydia or Wickham in this book. Also Mary and Kitty have their own appearances but small ones.

You also get to see a different side from Caroline Bingley (she's still catty, but she's actually got a heart) and that, I think got a little too strange and a little too different. The outcome of Caroline in the novel, is nice but I couldn't really get used to it. Perhaps because with previous Jane Austen spinoffs, Caroline Bingley was always catty, mean, and always had a snide comment here and there as a means of insulting someone "politely". It's just hard to picture her being nice and loving (yes..she was loving believe it or not). It's a different side to Caroline, yes. I suppose it's the author's way of showing that Caroline can be human too.

Aside from that, the other problem I had with this book was there were times where present day English would accidentally appear throughout the dialogue. It does take the realism out of the story just a little bit. The characters and their new different "face" might take a while to get some die hard Austen fans to get used to (perhaps they might cry out sacrilege) but the storyline is wonderful, the humor is great, and I'm really looking forward to more from Marsha Altman's works.

Overall a hilarious read with plenty of fun adventures. It makes you wonder what's going to happen next with the Darcys and the Bingleys. I recommend this book to those in love with Jane Austen spinoffs.

Sweet but Funny

I read The Darcys & the Bingleys in preparation for reading The Plight of the Darcy Brothers. I very rarely will read or review a sequel without previously reading the book that came before. Call it a failing or a compulsion but I literally can't.

The Darcys & The Bingleys is one of my favorite JA sequels that I have read this year. It was hilarious. Darcy and Bingley scamper about, joke and play like two overgrown brothers. That is always something I have wanted to see in a JA sequel. The friendship between Darcy and Bingley is often neglected and I was overjoyed to see it explored in this book. This was also the best Bingley, apart from Austen's of course, that I have seen. He is an interesting character in his own right and I was delighted to see his character explored beyond his role as Darcy's friend and Jane's husband. Some of the situations that Altman had Darcy in, had my falling off my chair in hysterics. I never thought that Darcy would be a good comic character but I guess he is the prototypical "straight" man in the comic team of Darcy and Bingley. My favorite Darcy comic moment had to be him in an opiate haze. Darcy calling Mr. Bingley "Charlie Bungley" was a moment of genius that had me chortling for hours. Drunk Darcy came in a close second. The relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy was also a highlight. They laughed and joked and teased each other. It was the relationship that I always imagined them having.

The other P&P characters were also treated very well by Altman. Jane was absolutely perfect. She was spunky and as witty as Elizabeth. Well maybe not as spunky as Elizabeth.you get my point.Caroline was also given new dimensions in The Darcys & The Bingleys. She gets involved with a scoundrel, falls in love with someone way below her station, and makes a truce with Elizabeth and Jane. Most of the canon characters were improved by Altman's writing and the non-canon characters fit into the P&P world perfectly.

This is one of the best JA sequels I have ever picked up not because it is any truly romantic and heartwarming story (which it is at points) but because it gives each and every character a new facet. I can't wait to start reading The Plight of the Darcy Brothers.

Read the Rebecca Collins series instead

This book was awful. The women, mostly Jane and Elizabeth, seem to have only one purpose for their husband and that to bear children. Darcy is made out to be a nasty, mean and sometimes drunk.

The only very good part of the story is the engagement of caroline bingely to a Mr. Maddox. It changes her to almost a nice person as usual when one falls in love.

SusieQ's words

I laugh and rejoiced with this book. It was pleasant reading. It made me look forward to reading all the sequels.