Thaw

A Pride & Prejudice Forced to Marry Variation

By: Anniina Sjöblom

Narrated by: Lillian Rachel

It is a truth universally acknowledged that one false step can involve a lady in endless ruin. On a rainy November day in 1811, Miss Elizabeth Bennet finds herself wondering why no one ever bothered to tell her about this.

A few blithe steps on a morning walk taken after a succession of rain lead to unexpected events that irrevocably change the course of Elizabeth's life, placing her fate in the hands of the haughty and conceited Mr. Darcy - the last man in the world she had ever thought to marry.

As long winter days slowly pass, she writes letters to her loved ones, trying to come to terms with her new role as a wife and the Mistress of Pemberley. But can she ever learn to love her husband? Will he overcome his arrogant notions of rank and circumstance?

And most importantly - will the shades of Pemberley ever recover from being thus polluted?

This novella is based on the beloved characters of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

©2019 Anniina Sjöblom (P)2020 Anniina Sjöblom

A different take.

having read sooo many Pride and Prejudice reimaginings, this was a fresh and unique take that kept my attention. A wonderful read, especially during cold winter days.

Epistolary Story

I felt pros and cons about the epistolary style of this story. I was kind of annoyed to have no idea what Darcy was thinking and feeling. Were they really arguing, or debating something and he assumed she was enjoying it like he did? I have no idea. It might have been helpful to hear the responses to Elizabeth's letters too, to add more interest.
On the other hand, having just Lizzy's letters also kept the story short and sweet. I was afraid that this might be one of those stories where Darcy is awful to Lizzy and I'd hate slogging through it all. But instead we get frequent updates on Lizzy's life and even though she is unhappy, the letters are often, at least in part, upbeat. She isn't formed for unhappiness so she can find humor in situations that are in fact difficult for her.
I found I could enjoy what there was of this story but had it been longer I fear it would have been too bored with the one sided letter reading.
I listened to the audiobook and I think that helped. The narrator was very good at expressing the feelings of what was written in the letter which helped it feel more alive than just reading it might have.

Fantastic story, strong narration

The story is great. Despite being told entirely through letters written by Elizabeth, you get a strong sense of the action and the uniqueness of the different characters.

The narration was very strong. I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook.

Truly Excellent Story & Narration

I was unsure of enjoying this variation told completely through Elizabeth’s letters to her aunt and to Jane, but this was an amazing story. The author’s ability to recreate the ‘feel’ of Jane Austen’s story is astonishing. And then, she writes these letters to keep the listener eager to find out what happens next. I will be listening to this gem of a variation again and again. Lillian Rachel’s narration is fantastic - I can easily believe it is Elizabeth Bennet writing these letters and her voice ‘reading’ them. Lovely story.

One of my favorite's in Jane Austen Fan Fiction

This story is delightful. The author truly understands Jane Austen and wrote a P&P variation that fits extremely well.

The entire story is told through letters written by Elizabeth. Perfect device as half of P&P itself is told through letters. The wit and humor that marks Elizabeth is very apparent and moves the story along the way it needs to.

What you watch is a young woman trying to make the best of a situation she did not choose nor have any control over. And you watch her slowly learn the true nature of her husband as she falls in love with him.

Anniina Sjöblom writes in such a lovely, understated way that draws the reader in as each letter unfolds.

I own the book on kindle and have read it several times. I decided to get it on audible as well so I could listen to it while driving.

Lillian Rachel does a lovely job narrating. She has a slight lisp that surprised me. It added a trace of vulnerability and inner strength to Elizabeth that really enhanced what was already a well crafted story.

She also did a lovely job of getting the emotions right. Not all narrators do.

All in all, I am extremely impressed with this book and highly recommend it.