Fandom: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Pairing:
Length: novel-length
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: Derbyshire Writer's Guild
Why this must be read:

Very few words in fic are devoted to Mr (or Mrs) Hurst, no doubt because they receive the same treatment from their creatrix. Jane Austen uses the Hursts as one of the many examples of How Not to Marry. But sometimes there is, in fact, more to a story than anyone – even its author – ever realises. And in this tale, Mr Hurst is about to set you straight on a number of subjects. Firstly, that he’s never as drunk as he seems.

Esther’s Gilroy Hurst is an observant and amusing narrator, and he has the good sense to develop a tendre for my favourite secondary character, Charlotte Lucas. He revels in foibles and ridiculousness – his and everyone else’s – whilst disclosing to us, his dear readers, what really happened in Pride and Prejudice. By turns silly, bawdy, tender, and wise, The Life and Opinions of Gilroy Hurst, Gentleman shows us just how badly Jane Austen got it wrong. Oh, and we finally discover where The Beatles got some of their most famous lyrics.

The Life and Opinions of Gilroy Hurst, Gentleman

Fandom: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Pairing: Elizabeth/Darcy
Length: 12,000 words
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: Derbyshire Writer's Guild
Why this must be read:

When it comes to fic, I think I’m something of a voyeur. I enjoy examining events and relationships through the eyes of connected but peripheral characters. Sarah’s Story is a sequel told from the point of view of Sarah, who moves from Longbourn upon Lizzy’s marriage in order to be her lady’s maid. What follows is a relatively short but extremely poignant story of confidences, loyalty, and love of more than one sort. I’m not ashamed to say that the first time I read it, I cried a little. And with every subsequent reading it still leaves a small ache in my heart.

Sarah's Story

Fandom: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Pairing: Elizabeth/Darcy
Length: novel-length
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: Jan H's Story Page
Why this must be read:

Jan H’s Sins of the Fathers caused quite a stir when it debuted at the DWG and Mrs Darcy’s site. It has the distinction of being both a ‘what if’ and an FWC tale. Although there exist several stories wherein the parentage of one or more characters is called into question, Jan’s premise is entirely unique. What if, when Lady Catherine visited Elizabeth at Longbourn, she imparted more information than simply her ire at ‘the upstart pretensions of a young woman without familiy, connections, or fortune’? There is much angst to be had in this story which examines the questions: who are you if you’re not who you thought you were; and how do you stop yourself from loving someone?

(I've rated this R for thematic rather than sexual content.)

Sins of the Fathers

Fandom: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Pairing: Elizabeth/Darcy
Length: approximately 20,000 words
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: The Derbyshire Writer's Guild
Why this must be read:

In the first 'what if' fic this month, mariafaith poses the question: what if Darcy and Lizzy were to meet in London immediately following their acrimonious parting in Kent? She provides us with insight into Darcy’s feelings and wishes, something the intolerably cruel Miss Austen seldom did, as well as Elizabeth’s. In the space of an evening and a morning, tentative hope flowers and is crushed by misunderstanding, much is discussed, and the end is, in fact, only the beginning.

The Theater in May

Hello, I’m tree, and I’ll be driving the Literary Fandoms van for August. I have been ridiculously excited waiting for this month to roll around so I could pimp fic for one of my favourite novels, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

I find that Pride and Prejudice fanfic generally falls within three categories:

1. sequels to the novel
2. what if? stories (where some element of the original narrative is altered and hijinks ensue)
3. modern retellings

And, of course, there are always the fics that don’t fit into these categories, like fantasy/scifi stories, FWC (F**ck with Canon) tales, movie!fic, etc. So this month I’ll be offering fics in each category, as well as one or two of the ‘other’ persuasion.

As JAFFs are rarely rated, I’ve done my best to choose the appropriate ratings for these fics, but if anyone disagrees I’m happy to change them.

Fandom: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Pairing: Elizabeth/Darcy
Length: novel-length
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: The Derbyshire Writer's Guild
Why this must be read:

Lucy has several fics archived at the Derbyshire Writer’s Guild, but this is definitely my favourite. Generally I’m a stickler for grammar and spelling, and Lucy has some serious issues with homonyms which can be a bit distracting, but overall her writing is so charming that even my inner grammar maven can overlook the errors.

The story opens a few months after the wedding of Lizzy and Darcy. Its plot is quite large in scope – incorporating both characters from the novel as well as original characters – but maintains focus and interiority upon its main characters. While by no means explicit, Lucy manages to imbue Lizzy and Darcy’s more intimate moments with an eroticism I think many smut authors would envy. Filled with family and friends, love and romance, reconciliation and just a hint of scandal, Summer at Pemberley is a lovely, satisfying read.


Summer at Pemberley

I have now come to the end of my recs this month. I would just like to note that some of the best fics for Pride and Prejudice are not online. Since Austen's works are no longer copyrighted, authors may use her characters in their own stories for profit. Pamela Aidan's Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman series is particularly well done. There are many others floating around out there that are well worth a look.

Now, back to the regularly scheduled recs:

Fandom: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Pairing: Elizabeth Darcy née Bennet/Fitzwilliam Darcy
Length: 25,000 words
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: The Republic of Pemberley

Why this must be read:

This is another story that takes place after Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth's marriage. In this case, Darcy is thinking about reconciling with his aunt, Lady Catherine. He invites an old friend of his to come stay at Pemberley, knowing that this friend and his wife associate with his aunt socially. Complications ensue.

I like and enjoy this story even though I have a small problem with Elizabeth's characterization in it. Elizabeth is known for her liveliness and for her refusal to be cowed by any who think themselves superior. However, in this story, Elizabeth is a bit more timid. True, she is in a situation that is new and different to her. Love makes people do strange things and react oddly at times, after all.

Aside from that quibble, this is an excellent story. Indeed, I would recommend all of Lou's stories at the Republic of Pemberley. (The P&P fic archive for that site can be found here.) This story just goes to show that a good marriage does not just happen. It takes work; joyful work, true, but work nonetheless. Highly recommended.

* * *

( Excerpt )

Her Bonnet So Blue

( Update January 2012 )

Fandom: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Pairing: Caroline Bingley/George Wickham
Length: 25,000 words
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: The Derbyshire Writers' Guild

Why this must be read:

You are probably staring at the pairing in disbelief. Even an Austen slash pairing would be more believable than that! But, to my surprise, this story is rather fun, humorous, and yes, slightly even believable. True, George Wickham turns out to be not quite so awful as the book paints him, and true, his reformation is rather sudden, but such characterization concerns did not keep me from thoroughly enjoying this lighthearted story.

The premise is this: Caroline Bingley is quite depressed over the engagement of Jane Bennet to her brother, Mr. Darcy's refusal to interfere in said engagement, and the fact that Mr. Darcy is no nearer to proposing to her. (Obviously, some canon events have been changed around.) She tries to drown her sorrows in drink to no avail. Then to top everything, Darcy becomes engaged to the presumptuous Elizabeth Bennet. During all this, she meets Mr. Wickham at an assembly to celebrate her brother's engagement, and he persists in bothering her constantly. They form an unlikely friendship, and one thing leads to another.

To tell any more would spoil the story. Go read it and enjoy.

* * *

( Excerpt )

Caroline's Courtship

There is also an unfinished and, alas, apparently abandoned sequel entitled A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Bath.

Fandom: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Pairing: Elizabeth Bennet/Fitzwilliam Darcy
Length: 70,000 words
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: The Derbyshire Writers' Guild

Why this must be read:

This story may seem to some to stretch Elizabeth Bennet's characterization to the breaking point, but it works surprisingly well. The premise of the tale is that Elizabeth prudently accepts Mr. Darcy's first proposal at Hunsford. She does not love him, but nor is she following purely mercenary motives. She does realize, however, that she would be foolish to reject such a man.

Both Elizabeth and Darcy thus enter their marriage without truly knowing the other. Darcy thinks Elizabeth loves him, and Elizabeth thinks Darcy is a proud, selfish man who ruined Jane Bennet's and Mr. Wickham's separate chances of happiness. Some of Elizabeth's fears about Darcy do come to pass, as he still wants to keep Bingley and Jane separated, and he discourages Elizabeth from visiting her relatives. (They are in trade, which is decidedly outside of Darcy's social sphere.)

Slowly, their eyes are opened, and well... I don't want to give it away. Both Darcy and Elizabeth are in character, as are all the secondary and tertiary characters. Certain events from the novel inevitably happen even with the changes, and it is fascinating how a prudent motive can affect so much and yet still have the characters learn the same necessary lessons. This story is a good read, and alert readers will note that the author does quote the novel a bit. Overall, this fic is well worth your time.

* * *

( Excerpt )

The Prudent Motive

Fandom: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Pairing: Elizabeth Darcy née Bennet/Fitzwilliam Darcy
Length: 3,000 words
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Skylar's FFN Profile

Why this must be read:

This hilarious short story is told in epistolary form and details a series of letters between Elizabeth and her new husband Fitzwilliam Darcy while he is away on business. Elizabeth challenges her husband to write her a love letter, but she imposes certain stipulations on said letter. He dutifully replies, but she then declares that his love letter does not fit within the parameters she originally laid down. They banter back and forth through the letters as to what constitutes a love letter and about their relationship.

I have to admit I laughed out loud several times reading this story. We know Elizabeth is witty, but Fitzwilliam is also shown to possess a sly humor. Though the author is no Jane Austen (who is, after all?) the character voices are spot-on and the humor is nigh perfect. Highly recommended.

Note that I include a link to the sequel, entitled "Mr. Darcy's Homecoming." It is quite humorous as well and brings about a satisfying conclusion to "The Battle of the Letters." Also, check out Skylar's other P&P fics, for they are all excellent.

* * *

( Excerpt )

The Battle of the Letters

Mr. Darcy's Homecoming

( Update January 2012 )

Fandom: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Pairing: Elizabeth Bennet/Fitzwilliam Darcy
Length: 12,000 words
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: The Derbyshire Writers' Guild

Why this must be read:

The Jane Austen fandom has some stories of the supernatural variety, but they are not nearly as numerous as, say, modern-day retellings of Pride and Prejudice. Most authors, however, stick to the book and the Regency era and write what-ifs. What if Mary Bennet instead of Charlotte Lucas had married the odious Mr. Collins? What if Mr. Darcy had explained himself better at the Netherfield Ball or during his proposal at Hunsford Cottage? What if Lady Catherine had not gone to Elizabeth to demand that she not marry Mr. Darcy, but instead went straight to her nephew? The possibilities are endless, as, it seems, are the stories.

This story is also a what-if, but not in the traditional sense, for it also adds in a supernatural element. One would think it would not work well, but it does. In the book, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth meet for the first time at an assembly in Meryton, where he subsequently snubs her--much to his later frustration and dismay--and fixes within her a dislike for him that only grows with time. The entire book of Pride and Prejudice depends upon their first poor impressions and subsequent misunderstandings of each other.

But their meeting does not quite go that same way in this story. The day of the assembly begins inauspiciously for both Darcy and Elizabeth, and strange occurrences follow them throughout the day. Both recognize the strange, albeit minor, happenings as omens, but omens of what?

The payoff at the end is worth the story. This tale is not long; it will take all of twenty minutes to read it, but it's well worth it. Highly recommended.

* * *

( Excerpt )

Omens

Fandom: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Pairing: Anne de Bourgh/Colonel Fitzwilliam
Length: 158,000 words
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Elegant Extracts

Why this must be read:

Anne de Bourgh is a almost a non-entity in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. She does not speak at all in the novel and is described as "thin and small" and "sickly and cross." With a mother like Lady Catherine de Bourgh, it's a wonder she wasn't worse than that! On the other hand, Colonel Fitzwilliam is a fascinating character to readers and fic writers alike. I've seen him paired with Caroline Bingley, Jane Bennet, Elizabeth Bennet, Charlotte Lucas (saving her from marrying the odious Mr. Collins), Kitty Bennet, Mary Bennet, Charlotte Collins (after the fortunate untimely death of Mr. Collins), Georgiana Darcy, and Anne de Bourgh. Since Jane Austen did not deign to give us his first name, and since writers cannot have the heroines of their stories call him "Colonel," they must invent a name for the dashing Colonel Fitzwilliam. I've seen Richard, Colin, Edward, Andrew, Fitzwilliam (yes, that would make him Fitzwilliam Fitzwilliam), and a few more as his given name.

Suffice it to say, Anne de Bourgh and Colonel Fitzwilliam make a somewhat unlikely pair. Yet, the author somehow makes them work, and work well.

Since we only know Colonel Fitzwilliam a little and Anne almost not at all from Jane Austen's words, this series' author was then free to choose how to characterize them. Her characterization rings true for what we know. In addition, we get a cast of original and returning Pride and Prejudice characters. Those who were created by Austen are true to her work (especially Lady Catherine), while the original characters fit seamlessly into the story and are memorable in their own right.

Aside from all that, the story is interesting and the plot engaging and enjoyable. In the first story of the trilogy, the author somewhat follows the style of Helen Fielding's Bridget Jones's Diary. However, in the second and third stories she branches off and begins to find her own voice. Overall, it's an enjoyable trilogy of stories.

* * *

( Excerpt )

There are three complete stories in the series:

Anne de Bourgh's Diary
Anne de Bourgh's Guide to Hunting and Fishing
Anne de Bourgh's Wedding

( More information )

( Update January 2012 )

Fandom: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Pairing: Elizabeth Bennet/Fitzwilliam Darcy
Length: 1,400 words
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Skylar's FFN Profile

Why this must be read:

This very short story details the first kiss between the newly engaged Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. It is a bit fluffy, but it maintains the arch tone for which Jane Austen is so justly famous. Darcy and Elizabeth are completely in character, and the reader can see Darcy's unique sense of humor coming out.

The story will take you less than five minutes to read, and it's not perfect. There is a point-of-view problem for one thing, but it's a fun little story that gives you a warm glow. You won't regret reading it, I promise. Also, check out Skylar's other P&P fics, for they are all excellent.

* * *

( Excerpt )

Too Clever By Half

( Update January 2012 )

Fandom: PRIDE AND PREDJUDICE
Pairing: Dracy/Bingley
Author on lj: adonya
Author Website: no.

Why this must be read:

Because it requires a sense of fun, and an ability to lighten up. This is a rather dry fandom, and I'd like to bookend my recs with some much- needed cheer. And, no, 'dry' was not an intentional pun. Darcy is very well done here, with all of his patronizing attitude and wit. Plus, it has both men very wet. From rainwater, you deviant minds.

Golden Rains

Aw, crap. The fic is currently under friends-lock. I've been spamming poor adonya about this, so hopefully, you'll be able to read it soon.
(And with this rec, I depart from the crack peddling. Have a nice October!)

Fandom: PRIDE AND PREDJUDICE
Pairing: Darcy/Bingley
Author on lj: it would seem not.
Author website: Here (it's actually an art page, but better than nothing, right?)

Why this must be read:
Yes, it is among that rare breed of "Pride and Predjudice" fic, a story involving slash. When I say 'rare' I mean 'four or five fics.' There's not much canonical evidence for these two, unless you're looking though some heavily tinted slash- glasses, but this fic does their relationship justice. It's not rampant porn,(what, you were expecting that? In this fandom?) but a nicely structured short story.

Having Been Rebuked

Sorry for the delay in fiction there. Small intrusion of real life.

Fandom: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

Pairing: Elizabeth/Darcy

Author on lj: As far as I know, not.

Author's website: Also, as far as I know? Not.

Why this must be read-

This fandom seems to lend itself to AU's. In this story, it is supposed that our star- crossed lovers did not meet at Pemberley. As this is arguably, one of the more important scenes in the book, this story is pretty fantasically AU.

The real reason you should read this? Lisa L has got the Austenesque style down. This has points where I went "wow, is Jane Austen secretly alive, and writing this?" It is a bit long, and does drag at a few points, but the writing is really amazingly good.

A Long Road To Happiness

Hello, and I'm brighty, your Pride and Predjudice crack supplier for this month. A lovely overview can be found here thanks to imacartwright

Fandom: PRIDE AND PREDJUDICE
Pairing: Elizabeth/Darcy
Author on LJ: not as far as I know.
Author Website: again, not found.

Why this must be read:
It's based on that epic film adaptation that came out a few years ago. You know, the one with Colin Firth? He jumps into a lake at one point, and there is a clinging shirt. Fangirls rejoiced, and it seems that this author, Spring, was coherent enough to actually write something about it.

If the mental image of "good- looking man, in a wet shirt" has not already sped you towards this fic, then the fact that it's told entirely from a fish's point of view?

Another Fish Story

(Please Note: This overview is, in effect, a spoiler for the original work. If you'd like to read the original or watch a film adaptation without being spoiled, read cautiously. This material contains a plot overview and character descriptions.)

Hi, everyone! My name is imacartwright and I'm excited to be driving the crack_van for one of the Small Fandoms this month.

Here is my overview for the Pride and Prejudice fandom. Enjoy!


( Our Friend Jane )


( Plot Overview )


( Fandom Introduction )


( Character Photos & Descriptions )


( Major Fic Archive Links )