Please join us today in welcoming author Amanda Grange on the launch of her blog tour of Dear Mr. Darcy, a new retelling of Pride and Prejudice from Mr. Darcy’s perspective.
Wait! Didn’t Amanda already write Mr. Darcy’s Diary? Yep, she did, but this novel has a new slant that readers will find enchanting. Leave a comment to enter a chance to win one of three copies of the book available from Amanda’s publisher Berkley Trade.
Welcome Amanda
Hi, Laurel Ann, thanks for inviting me to guest blog. I’m very excited to be here to talk about my latest book, Dear Mr Darcy.
I’m sure people are wondering why I have written another retelling of Pride and Prejudice, and why I have used the epistolary form. The reason is very simple. As some of you will already know, Jane Austen rewrote Pride and Prejudice considerably between 1797, when it was begun, and 1813, when it was published. It was originally called First Impressions and it was probably written in the epistolary style.
I’ve often thought about the early version of Pride and Prejudice and wished we still had it to read. Over the years an urge started growing inside me to recreate it. Of course, my version is only my idea of how it might have been, and I’m not Jane Austen, but the idea gripped me. I thought it would be a fantastic way of providing another way into the story, and another way into Mr Darcy. I decided to start with the death of his father, because his relationship with his father was obviously very influential in turning him into the proud, haughty man of Pride and Prejudice.
Almost the first letter in Dear Mr Darcy is written by Mr Darcy’s father, when he is on his deathbed. He wants to give our Mr Darcy some advice for the future, including these words, which have a lasting effect:
Remember that the woman you favour with your hand will not only be a wife to you, she will also be a sister to Georgiana and the mistress of Pemberley. She will need to command the respect of the servants and the love of your family; she must reflect the greatness of the Darcys; she must be a gracious hostess and a model of feminine virtue; she must be a modest lady and she must be possessed of a refined taste and true decorum. And she must be a woman you can admire, respect and esteem, as well as love.
For advice on matters of this nature I refer you to my brother’s son, your cousin Philip.
Darcy’s cousin, Philip, is my own invention. He proves very useful throughout the book as his character is similar to Darcy’s, he is of the same social level and therefore Darcy feels he can confide in him.
The following extract is from one of Mr Darcy’s letters to Philip later in the book, written from Rosings, when he is tempted, against his will, to propose to Elizabeth – who is definitely not the sort of woman his father advised him to marry!
It would degrade me to marry her. I would be laughed at by all my friends, jeered at by my enemies and pitied by all. I could never possibly marry her. And yet – and yet I cannot keep away from her. The lightness of her spirits, her humour, her arch smile, her teasing, her eyes – oh! Philip, her eyes! which sparkle when she teases me and show she knows her power over me – all these things drive me to distraction.
I can tell no one but you. You know my character, you know how proud and disdainful I am, but against my better judgement I have been enraptured by her. It is out of the question for me to marry her; out of the question to make her my mistress.
I would leave if I could, but if I go now it will look particular and that is something I very much want to avoid. I do not know what to do.
Your beleaguered cousin,
Darcy
*******
Mr Philip Darcy to Mr Darcy
London, April 22
Darcy, leave at once. Make some excuse and go today, this minute, never mind if it looks particular, it will soon be forgotten. Do not linger another moment. This kind of fever is virulent and the only thing that can control it is a prolonged absence from its source. Have your valet pack your things and meet me in London straight away. If you stay you will regret it.
Philip
*******
Mr Darcy to Mr Philip Darcy
Rosings Park, April 23
Dear Philip, you are too late. I have proposed.
This is just a sample of the letters, but Dear Mr Darcy is full of them! Letters from Elizabeth to her friend Susan (my own invention) as she talks about Mr Darcy’s arrival at Netherfield and her subsequent frustrating yet stimulating meetings with him; Caroline Bingley’s scheming as she persuades Charles to introduce her to his eligible friend Mr Darcy; Mary’s moralising and more. But at the heart of the book are the letters to and from Mr Darcy as he manages his estate, cares for his sister and fights a losing battle against his love for Elizabeth Bennet.
I love all my books, but every once in a while, I feel that one of them is extra special. I felt it when writing Mr Darcy’s Diary and I felt it when writing Dear Mr Darcy. I hope readers agree.
Author Bio:
Amanda Grange was born in Yorkshire, England, and spent her teenage years reading Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer whilst also finding time to study music at Nottingham University. She has had over twenty novels published including six Jane Austen retellings, which look at events from the heroes’ points of view. Woman said of Mr Darcy’s Diary: “Lots of fun, this is the tale behind the alpha male,” whilst the Washington Post called Mr Knightley’s Diary “affectionate”. The Historical Novels Review made Captain Wentworth’s Diary an Editors’ Choice, remarking, “Amanda Grange has hit upon a winning formula.” Austenblog declared that Colonel Brandon’s Diary was “the best book yet in her series of heroes’ diaries.”
Amanda Grange now lives in Cheshire, England. You can find out more by visiting her website Amanda Grange. You can also find her on Facebook as Amanda Grange Author.
Grand Giveaway of Dear Mr. Darcy
Enter a chance to win one of three copies available of Dear Mr. Darcy, by Amanda Grange by leaving a comment revealing what intrigues you about reading Mr. Darcy’s personal correspondence by 11:59 pm Pacific time, Wednesday, August 15th, 2012. Winners will be announced on Thursday, August 16th, 2012. Shipment to US addresses only. Good luck!
Dear Mr. Darcy: A Retelling of Pride and Prejudice, by Amanda Grange
Berkley Trade (2012)
Trade paperback (400) pages
ISBN: 978-0425247815
© 2012 Amanda Grange, Austenprose
Aia HY
Christina B.
Br. Paul Byrd, OP
Jeffrey
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Katie P.
Lisa Galek
Lucy Warriner
Sarah Emsley
shelleydewees
Virginia Claire
Veronica Monique
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
I think that because I find Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship so intriguing in P&P, a book detailing his private thoughts as their relationship develops would be interesting to read. Thanks!
This is going to be a most interesting book. The inner struggle and thoughts of a character, especially the hero, are not always revealed in a book. Mr. Darcy is an enigmatic person, holding himself aloof, giving the impression of superiority. This viewpoint gives us a look at his heart and who he really is inside.
Best of luck with this book. For all those lovers of Austen and Pride and Prejudice, it will be a nice addition to the body of work that has spum off from them.
Ooh, very promising excerpts there! I love seeing things from Darcy’s point of view, the poor deluded man! I can’t enter the draw as I’m not in the US, but good luck to those that do.
I’ve bought quite a few sequels or retellings of Jane Austen’s novels, and ALL of Amanda Grange’s “heroes diaries” are among the FEW that I have kept. I reread each one as I reread each of Jane Austen’s novels, they are that good, in my opinion. She seems to really get inside the thoughts of Jane Austen’s characters. I am intrigued by her thoughts on recreating the original “First Impressions” letters; what a great idea! I think if anyone can do it, it’s Amanda Grange! Thank you, Amanda, and Laurel Ann.
Hi – and just love Amanda Grange’s books! :)
I always love the idea of getting into Darcy’s head – and you definitely do that with his personal letters! :)
Lois
I love Pride and Prejudice and I love books written in epistolary style! Match made in heaven!
I think the epistolary format is interesting. It is like getting a peek inside the heads of all the characters. Can’t wait to read this!
So much of the original Pride and Prejudice is told more from Elizabeth’s point of view. I’ve always been fascinated by how the story might have been different if told from Mr. Darcy’s perspective. I would love to read this book!
I am excited to read this in this format, it sounds exciting!
I think the most interesting thing about reading from Mr. Darcy’s perspective is the opportunity to get into the mind of a character who is, by nature, so introspective and shy that we get very little dialogue out of him in the course of the novel. So much goes on with Mr. Darcy “behind the scenes” of his mind, it must naturally be a fascinating thing to delve into his letters where he is more likely to reveal his true self (as he does when he writes his letter to Elizabeth after the botched proposal).
Ooh, I am even more interested in the book, now! I am curious to know what Philip’s reaction was to Darcy saying he proposed, though he didn’t say Elizabeth vehemently turned him down. Thanks for the giveaway! :)
I’m always interested in alternate views of these addictive characters!
Thx for writing another, Amanda, and sharing this generous offer with us voracious readers :) I’ve loved your earlier writings & expect nothing less with this newest.. {Plus LOVE the cover!}
I look forward to the opportunity of adding this to my Austen in August at Roof Beam Reader’s blog participation !!
oh i must read Dear Mr Darcy!!!! i need to know what went through Mr Darcy’s mind throughtout their courtship!!
thank you for the giveaway!!!
Oh Mr. Darcy…know why I want to read his personal correspondence? Because it’s DARCY’s! ;o) haha… I think Darcy is one of The Key Heroes in Literature, and I know I’ve fallen head-over-heels for him so very often … I’d love to get a better peek inside his head ;o)
I just like hearing his innermost thoughts! :)
Oh, I’m already shaking my head at Mr Darcy lol. I like the idea of having new characters like Philip and I look forward to delving more deeply into the thoughts of Darcy – probably not as personal as his diary but epistolary style makes for an interesting change.
Forgot to say that I love the cover, as well!
Oh, I cannot wait to read this book! I just love epistolary novels! Being able to read Mr Darcy’s thoughts and feelings throughout Pride and Prejudice are what makes this book so exciting. The letters you chose to tease us with are just perfect!! Thanks for the giveaway!=)
I love getting deeper into Darcy’s head. I am excited to read in this format. Thanks for the giveaway.
I love to see things from the hero’s point of view. I have enjoyed all of Amanda Grange’s hero books quite a lot. I’m looking forward to reading this book.
I do not buy Austen para-literature…except Amanda Grange’s. I hope I win!
it would be interesting to know their private thoughts and reading something in a different format than a novel. As a child i loved the dear america series for kids and this seems to be like it in some way :)
Who wouldn’t want to read more about Mr. Darcy.
Seeing the story play out from the point of view of the hero is always fascinating, especially when that hero is Mr. Darcy! Amanda Grange tops my list of authors I would like to see write that, and now she has!
I adore Mr. Darcy’s Diary–it’s one of those books I had to purchase the instant I finished reading my library copy–so I’m beyond eager to get hold of Dear Mr. Darcy!
I love to get inside people’s heads and see what makes them tick, so to say…characters of books included. Mr. Darcy is one of my favorite characters to read about from his perspective for that reason. His transformation isn’t as meaningful unless you do, in my opinion.
There is something slightly naughty and tantalizing when privy to someone else’s private epistolatory thoughts, especially if those two happen to be an Elizabeth or a Darcy!
This sounds very intriguing- I really enjoy epistolary novels, and I’ve really enjoyed everything I’ve read by Amanda Grange. I look forward to reading it. :)
I’m so excited about this book! Amanda Grange is a wonderful and interesting writer. I loved her version of Darcy’s Diary. It would be quite another thing to get his thoughts in letters to others. I’d like to see what kind of face he puts on to different ones, and how much he reveals to them about what he is really thinking. I can’t wait to read it.
Thanks for an opportunity to win another great Amanda Grange novel.
scmema aat yahoo dot com
This has to be one of the most interesting books based on P&P so far, and Ive read quite a few (a project I picked for school). Really hoping I get a chance to read it ^_^
Anything that gives further insight into Mr. Darcy is always intriguing. Ms. Grange’s new novel sounds compelling! Good luck with your new book!
I really like Amanda Grange’s books and I’ll have to read this one. Austen sequels are great.
I liken this novel to learning about a new band. For instance, when I heard “Roll Away Your Stone” by Mumford and Sons, I loved it. I listened to it over and over again and drenched myself in the music. And because I loved it, I chose to follow up by looking up the artist, the album, etc. Likewise, when I first saw ‘Pride and Prejudice,’ I drank it up and hurried home to read the novel. Unfortunately, unlike with music, I couldn’t go any further with that specific story. Sure, I’ve read the book repeatedly and watched different film adaptations of the story, but I couldn’t gather more of the story of Elizabeth Bennet. So, in reading this novel, it’s like I’m learning about a band, a new part of a story that has not yet been unfolded. I earnestly look forward to reading this novel because it will give me yet another piece of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ that I could never get my hands on. I have learned all there is to know about Elizabeth Bennet; now, it is Mr. Darcy’s turn. And I cannot wait to read more.
This just sounds fantastic. I adore Darcy (who doesn’t?) and the mysterious nature of his thoughts for most of the book is something which endlessly fascinates me. The excerpts above are very promising.
Probably the thing I love best is that Dear Mr. Darcy involves his father. I never thought about it before, but he DOES influence Darcy in how he thinks and acts in Pride and Prejudice. It would be wonderful to see how a talented writer (Amanda Grange!) dealt with that.
Hmmmm….what do I love best about this book? The cover looks amazing, Darcy’s back story is written about, and it involves letters! I’ve always loved the use of letters in telling stories, especially since reading Lady Susan.
Darcy is always such a mystery- we learn so little of him first hand. One of the best part of these books is imagining Darcy’s thoughts and feelings. The book looks great and I hope to read it!
I like reading Darcy’s internal monologue about his thoughts, feelings and reactions. A different way to look at his past, plus the use of several letters to tell the story are fun ways to change up the story. And a few new original characters, an extra bonus. Can’t wait to read it!
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