Love by Turns: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary Novella

By: Kimbelle Pease

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

This vagary proposes an alternate perspective for Mr. William Collins, the parson of Hunsford Parsonage in Kent, who has been charged with two missions by his patroness, the estimable Mistress of Rosings Park. He arrives on the doorstep of Longbourn with the principle wish to heal a long-standing breach in the family. While endeavoring to right past wrongs, he must also find a suitable companion from amongst his cousins of whom his patroness might approve. As the heir to Longbourn, Mr. Collins is very aware that this these tasks will not be easily accomplished.

Join Mr. Collins as his family discovers that he is not the dreaded cousin everyone assumes but is a man of conviction with whom one can share their burdens. He may even surprise you as you witness his temerity when he encounters the respectable Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley who himself is in Meryton to complete a task of his own making: to fulfill a promise to aid his close friend Mr. Bingley who has leased a property in Hertfordshire. And what might happen when these gentlemen, who seemingly have little in common, find themselves willing to do all in their power to aid the ladies they admire?

One warning, a caution, and two notes:

WARNING: This novella touches upon specific afflictions one may encounter when aging. In this tale, these scenes are equally difficult for the one who is aging and those who love them.

CAUTION: This novella contains a Mr. Collins who is a rather likeable fellow.

NOTE from the author: The whole of the novella takes place between the time Mr. Collins arrives at Longbourn and the following Easter when both Darcy and Elizabeth visit Kent. It is not in line with canon, nor is it always within the dictates of the proprieties at the time, but it was fun to write and, hopefully, will be an enjoyable tale to read.

NOTE from the author: Readers may notice what would be considered an improper use of capitalization when referring to members of the militia throughout this novel. These capitalizations were not made in error but simply demonstrate respect for the rank earned by the characters portrayed in this novel, a form of deference and respect that could not be overlooked by the author.

Very different but good.

Not what I expected at all. But still very good. Mr Collins has a bigger role here. He is not his usual self. Much better. Great Jaff.

Interesting JAFF vaguery

Even if the book is narrated by “virtual voice,” why wasn’t an English accent used? The American-style voice distracted from the storyline so much it was difficult to remember this was about ODC et al.

Mr Collins compassion and not the arrogant, verbose and obtuse man of Canon.

Lady Catherine sends a very different Mr Collins to Longbourn. He arrives and sets in motion, revelations for Meryton and the Bennet's. When Mary and Jane speak up, on the day of the Netherfield Ball, the Bennet's must face their faults and failures. Is forgiveness and redemption possible?

Humble but long story about each Venbet girl

I most likely won’t listen to this again, which is u usual for me.I enjoyed that it didn’t have angst but it was boring, the romance was extremely lacking and virtual voice always disappoints!

Couldn't wait for it to end

If it had just been Mr. Collins' character that had changed it might've been an enjoyable listen, at least in the beginning, but nearly EVERY character, save Lydia, was FAR different than the original. I believe the author thought to make the Bennett ladies assertive and fierce, but they came across as aggressive, disrespectful, sanctimonious, and just plain obnoxious. Even the reimagined Anne was unnecessarily snippy with Darcy.

As to the story itself, it could have EASILY been trimmed down by at least a third, if not me. The tedium was almost unbearable. I wish my constitution would allow me to not finish a book, but since it won't I am very thankful that Audible offers a variety of playback speeds. I spent the last 2 hours at 1.7, but I probably should've just gone straight to 2.0. At least it's over now.

I love JAFF but this one kept me in a constant state of annoyance

This book explores the family dynamics in a way that attempts to be honest but ends up feeling like a bunch of people blaming others for their poor quality of life over the last decade(s). Kitty’s flat refusal to forgive Lydia & the way everyone treats everyone after characters have changes & asked for forgiveness says more about the so-called victims than it does about those who were young/ignorant/stupid. I felt annoyed the entire time I was listening. Performance is AI & that is hard to rate. I don’t necessarily hate it because it is what it is & I’m assuming it makes my addiction to audible cheaper?