Hello everyone,
Meryton Vignettes is a compilation of six vignettes featuring several characters from Pride & Prejudice that took me completely by surprise.
First of all, I had never seen a book of vignettes. It is true that there are several compilations of short stories, but these are not exactly short stories, they are as the name indicates small pieces that could perfectly be integrated in a short story or novel. Now, you may wonder what are the advantages of reading just a vignette and not a full story, and I’ll tell you that apart from the delight of having just a glimpse of our beloved characters when we don’t have much time to read a full story, it is the possibility of having any kind of moment ahead of you and exploring many paths that would be blocked if the writer was writing a full story. The sky is the limit with vignettes and authors can write just about anything, that is precisely what Elizabeth Adams did.
Unlike all expectations, these vignettes are not centered in Darcy and Elizabeth. They do appear is some of the stories, but Elizabeth Adams choose to portray several other characters that are usually disregarded, and she did so in an astonishing way! She developed moments in these characters lives I never expected to read in any JAFF story, and to be frank, I don’t even think I will read some of these moments in the near future. She showed us a side of these characters that is usually not shown and they are not embellished to be part of a book, they are raw material, and I loved that!
But I will give you a brief description of the vignettes and my opinion on each one of them so you can understand what I mean.
Mistress of Longbourn
In this opening vignette, Charlotte returns to Longbourn 17 years after her marriage to Mr. Collins. I loved the tone of this vignette and to see everyone’s reaction to this event. It was the first time I read this particular moment occurring and it was interesting to see it from Charlotte’s POV.
There was one question that was left unanswered for me, but I have no doubts about Charlotte’s ability to become the Mistress of Longbourn, or Mr. Collins ability to become it’s master… Mrs. Bennet may have been a silly woman, but it will not be easy for Charlotte to fill her shoes as Mistress of one of the most proeminente estates in the neighbourhood 🙂
Life After Darcy
This snippet shows us Caroline Bingley’s life after Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s wedding. We will go through her feelings of rejection, anger and injustice until she is ready to move on, and when she does, we will see her as she truly is, as the real Caroline Bingley. In this story she will find her match who will give her a valuable lesson! I loved to see Caroline Bingley finally understanding what is most important in life and this was one of my favorite stories in the book. I reckon everyone will like this one 🙂
First Attachments
In this story we will see Lizzy’s attachment and developing relationship throughout the years to Jack Turner, the son of one of her father’s tenants. She will remember all the important moments in their relationship and consider how a true affection feels like. It is an impossible relationship of course, and it never goes beyond a friendship, but still it bothered me a little to see Elizabeth caring so much for someone who is not Mr. Darcy.
To Do Her Duty
Mrs. Bennet is the main character in this vignette, and it was the first time I ever saw her taking the leading role!
The story is told from Mrs. Bennet POV which I absolutely loved and will show a side of her that is very rarely portrayed. It was the first time I saw her go through a pregnancy and it was so touching I actually cried!! I really did! It is among my favorites in this book 🙂
To Fool a Fool
Prepare yourselves, this vignette describes the wedding night of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Collins. You heard me right, Elizabeth Adams did create this vignette. Don’t you think it takes a lot of courage to do that? I was shocked and amazed with To Fool a Fool, and I doubt any author will venture on writing that particular night in any other book. It takes a lot of bravery to write that night and Elizabeth Adams was not intimidated. However, do not fear! I will not give any details not to spoil it for you, but it is not as bad as it may seem 🙂
It is a bit humorous and ridiculous at the same time 🙂
He Had it Coming
This is the longest story in the book and it will focus on Lydia’s life after her wedding to Mr. Wickham. There are some books based on Lydia’s character, but this was the first time I saw a story so advanced in time and so dark. Seven years after her marriage, and tired of suffering abuses from her husband, Lydia sends a distress call to her sister Elizabeth who will come to her rescue. As I mentioned this is the longest vignette in the book and many events will occur in it. I will not say much more because I truly do not want to spoil it to you, but this is also on my top 3 favorite stories in the book. It is very, very good. I liked that Elizabeth Adams didn’t take a soft approach towards Lydia’s life and that she was not afraid to show us how miserable it was. I loved to see the development of Lydia’s character and the ending of course 🙂 After so much suffering, you can hope for a happy ending 🙂
I believe this compilation of vignettes is something every Janeite will like because not only it will give us the company of characters that are often overlooked, but it is also completely innovative in the premises! I have read scenes I never expected to read in a JAFF book and was amazed, shocked, grieved, merry and content at the same time. This is a delicious book with an interesting concept that I truly recommend.
You can find Meryton Vignettes: Tales of Pride & Prejudice in:
.
***It’s giveaway time***
Elizabeth Adams would like to offer one copy of Meryton Vignettes: Tales of Pride & Prejudice to my readers. The giveaway is international and is open until the 2nd of December, all you have to do is comment on this post and share your thoughts on this book or the author. If you want to double your chances of winning, comment on the excertp post published on the 21st of November. Entries in both posts will be considered for the giveaway.
Good Luck everyone!
I love the concept! And the vignette titles. Look forward to visiting these scenes… very cool. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good luck in the giveaway Kathleen 🙂
LikeLike
Love vignettes! Can’t wait to read them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The stories look very interesting, especially Mistress of Longbourn. I haven’t read one from Charlotte’s point of view. And I always love Caroline’s point of view.
Thanks for the giveaway. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love vignettes, can’t wait to read them!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rita,what a lovely review!!
I thought my eyes were deceiving me when you mentioned the story describing Elizabeth and Mr Collins’ wedding night!! Dear me!! The very thought of it sickens me,not to mind reading the gory details!!
I’m glad you enjoyed the collection of short stories. I hope to read this too,in the not too distant future.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The excerpt the other day was compelling, and these synopses add to that need. I look forward to reading these vignettes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely review. I have these on my TBR too. Thanks for sharing your comments. I’m glad you enjoyed these so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved how you did this review without giving anything away but still offering enough tidbits to want me to read it! Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You plead a strong case for the value of vignettes. I’m already a fan of them since I’ve read them by other favorite authors about loved characters. But this is fantastic that they seem to explore other paths and other minor characters. So intrigued now.
Enjoyed the review and inclusion of your thoughts on each story, Rita!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have never read a story where Darcy and Elizabeth was not the focus so these vignettes starring the “supporting” characters is a great idea. Look forward to reading!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was interesting seeing Darcy and Elizabeth as supporting characters, I really liked it 🙂
LikeLike
What a beautiful review. I loved and look forward to reading it. Thanks for sectioning it off and addressing each story. JWG
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you J.W.! I’m looking forward to know your opinion too 🙂
LikeLike
They all sound wonderful and I like that they concentrate on the minor characters
LikeLiked by 1 person
I liked the focus on minor characters too Vesper; it was very interesting and different: )
LikeLike
Great review! Looks like we have the favourite vignettes common:)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Mira! Yes, I think our favourites are the same :)) I’ll know to whom I should ask for suggestions in the future 😉
LikeLike
Sounds like a fun read. I’ll be happy to win.:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good luck in the giveaway Betty!
LikeLike
Loved your review, Rita! I’m such a fan of compilations like this! Meryton Vignettes sounds lovely, I love the focus on such a different array of characters! Sounds like such a wonderful blend and variety! Like you, I love to pick out my favorites. 🙂
LikeLike
Oh, thank you Meredith!! It means a lot to me that you liked my review: )))
I think you will enjoy this compilation of vignettes, and I’m looking forward to know your opinion of each story 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks Rita. I’m glad you managed to give me an idea of each story without giving too much away although like you I’m not sure about reading of Elizabeth caring for someone other than Darcy, and heaven forbid she actually married Mr Collins!!!? I look forward to reading this to find out the truth of that particular tale.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Glynis! The premises are really very different from anything I’ve ever seen, and I loved that. But I did prefer the vignettes with Mrs. Bennet, Caroline, Lydia and Charlotte: )
LikeLike
Thanks for the great review, Rita! I just read Mira’s yesterday and OMG ‘To Fool a Fool’ really is about that!!! Elizabeth Adams, you’re a brave lady indeed! I’ll try to picture 2005 Mr Collins as I read, I’m afraid picturing David Bamber will well & truly tip me over the edge 😀
Congrats on the new release, Elizabeth!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Joana 🙂 Actually I pictured David Bamber while reading this story, you will understand why when you read it :))
LikeLike
Oh myyy! I’m like Joana – Elizabeth and Mr. Collins!!! Sounds like a story to read with your hand over your eyes, through gaps in your fingers.
The whole collection does sound fascinating though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a very interesting book Anji, I loved it. As for Mr. Collins I can’t say much, but believe me it is not as you would expect 🙂
LikeLike
Wonderful review. I look forward to diving in to each story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Becky! Good luck in the giveaway 🙂
LikeLike
The vignettes from the excerpts — sound very interesting and sending publication congratulations as well! Best wishes from Boston, MA.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is one I have not read. But “To Fool a Fool” – I am cringing! Any one wed to Collins….not my taste.
LikeLike
Oh, but you will be surprised Sheila, give it a try! You will see it is not as you imagine it to be: )
LikeLike
Oh, does she castrate him – Me Bad! …I am thinking of John Wayne Bobbitt.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She doesn’t go that far, but it will not be a conventional wedding night: )
LikeLike
Oh my, how delightful — and perfect for when you need just a taste for a quick break. Many thanks for offering this giveaway.
LikeLike
Yes, it is! Good luck in yhe giveaway Janis 🙂
LikeLike
I didn’t know there was one about Lydia, I’d love to read about that. Most of what I’ve read of the life after for Lydia has her a widow or just basically with Wickham out of the picture. Personally, I don’t think it’s going to be that simple for her.
LikeLike
The one that describes Lydia’s life is one of my favourites MissLaurieMay, it’s dark and raw and I loved it. Many have mentioned a few things about Lydia’s life, but like you said it is always out of the picture; this time we actually see how are life is 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just won this book in another giveaway, and I can’t wait to read it. So glad to see you enjoyed it. I love getting little glimpses of the secondary characters, and I think it sounds like the perfect read for this time of year when I’m so busy preparing for the holidays! Great review, as always.
LikeLike
I need to add this to me to be read pile now! It sounds so interesting.
patkf2007 (at) Hotmail (dot) com
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you like it Patricia 🙂
LikeLike
I like the plotlines for the stories, especially the characters we visit again. Very curious about Lydia.
LikeLiked by 1 person