Darcy Goes to War: Book Review

Rating: ★★★★½/★★★★★

After having read Mary Lydon Simonsen's historical tale inspired by Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice in Searching for Pemberley, I am in awe of her story-telling skills. Her knowledge of past events such as the post World War II times are extensive that I long to read other novels written by her. My wish is granted when I pick up her latest work titled Darcy Goes to War.

In this invective re-imagining of Pride and Prejudice, the main characters are transported right in the middle of World War II era where England is at war with Germany. As a result there is a shortage of men in the workforce as able-bodied men are required to enlisted to fight the war. Thus we find Elizabeth Bennet as a lorry driver delivering farm produce to a pub on the outskirts of Meryton before heading back home to Longbourn. In the same pub, she met Flight Lieutenant William Darcy of the Royal Air Force (RAF) who indirectly slighted her by remarking that there is little beauty in local girls and their clumsy attempts at dancing. Unlike her character in the original novel, she did not give it a moment's thought and proceeded to talk to Stan Corker, the owner of the pub about the on-going war and local gossip. When Lizzy was about to leave, Lieutenant Darcy was staring right at her in a manner that unsettles our heroine.

Back at home, we learn that Mr Bennet is a local magistrate and eldest sister Jane is his secretary. Middle sister Mary is in Malta defending the island from German invasion. Kitty is working in a uniform factory and youngest sister Lydia will soon joined her as she is eighteen and conscripted to help in the war effort. Mrs Bennet is still the same mother who worries about her daughters' prospect at marriage albeit in a subtler manner and dots on youngest daughter. Jane tells Lizzy about her encounter with their neighbour Charles Bingley, the owner of Netherfield Park. She invites Lizzy to accompany her for tea with Flight Lieutenant Bingley at his the mansion and this is where Darcy is formally introduced. He apologises to Lizzy for his rude comments and tells her the reason for his poor behaviour in the pub. All is forgotten and both enjoyed spending time in each other's company. Darcy is clearly attracted to Lizzy but will she give him a chance to court her since she is skeptical to enter a relationship with a man knowing that he might be killed in the fight against Nazi Germany?

As a history buff myself, it is fascinating to read about people who lived in a different era than now. I believe Ms Simonsen has written a true account of people who suffered hardships during the war yet band together to fight for their country. I really love reading the historical facts that she has meticulously incorporated into this novel. At times it reminded me of some places that I have read before in Searching for Pemberley which makes me want to revisit the earlier novel. The plot is simple with a twist added in to keep me in suspense for a while but I know all will end well for the characters involved.

Much as I take pleasure in getting to know the Bennets, Darcy and his family, there is one thing that keeps bugging me. I am referring to the usage of the word 'because' to begin a sentence. This is a minor quibble but I could not overlook it at the time of reading Darcy Goes to War as it is drilled in me by my English teacher not to do it. I think it is correct in the instances it was used in spoken dialogue but I could be wrong. Nevertheless it did not deter my enjoyment of the novel.

Overall, I have never been disappointed by any novel written by Ms Simonsen. I hope she continues to spin interesting stories that takes us back to a different time and include more nuggets of information that I can gleaned from. Fans of Jane Austen who love World War II period should add this book to your wish list if they have not done so.


This is my second completed task for The Pride & Prejudice bicentenary challenge 2013 organised by Laurel Ann Nattress on Austenprose.


Disclosure: Book provided by the publisher for my honest review. In no way I am compensated.