My Love for Jane Austen is delighted to receive guest authors over the years. Joining us today is third time visitor and author Riana Everly who is here to tell you about her latest release, Through a Different Lens. This Pride and Prejudice variation is unlike what we have seen published so far. I'll let Riana explain to you why it is so special in the following character sketch. Over to you, Riana!
I'm so pleased to be here at My Love for Jane Austen as part of my blog tour for Through a Different Lens. Thanks, Lúthien84, for hosting me!
In this book, I explore the possibility that Mr. Darcy has Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism, and I've spoken quite a lot about him on the blog tour. Today, I thought I'd let Elizabeth have the spotlight. Perhaps she'll have some insights into Mr. Darcy as well. So, with your kind permission, I'll pass the floor to Miss Bennet.
Oh, how delightful to have some company. Please, walk with me a while, for the day is lovely and the spring blossoms fragrant. Perhaps we might sit a while in the shade at the folly if the sun grows too warm. I have been thinking of my young cousin Samuel... or rather, I have been thinking of how Mr. Darcy reminds me of Samuel. He is such a precious lad, my cousin, but life has not been easy for him, although he is only twelve years old. He was very late to speak, and had such strange behaviours and moods as a young child that my poor aunt could not keep a nursemaid for him, and those she did find thought poor Sammy ought to be sent away and forgotten. He could not stand to be touched, nor could he abide the feel of water on his skin or clothing, and had the greatest difficulty looking at people in the eye. He screamed like the devil when interrupted in his solitary occupations, and would spin in circles and flap his hands like he was possessed by some evil spirit.
When he did learn to speak, it was all at once, going from nothing to sentences within a few days, and what he said astounded us, for these were fully formed thoughts. But although Sammy could read and do calculations in his head at a very early age, he had no friends and could not tell from the tone of voice or look on somebody's face whether the person was angry or happy or confused. And this is what brought Mr. Darcy to mind. For he is a man, although fully in command of his faculties and with no shortage of words or company, who readily confesses to that same weakness — being able to discern intent from expression rather than explicit words.
I learned much from the governess my aunt found at last. This estimable lady, Miss Pierce, had read widely and had a great deal of experience with boys similar to my cousin, and taught him how to comport himself in society. She and I spent many long weeks and months — years, even — helping my cousin become the young man he now is, and I wonder if I might show some of these ideas to Mr. Darcy. If I am correct, if he has a touch of what troubles my cousin so, he does not disdain society as much as dread it, and protect his sensitive nature with an air of arrogance and icy hauteur. Perhaps some of what Miss Pierce and I discovered in teaching Samuel might help the proud Mr. Darcy be easier in company as well.
I am half afraid to offer this to him, for he is a proud man indeed, and he has made his way very well without my advice. Shall I speak to him? What think you? I do rely upon your suggestions.
Here, we are at the folly. Let us sit a spell and talk of less serious matters.
"What does Mr. Darcy mean," said she to Charlotte, "by listening to my conversation with Colonel Forster? He approached, but seemingly with no intention of speaking. It is quite vexing!"
Charlotte had only laughed in response, "That is a question which Mr. Darcy only can answer."
Elizabeth gave a delicate snort as she turned her head to find the gentleman once more across the room, although his eyes were trained upon none but her with a most curious look. Shaking her head in bemusement, she said to her friend, "Look at him, always staring as if to find some fault. He may think it an amusement, but if he does it any more, I shall certainly let him know that I see what he is about. He has a very satirical eye, and if I do not begin by being impertinent myself, I shall soon grow afraid of him."
"You, Lizzy, should never be afraid of anyone, for I know you too well," Charlotte replied. "But I do have to wonder at the man. It is most intriguing!"
"Oh, no, Charlotte!" Lizzy had laughed, "You shall find nothing in that man but the harshest of critics, I believe. Keep your little suspicions for Jane and Mr. Bingley. Mr. Darcy surely finds nothing of any pleasure in me!"
And yet now, as she walked along the gently winding path, Elizabeth reconsidered what she had really seen that evening. Had she really observed derision in Mr. Darcy's eyes as he starred at her across the room? His intentions in approaching her as she spoke with her friends had seemed, at the time, an attempt to intimidate, to let her know in no uncertain terms that her every word and gesture was being weighed and considered. But was there some other explanation for Mr. Darcy's strange behaviour?
Was the man, perhaps, desperately wishing to join in with the group as they chatted and playfully debated the topic at hand? She thought back to her aunt's accounting of Samuel, so keenly wishing for friends, but so lacking in the most simple social abilities needed to interact with his peers. Mr. Darcy's eyes, which had sought hers and then withdrawn almost in fear, his stiff stance as he hovered nearby, but unable to further approach, she both now reconsidered, and she found her earlier suppositions further confirmed by what she recalled in this new frame of mind.
Her feet had brought her now to the small rise of land, and the structure atop was now revealed to be a folly, which must command a lovely vista of the surrounding fields. She smiled at the prospect of enjoying the view and set forth up the hillock. Upon achieving the summit, she stepped into the folly and closed her eyes while she breathed in deeply, enjoying the coolness of the shade after her walk in the warm spring sun. Upon letting her eyelids flutter open once more, her sigh of pleasure became a small gasp of surprise, for there, upon a low bench hidden in the shadows, previously unnoticed by her sun-blinded eyes, sat the very man she had been considering all this while: Mr. Darcy himself!
A tale of second glances and second chances
Elizabeth Bennet has disliked the aloof and arrogant Mr. Darcy since he insulted her at a village dance several months before. But an unexpected conversation and a startling turn of phrase suddenly causes her to reassess everything she thought she knew about the infuriating and humourless gentleman.
Elizabeth knows something of people who think differently. Her young cousin in London has always been different from his siblings and peers, and Lizzy sees something of this boy's unusual traits in the stern gentleman from Derbyshire whose presence has plagued her for so long. She approaches him in friendship and the two begin a tentative association. But is Lizzy's new understanding of Mr. Darcy accurate? Or was she right the first time? And will the unwelcome appearance of a nemesis from the past destroy any hopes they might have of happiness?
Warning: This variation of Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice depicts our hero as having a neurological difference. If you need your hero to be perfect, this might not be the book for you. But if you like adorable children, annoying birds and wonderful dogs, and are open to a character who struggles to make his way in a world he does not quite comprehend, with a heroine who can see the man behind his challenges and who celebrates his strengths while supporting his weaknesses, then read on! You, too, can learn what wonders can be found when we see the familiar through a different lens.
Riana Everly was born in South Africa, but has called Canada home since she was eight years old. She has a Master's degree in Medieval Studies and is trained as a classical musician, specialising in Baroque and early Classical music. She first encountered Jane Austen when her father handed her a copy of Emma at age 11, and has never looked back.
Riana now lives in Toronto with her family. When she is not writing, she can often be found playing string quartets with friends, biking around the beautiful province of Ontario with her husband, trying to improve her photography, thinking about what to make for dinner, and, of course, reading!
Riana's second novel, The Assistant, was awarded the Jane Austen Award by Jane Austen Readers' Awards, and her debut novel, Teaching Eliza, was listed on a list of 2017 Favourite Books on the blog Savvy Verse & Wit. For both of these honours, she is delighted and very proud!
The ever generous Riana is sponsoring five e-books of Through a Different throughout the blog tour. Be sure to fill in the Rafflecopter form below to submit your entries. If you prefer not to use Rafflecopter, please email or drop her a message on her Facebook page. The giveaway is due to end on Sunday, 10 February 2019 at midnight ET (GMT-5).
The five winners have been announced. Congratulations, ladies!
In this book, I explore the possibility that Mr. Darcy has Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism, and I've spoken quite a lot about him on the blog tour. Today, I thought I'd let Elizabeth have the spotlight. Perhaps she'll have some insights into Mr. Darcy as well. So, with your kind permission, I'll pass the floor to Miss Bennet.
Character Sketch
When he did learn to speak, it was all at once, going from nothing to sentences within a few days, and what he said astounded us, for these were fully formed thoughts. But although Sammy could read and do calculations in his head at a very early age, he had no friends and could not tell from the tone of voice or look on somebody's face whether the person was angry or happy or confused. And this is what brought Mr. Darcy to mind. For he is a man, although fully in command of his faculties and with no shortage of words or company, who readily confesses to that same weakness — being able to discern intent from expression rather than explicit words.
I learned much from the governess my aunt found at last. This estimable lady, Miss Pierce, had read widely and had a great deal of experience with boys similar to my cousin, and taught him how to comport himself in society. She and I spent many long weeks and months — years, even — helping my cousin become the young man he now is, and I wonder if I might show some of these ideas to Mr. Darcy. If I am correct, if he has a touch of what troubles my cousin so, he does not disdain society as much as dread it, and protect his sensitive nature with an air of arrogance and icy hauteur. Perhaps some of what Miss Pierce and I discovered in teaching Samuel might help the proud Mr. Darcy be easier in company as well.
I am half afraid to offer this to him, for he is a proud man indeed, and he has made his way very well without my advice. Shall I speak to him? What think you? I do rely upon your suggestions.
Here, we are at the folly. Let us sit a spell and talk of less serious matters.
Excerpt
Elizabeth cast her mind back, reviving all the memories of her interactions with that perplexing gentleman. After that first disastrous encounter at the assembly, the next meeting which imposed itself upon her mind was at a large gathering hosted by Sir and Lady Lucas, some short time after the ball. Elizabeth had been talking with Charlotte and Colonel Forster when she noticed Mr. Darcy approach the group, as if intending to join the conversation. He had stopped short, however, and stood somewhat awkwardly a few feet to the side, close enough to listen but not quite close enough to engage with the others. Elizabeth had noticed him staring at her, only to look sharply away every time she turned to catch his eye. "How rude!" she had thought at the time, and she had even dared speak of it to Charlotte when they had some moments in privacy."What does Mr. Darcy mean," said she to Charlotte, "by listening to my conversation with Colonel Forster? He approached, but seemingly with no intention of speaking. It is quite vexing!"
Charlotte had only laughed in response, "That is a question which Mr. Darcy only can answer."
Elizabeth gave a delicate snort as she turned her head to find the gentleman once more across the room, although his eyes were trained upon none but her with a most curious look. Shaking her head in bemusement, she said to her friend, "Look at him, always staring as if to find some fault. He may think it an amusement, but if he does it any more, I shall certainly let him know that I see what he is about. He has a very satirical eye, and if I do not begin by being impertinent myself, I shall soon grow afraid of him."
"You, Lizzy, should never be afraid of anyone, for I know you too well," Charlotte replied. "But I do have to wonder at the man. It is most intriguing!"
"Oh, no, Charlotte!" Lizzy had laughed, "You shall find nothing in that man but the harshest of critics, I believe. Keep your little suspicions for Jane and Mr. Bingley. Mr. Darcy surely finds nothing of any pleasure in me!"
And yet now, as she walked along the gently winding path, Elizabeth reconsidered what she had really seen that evening. Had she really observed derision in Mr. Darcy's eyes as he starred at her across the room? His intentions in approaching her as she spoke with her friends had seemed, at the time, an attempt to intimidate, to let her know in no uncertain terms that her every word and gesture was being weighed and considered. But was there some other explanation for Mr. Darcy's strange behaviour?
Was the man, perhaps, desperately wishing to join in with the group as they chatted and playfully debated the topic at hand? She thought back to her aunt's accounting of Samuel, so keenly wishing for friends, but so lacking in the most simple social abilities needed to interact with his peers. Mr. Darcy's eyes, which had sought hers and then withdrawn almost in fear, his stiff stance as he hovered nearby, but unable to further approach, she both now reconsidered, and she found her earlier suppositions further confirmed by what she recalled in this new frame of mind.
Her feet had brought her now to the small rise of land, and the structure atop was now revealed to be a folly, which must command a lovely vista of the surrounding fields. She smiled at the prospect of enjoying the view and set forth up the hillock. Upon achieving the summit, she stepped into the folly and closed her eyes while she breathed in deeply, enjoying the coolness of the shade after her walk in the warm spring sun. Upon letting her eyelids flutter open once more, her sigh of pleasure became a small gasp of surprise, for there, upon a low bench hidden in the shadows, previously unnoticed by her sun-blinded eyes, sat the very man she had been considering all this while: Mr. Darcy himself!
Book Blurb
Elizabeth Bennet has disliked the aloof and arrogant Mr. Darcy since he insulted her at a village dance several months before. But an unexpected conversation and a startling turn of phrase suddenly causes her to reassess everything she thought she knew about the infuriating and humourless gentleman.
Elizabeth knows something of people who think differently. Her young cousin in London has always been different from his siblings and peers, and Lizzy sees something of this boy's unusual traits in the stern gentleman from Derbyshire whose presence has plagued her for so long. She approaches him in friendship and the two begin a tentative association. But is Lizzy's new understanding of Mr. Darcy accurate? Or was she right the first time? And will the unwelcome appearance of a nemesis from the past destroy any hopes they might have of happiness?
Warning: This variation of Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice depicts our hero as having a neurological difference. If you need your hero to be perfect, this might not be the book for you. But if you like adorable children, annoying birds and wonderful dogs, and are open to a character who struggles to make his way in a world he does not quite comprehend, with a heroine who can see the man behind his challenges and who celebrates his strengths while supporting his weaknesses, then read on! You, too, can learn what wonders can be found when we see the familiar through a different lens.
Author Bio
Riana now lives in Toronto with her family. When she is not writing, she can often be found playing string quartets with friends, biking around the beautiful province of Ontario with her husband, trying to improve her photography, thinking about what to make for dinner, and, of course, reading!
Riana's second novel, The Assistant, was awarded the Jane Austen Award by Jane Austen Readers' Awards, and her debut novel, Teaching Eliza, was listed on a list of 2017 Favourite Books on the blog Savvy Verse & Wit. For both of these honours, she is delighted and very proud!
Giveaway
Thank you for kindly contacting me in the hopes of sharing your third Pride and Prejudice-themed novel with loyal followers and supporters of your works, Riana. From the enthralling character sketch, I find it possible that Mr Darcy could be suffering from autism which was not easily diagnosed as compared to now. What say you, dear readers?The ever generous Riana is sponsoring five e-books of Through a Different throughout the blog tour. Be sure to fill in the Rafflecopter form below to submit your entries. If you prefer not to use Rafflecopter, please email or drop her a message on her Facebook page. The giveaway is due to end on Sunday, 10 February 2019 at midnight ET (GMT-5).
Update:
The five winners have been announced. Congratulations, ladies!
Elizabeth is certainly making Darcy to be a nicer person than he usually is
ReplyDeleteShe's trying to understand him, but he doesn't always make it easy! ;-)
DeleteI loved hearing Elizabeth's thoughts and I do believe she should talk to Me Darcy. This book is on my wishlist. Thank you for the generous give away.
ReplyDeleteGood luck in the draw, and I hope you enjoy it!
DeleteI have read about many versions of Darcy. Most show him with as socially awkward at the minimum. I am very curious about this variation. Look forward to reading
ReplyDeleteJane Austen gave us such a great character to play with. She hints at his personality, but gives us so much room to explore as well. Hope you enjoy the book!
DeleteI do like how Elizabeth is working out the reasons behind Darcy’s behaviour towards her. Hopefully she will now talk to him and get to understand even more.
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely going to be one of my next reads.
He won't make it easy for her, but she is beginning to wonder if there's something more than cold hauteur behind his behaviour! Thanks for commenting. :-)
DeleteI did enjoy this as you posted tbhe story. Congratulations on its publishing.
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased you enjoyed it! Thank you.
Deletehis story is intrigueing. It is high on my TBR and wishlist.
ReplyDeleteGood luck in the raffle! :-D
Delete