MR DARCY GOES OVERBOARD : REVIEWS
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Review by: The Calico Critic
Laura Hartness, Vero Beach, Florida, United States
Thurdsay, June 30th 2011
Mr. Darcy Goes Overboard by Belinda Roberts
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a yacht must be in want of a female crew...
The balmy seaside resort town of Salcombe boasts the best in bikinis, sandcastle contests, and a fiercely competitive squad of buff local lifeguards as Regatta Week approaches. And if that weren't enough excitement, Mrs Bennet hears that the splendid villa Netherpollock has been rented by a young man of great fortune. She is determined he'll go out with one of her daughters, until Mr Darcy glides in on his stunning yacht Pemberley and she decides he would be the better catch...
Jane Austen has never been so hilariously recreated as in this modern seaside retelling of Pride and Prejudice, complete with a Mr Darcy you won't soon forget!
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Going on vacation this weekend? Or maybe in this economy, perhaps you’re choosing a “staycation”? Regardless of how you choose to spend some free time this summer, if you’re looking for a fun book to read while on a road trip, sitting by the pool or lounging on deck, you may want to consider Mr. Darcy Goes Overboard by Belinda Roberts. For Pride and Prejudice fans who aren’t opposed to having a little fun with the original plot and characters, this short novel provides a fun diversion and delightful story.
Set in the seaside town of Salcombe, Overboard features all the main players in the Pride and Prejudice tale, but with some modern twists and embellishments. In the case of the titular Mr. Darcy, he is indeed the master of Pemberley, only this time it’s presented as a yacht rather than an estate. Lady Catherine now has the surname de Brrr and dons garish clothing, but she still retains her wealth, ridiculous self-importance and delusion over her nephew’s future with her daughter. Bingley is delightful and romantic as ever, but is a bit more of a surfer dude in his manner. Lydia is unbelievable as always, swinging from extremes never before seen in the Austenesque novels that I have read. And Lizzie still enjoys the outdoors, however she now goes for jaunts in and on the water instead of walks across the countryside.
While Mr. Darcy Goes Oveboard was a fun read, it’s important to keep in mind that one cannot take a purist’s stance in regard to the characters or writing here. The dialog sometimes sounds like it’s directly from Regency England one moment, and then in another characters sound like they’re from the Valley in 1983 southern California. There are all sorts of holes and ridiculous choices in the plot, and it seemed that every other minute a character was falling down or into the water. But I found that I wasn’t really concerned with this. It’s just a fun read with characters that I love and with a general plot that has held up for generations. To quote Roberts, “But who cared when such happiness abounded? Who cared when two young people were caught in such a splendid, delightful, seaweedy entanglement of love?”* And while that statement doesn’t hold up for every philosophy in life, it works for me in Mr. Darcy Goes Overboard. It’s a charming, frothy tale with colorful characters we know and love, retaining the twists we expect but bringing humorous moments that we do not necessarily anticipate. Climb aboard and enjoy this short little cruise; it will brighten your day and make you smile. It is one can I definitely recommend—with alacrity!
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Review by: Royal Reviewer
Angela Renee
Mr Darcy Goes Overboard by Belinda Roberts
Rating: 4 out of 5 crowns
My Thoughts:
A fun retelling of Pride & Prejudice that is aimed for more of a young to middle teen audience although it does hold amusement for adult readers, especially Pride & Prejudice addicts. I liked the fact that this book is geared for teens; I hope that this book will introduce a new generation to the works of Jane Austen. The characters actions and behavior remained true to what Miss Austen created, yet they held a modern air.
As I said before the characters as well as the plot, stays true to the original fashion of Miss Austen making the book have to feel of visiting old friends in a new setting. I still feel exceedingly sorry for Mr. Bennet, as Mrs. Bennet is still overly active and vocal. Elizabeth, or Lizzy, is still loveable. Darcy is still a bit snooty, and Bingley is still a bit daft in his own loveable way. The usual suspects are still all make appearances where you would expect them.
A fast-paced read, that will keep you hooked to the end. I found that I could not put this book down.
I would have liked to give this book a higher rating, although the events that took place in chapter 58, with Darcy pulling out a copy of P&P, made the book feel a bit off kilter. Other than that, I found this book to be perfectly enjoyable.
I do have to say that this was a hilarious novel. I found myself laughing out loud many times and the bits with Mr. Collins were almost to much to handle.
Who would I recommend this book to?
Teen or tweens who have not yet discovered Pride & Prejudice.
Pride & Prejudice addicts.
Readers who are looking for the perfect beach read.
If you are like me and love to go to the beach but prefer not to get in the water, then Mr. Darcy Goes Overboard, A Tale of Tide & Prejudice is the prefect book to bring along with them.
I just have to add that I love the beginning:
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a yacht must be in want of a female crew.”
The iconic opening from Pride & Prejudice has been revised many time, yet I believe that the one above has to be one of my favorites.
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Review by: ARC
Mr Darcy Goes Overboard by Belinda Roberts
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
This is a very quick Pride and Prejudice variation. You can knock it out pretty fast. It’s fun like Clueless
(which is a high school version of Emma) and set in Salcombe (a beachy home to vacationing Brits). To quote the back blurb: Mr. Darcy Goes Overboard replaces ballgowns with bikinis, country mansions with luxury yachts and the militia with a fiercely competitive squad of local lifeguards...
You really get the flavor of Salcombe in the novel. There are beach trips, boating excursions, and a swim across the estuary, a greased pole competition, a sandcastle competition, and more. I totally want to vacation there. It sounds like so much fun!
Bingley is a silly man in this book. He’s charming like in the original, no question, but he makes some funny dumb remarks to Mr. Bennet about finances. He rents Netherpollock with his three sisters.
Darcy swings by on his luxury yacht, the Pemberley, all sexy in his swim trunks. He doesn’t take to Elizabeth at first, but soon finds himself transfixed by her (doesn’t he always?). Catherine de Brrr (not a typo) is not happy with this development and even less so when she loses the sandcastle contest.
I didn’t make the reference to Clueless lightly. The story is full of phrases and word choices you’d find in a "Clueless
" Pride and Prejudice. There’s not a lot of character development as Belinda Roberts relies heavily on readers understanding of events and background of the original novel. That said, it’s still one of the funniest, cutest, P&P versions I’ve read. You’ll love it!
When's the movie version coming out? That's what I want to know!
COMMENTS
Sandra on 06.04.11 at 2:40 pm
Tide and Prejudice – oh, that’s bad, but this review had me in stitches.
And as I’m one of those people who like short stories and short novels, this one sounds like a fun read. Variations on old novels are the in thing at the moment, and it’s no wonder as a writer can do almost anything these days with a story that was written maybe a hundred years ago.
In this case, it has been updated to sound more modern, and I think I might just love it to bits!
Keira on 06.07.11 at 4:45 pm
I loved it! You would too because it’s short and fast and sweet.
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Reveiw by: Diary of an Eccentric
June 21, 2011 by Anna (Diary of an Eccentric)
Mr Darcy Goes Overboard by Belinda Roberts
‘Mr. Collins, we will never cross the estuary at this rate. Can you not speed up?’
‘I…! Oh! I think I have swallowed a fish! I…! Oh my!’
Mr. Collins, now progressed to deeper water, was coughing and spluttering and flailing his arms around and indeed looked in danger of drowning. They were out of their depths, and Lizzy had serious cause for concern.
‘Oh my! Oh…’ Mr. Collins disappeared under the waters. (from Mr. Darcy Goes Overboard, page 78 in the ARC; finished version may be different)
Mr. Darcy Goes Overboard by Belinda Roberts is a fun take on Pride and Prejudice that brings Jane Austen’s beloved characters to the present day and to the English seaside resort town of Salcombe. Roberts parallels the events of Pride and Prejudice but with a modern and comedic twist.
The Bennet family spends much of their time on the beach or the water, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Charles Bingley are rich university students spending the summer at Bingley’s villa, Netherpollock, located across the estuary, and Pemberly is a yacht. Letters are replaced with text messages, and balls and after-dinner pianoforte playing are replaced with group swims and sandcastle contests.
If you don’t like authors messing with Austen’s characters or prefer more serious re-tellings of Austen’s work (which, on some levels, ignores the fact that Austen’s novels are actually very humorous), you’ll want to steer clear of Mr. Darcy Goes Overboard. But if you sometimes like your Austen with a side of ridiculous humor, you should give this one a try. I found myself laughing out loud many times, especially with Mrs. Bennet sending Jane off to Netherpollock in a dinghy as a storm approaches, Lydia and Kitty Bennet streaking across the crowded beach, Mr. Collins bulging out of a wetsuit and unable to swim, and Wickham as a lifeguard.
But the biggest laughs came from Roberts’ description of Lady Catherine de Brrr as a sort of Dolly Parton, without the sweet disposition.
At that moment, a tall, powerful woman appeared on the balcony. She was dressed in skintight black jeans, a black strappy top embroidered with ‘Brrr’ in diamante. Her dyed blond hair was piled high, her nails painted blood red, her feet adorned with high-heeled golden slippers. (page 111 in the ARC; finished version may be different)
My only complaint about the book was the pacing in the middle of the story — right around where Mr. Collins turns his attentions from Lizzy to her friend Charlotte (“Lotte”) Lucas — is a bit rushed. Also, there’s no good explanation for why Mrs. Bennet needs to marry off her daughters. The Bennet property is still entailed, but if they’re considering colleges for their daughters, the girls obviously could support themselves.
Mr. Darcy Goes Overboard is all about the laughs and the ridiculousness. You can’t and shouldn’t stop to contemplate any of the events in the story; just go with the flow and enjoy it for what it is. One could say Roberts goes overboard with all the silliness, but I must admit I rather enjoyed it. At just over 200 pages, it’s a book that can be devoured in just a few hours. It’s the perfect beach read or a bit of fluffy fun at the end of a stressful day.
COMMENTS
on June 21, 2011 at 1:26 pm
Serena
Sounds like a fun book. I’ll have to check out your copy later on.
on June 21, 2011 at 2:07 pm
blodeuedd
I never got why they had to get married either, oh well. It was still light and silly .)
on June 21, 2011 at 3:57 pm
Beth
This sounds like it might be a fun summer read. There are times I like to read something light and funny!
on June 21, 2011 at 4:40 pm
BermudaOnion
This sounds cute to me – perfect for the beach!
on June 21, 2011 at 6:55 pm
bookworm
This sounds so cute, and fun cover too.
on June 21, 2011 at 7:50 pm
Mrs. Q: Book Addict
I love the cover. I’m not sure if this is for me, I’m really not a Pride and Prejudice or Austen fan.
I’m one of the few…
on June 21, 2011 at 8:31 pm
bookmagic
I have liked some P&P remakes but I’ve run into some really bad ones. i might try this if my library has it
on June 21, 2011 at 9:24 pm
Holly (2 Kids and Tired)
So many P&P rewrites are awful, but this one sounds kind of fun. I need to add it to my reading list.
on June 22, 2011 at 12:05 am
Amused
This sounds like the perfect summer read – so fun!
on June 22, 2011 at 11:10 am
janicu
I’m always looking for modern Jane Austen retellings. Thanks for the heads up on this one, I’m definitely going to go look for it.
on June 22, 2011 at 5:44 pm
Lieder Madchen
Sounds like a fun read, thank you for the review!
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Reveiw by: Library of Clean Reads
Review of books that are free of explicit sex, profanity, graphic violence and paranormal themes
Mr. Darcy Goes Overboard: A Tale of Tide and Prejudice by Belinda Roberts
Rated: C (Clean)
Mr Darcy Goes Overboard is a comical chick-lit rendition of Pride and Prejudice. It's light and fluffy, perfect for the beach this summer. The story follows the original P&P closely but summarizes and condenses the scenes and makes for a quick, short read that resembles a slap-stick comedy movie—you know, the exaggerated humour, bumbling mishaps and frolicking good fun.
Roberts cleverly uses the exact situations but with a contemporary seaside holiday setting, making me smile when she includes some of the same famous lines from the Jane Austen version. For some readers this may backfire, though, as the problems and issues of the 18th century are transferred to the 20th century, and of course, could not hold the same relevance, like when Mr Collins came on the scene as Mr Bennett's cousin who would inherit everything and leave the family penniless when surely Mr Bennett worked in his lifetime. However, because of the genre, it still works, even the formal dialogue and the young people addressing each other as Mr or Miss. Kitty and Lydia were the most authentic with their teen talk and behaviours. Mr and Mrs Bennett were a riot as well as Mr Collins.
The narrative was filled with British expressions, some of which were lost to the Canadian in me, but others, such as the author's use of witty puns and hilarious exclamations in some of the dialogue, perfectly reflected the British culture.
In this way it differs greatly from Austen's depth of character development and serious topics, but it's well understood that this is what Roberts was aiming for—a funny, fresh version of a much-exploited story. It reminded me of the exaggerated humour in The Princess Bride. Actually, this novel would make a really funny summer movie!
COMMENTS
May 30, 2011 12:39 PM
bermudaonion
This sounds adorable!!
May 31, 2011 5:25 AM
Sell WoW Account
im so buying anything that is related with jane austen's novels.;)
June 18, 2011 12:41 AM
Anna
I just finished this one a few days ago and really enjoyed it. It was a lot of fun!
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Review by: Daydreamer to Writer
posted by Melanie Stanford on Friday, September 9th, 2011
I just finished the silliest book I've probably ever read: Mr. Darcy Goes Overboard by Belinda Roberts. Don't get me wrong, the book didn't suck, I didn't dislike it. Rather I found it quite funny. But it was totally silly. Sometimes ridiculous. But always amusing. If you like Pride and Prejudice and you like to read re-tellings- try this book out. You'll find lines like this:
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a yacht must be in want of a female crew.
And this:
"I shall wear like my new pink sundress from Fat Face," declared Kitty. "Although I have only worn it like once, I have seen many a young man turn their heads to stare at me."
And this:
"You must know that I... that I fancy you. No, more! I have the hots for you, my dear Elizabeth, and with such feelings, I am desirous that you will be the companion of my future life."
Can I just say... Bwahahahahahaha! I think it's hugely funny (and sometimes disconcerting) to see the proper Jane Austen way of talking mixed in with like and hot and the occasional whateva. The book stays very close to the original, only changing the locations- instead of Pemberley the estate, it's Pemberley the yacht and most of the book takes place in the beach town of Salcombe. Silliness is added in throughout, especially during the final proposal scene. It was the perfect summer beach read (even though it's no longer summer)- light, funny, easy, and to put it Jane Austen's way- diverting.
Comments:
Kristinlopresti September 9, 2011
How funny! This book sounds hysterical!
Chantelle September 9, 2011
Ha! I've never heard of this. I'll have to add it to my huge pile of to-read books! :)
E R King September 9, 2011, 10.13am
I'm in love! Thanks for telling me about this. I have to read it!
Denise Bevan September 9, 2011, 10.13am
Interesting! It's been ages since I've read a good, silly book :-)
Katy September 9, 2011, 7.52pm
I usually prefer deeper, darker books, but this one looks like a guilty pleasure that could be lots of fun. I'll have to try to squeeze it in before summer officially leaves. :)
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*****
Review by: The Book People
posted by Harriet Morgan on 28th May 2011
Mr. Darcy Goes Overboard by Belinda Roberts
What a fantastic book! As a passionate fan of Pride and Prejudice, I am usually furious at the how badly Jane's wonderful world of Bennets and Darcys is treated by modern authors. HOWEVER, this book stands out as a real exception! In a blissful English seaside setting, this modern world of Austen's classic is written with intelligence, insight and, most importantly of all, wit! Belinda Roberts clearly appreciates the brilliance of Austen. This is no feeble follow-on but a wonderfully entertaining version that will charm any Austen fan who has a good sense of humour! If you are going to buy any Pride and Prejudice related novels, this is the one! Thank you Belinda for providing such a fresh, exciting interpretation of Austen's classic.
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Review by: Psycotic State
posted by Lori on Thursday, June 02 2011
Mr. Darcy Goes Overboard by Belinda Roberts
If you are a Jane Austen purist, read no further, my gentle friend. Mr. Darcy Goes Overboard will likely send you into a fit which will require smelling salts, The Six (all Jane Austen's literary efforts) and a nice tub of Ben & Jerry's eaten in front of the Colin Firth version of Pride & Prejudice in order to recover.
If you are open minded and don't mind your Jane Austen adaptations with wit, savvy and modernization, you will get a kick out of Mr. Darcy Goes Overboard. I know I did.
The premise to this modern day on the beach retelling of my beloved Jane Austen classic is very similar to the original, with Mrs. Bennet being shrill and anxious for her five daughters to marry well, Mr. Bennet just wanting some quiet, Jane being loyal and steadfast, Mary being a studious bookworm (physics this time around), Kitty and Lydia being boy crazy and Elizabeth being spirited and energetic. Into this crazy summer house of estrogen comes Mr. Bingley, his snooty sisters and good friend Mr. Darcy. Not to be left out, Charlotte Lucas and Mr. Collins make their unromantic match, George Wickham pays a visit to the Bennet ladies, charming and impressing both Elizabeth and Lydia, and Lady Catherine de Brrr (here so named) becomes supremely vexed over the pretentious Elizabeth.
Author Belinda Roberts takes Jane Austen's original text and intersperses it with modern speak, slang and text messages. It's an interesting combination and I thought it made for a fun, light and original read.
Her modern day Elizabeth is a gal you can root for. She doesn't take herself too seriously and she plans on going to university. She's not silly, as are Kitty and Lydia, she's not as reserved as Jane and she's a loyal friend to Charlotte (better known as Lottie here). She's also a superb athlete who can keep up with and outdo even Mr. Darcy.
Mr. Darcy is a bit more of a gray area for me here. Despite the liberties with other changes and characters I felt that I didn't know him quite as well as I would have liked. I understood why he fell for Elizabeth but what exactly caused her to change her opinion of him was a bit of a mystery. I didn't particularly care for the "second proposal" scene as Ms. Roberts rewrote it and felt that although it was meant to be lighthearted and humorous it bordered on the ridiculously silly.
Likewise, the absolute about face that both Lydia and Wickham committed were completely out of character and very rapid. Perhaps I just prefer my Lydia to remain as Jane Austen wrote her - - selfish, flighty and immature.
Charlotte Lucas remained very true to the original, deciding that marriage to an insufferable yet respected enough man was preferable to being a spinster. Mr. Collins was appropriately boorish and hellbent on finding a suitable wife to impress his benefactor, the wonderfully blunt Lady Catherine.
I found it great fun to compare Ms. Roberts' version of events, happening in the modern day, of course, to Jane Austen's original, such as the post and the letters being replaced by text messages and shopping for ribbons in Meryton now being shopping for bikinis in Salcombe.
Basically, fun is what Mr. Darcy Goes Overboard is. It's a book not meant to be taken seriously and takes the popular genre of Pride & Prejudice retellings and turns it on its ear by not only modernizing it but setting it seaside. The chapters are relatively short, some even one or two paragraphs, and the reading as light as a helium filled balloon. I chuckled and laughed out loud in places. I found it to be great entertainment and as such, you can't go wrong. Mr. Darcy Goes Overboard is a perfect beach read and just in time for the summer.
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Review by: Beach Rat
posted by Misty
So, kicking off the first Beach Read of the summer, I figured why not go straight to the beach?
When I got Mr Darcy Goes Overboard in my box o' goodies from Sourcebooks, I knew that it would absolutely be one I would read this year for 2 reasons: 1) Pure kitsch factor, and 2) When I went on my little trip to the seaside last year, we passed this great little book store on the boardwalk that had its wall painted to look like books, with all of the titles beachified. One of the titles - Tide and Prejudice.
So this was like a sign from Jane On High...
And I think you get exactly what you think you're going to with this book. I mean, I doubt that anyone who picks this up thinks it is going to be this weighty piece of literature. No, this is a silly and light-hearted approach to a well-loved tale, and it is strictly for those who intend to read it with a sense of humor (and a glass of wine).
No, seriously, though. Good drinking book. And the more you drink, the better it gets...
This is a great sitting on the beach or out on a hammock (or blanket, or grass, or wherever) type of read. A breezy read that should be read in the sun with a nice breeze ruffling the pages. What Roberts made of the story and the characters was interesting and fun. There were times I did actually LOL. There were bits of unexpected humor that just worked really nicely. There was absurd, random stuff that made me laugh. But I think, too, that it was the type of humor that is full of in-jokes, and if you're not intimately familiar with P&P, you might not always get the jokes, or they might just not matter to you. It almost like reading a parody, or Scary Movie franchise does Jane.
There were a few drawbacks for me. The dialogue sort of straddles the fence, sometimes trying for a play on the regency language and sometimes going for modern (and sometimes cheesy), and it doesn't work often. I preferred the exposition to the dialogue by far. And slipping back and forth between the two could come off stilted and more than a little weird.
Also, it is VERY condensed, so that if you are not very familiar with the story, it probably wouldn't seem to make much sense. I mean, really. Things happen pretty quickly - Pride and Prejudice is a packed 300+ pages, and Mr D Goes Overboard is a trim 176. It's fairly sparse, and seems more like a novella that was stretched to fit a short-novel length. (And I don't mean that things were added. I mean it was s t r e t c h e d to fit, with the text-spacing that you generally find in a middle grade or light YA novel.)
Lastly, the absurdities that I mentioned above that I found humorous may actually annoy people. This is definitely not a book for purists, but for a Janeite who's looking for a silly way to kill an hour at the beach? I'd give this a try.
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Review by: Review Centre
Harriet Klausner
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
In summer, the Bennet family goes on vacation to the English resort town Salcombe. The older daughters Jane and Lizzy love listening to their I-Pods, surfing, and seeing the latest fashion. The matriarch is ecstatic to learn that the house next door Netherpollock is owned by a rich single male Mr. Bingley who falls for Jane at first sight. Bingley is friends with William Darcy, owner of the luxurious yacht Pemberley.
Mr. Wickham tells Lizzy awful things about Mr. Darcy. She believes him because he speaks like a cultured gentleman while Darcy is surly and withdrawn, but is attracted to Lizzy. When he shows his feelings for her, she rejects him; Lizzy soon learns that Darcy is the gentleman and Wickham is the cad. Mrs. Bennet hopes Lizzy changes her mind because she wants the prestige of her daughters marrying wealth. When Darcy and Bingley leave, Jane and Lizzy are depressed believing they will never see their respective man again.
Although this is another of the zillion Jane Austen offspring, Pride and Prejudice in the twenty-first century is a whimsical amusing tale of misconceptions as the Bennet females learn to not judge a book by only its cover. The modern gizmos do not intrude on the classic theme of people concealing their feelings behind facades as the essence of the key cast remains consistent with the original intended characterization. Except for purists, Jane Austen fans will enjoy this contemporary rendition of timeless Pride and Prejudice.
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Review by: Savvy Verse & Wit
posted by Serena on August 31, 2011
Mr. Darcy Goes Overboard by Belinda Roberts
‘Mr Darcy Goes Overboard’ by Belinda Roberts reads like a campy ‘ Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous’ with its posh boutiques and yachts, and it is a parody of Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ In the seaside resort town of Salcombe, the Bennets are on vacation and their mother is thrilled to learn that Netherpollock has been bought by Mr. Bingley, an eligible bachelor. The quest to marry off one of her daughters has begun, though the appearance of Mr. Darcy on the yacht, Pemberley, sours the first meeting as he considers Lizzy only tolerable. All of this should very familiar to those who love Austen’s classic, but the story is more modern in its sensibilities and humor.
Roberts characterizations of Kitty and Lydia as in competition over dresses and boys, and Lydia’s “valley girl” attitude and use of “like” and “whatever” in conversation are welcome updates to the classic. Humorously, the soldiers are now lifeguards in this story, and naturally, Lydia and Kitty are eager to become the “victims” in their training exercises. Unlike the classic where their catty and flirtatious nature are subdued, Lydia and Kitty are more over the top as they become streakers at one gathering.
“The ordeal of a near drowning for the second time in one day had so shocked Mr. Collins that he was unable to stand, so Darcy was forced to carry him, in his arms, up the steps. Physically, Mr. Collins succumbed like a baby to this mode of transport. Mentally, however, he was quite alert and was not one to miss an opportunity. Recovering slightly, he could see the closeness of the situation was the perfect moment for a little intimate conversation and proceeded to wrap his arms fondly around Darcy’s neck and to introduce himself.” (page 84 of ARC)
There are moments of utter ridiculousness, and Roberts stays as true to the characters as she can in her wild rendition. However, readers will note that her characterization of Mr. Bingley as a bit dim is outside the mark. He cannot remember Mr. Bennet”s name correctly, and he continues to dig himself a hole when he talks of Jane’s various body parts in traction and how he will miss them, but she is still beautiful, though he doesn’t want her inconvenienced.
.. a fun, parody of the classic ‘Mr Darcy Goes Overboard’ is for them. A quick light read to pick you up when you need it.
COMMENTS
Anna August 31, 2011 at 7:33 am
I thought this book was hilarious and I loved the ridiculousness of it! Lydia and Kitty streaking, Lady Catherine described as a Dolly Parton of sorts, and Mr. Collins shoving himself into a wet suit made me nearly die from laughing so hard.
Serena August 31, 2011 at 7:47 am
I really liked this book and Roberts does well with outrageous humor. I just wonder how many will misinterpret her humor…this is meant to be a parody.
Kathy August 31, 2011 at 9:19 am
This sounds like a fun beach read!
Serena August 31, 2011 at 7:47 am
It would be a fun and quick beach read!
Jane August 31, 2011 at 1:10 pm
I was thinking the same thing as Kathy. This would be perfect for sitting on the beach over the holiday weekend!
Serena August 31, 2011 at 7:47 a
well, there is that great holiday weekend just around the corner…head to the beach with a copy…;)
Staci August 31, 2011 at 4:03 pm
This one actually sounds like a fun read. I know what I’m getting into with this one and wouldn’t expect it to sound like Austen. I love that cover!
Serena August 31, 2011 at 7:47 am
I think you’d like it. It’s just good fun.
Dawn August 31, 2011 at 9:54 pm
Fun flirty cover!’m not a Janite, I wonder if this would be a good fit for me … sounds perfect for an Austen fan with a sense of humor!
Serena August 31, 2011 at 7:47 am f you have a sense of humor and don’t mind wacky plot points, then this one would be a real quick fun read for you.
Jennifer September 5, 2011 at 8:03 pm
I’m not an Austen purist and I do enjoy a fun light romance every now and then. I’m thinking that this might be a fun book to jump into if the chance presents itself.
Serena August 31, 2011 at 7:47 am
This was definitely a fun read
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Review by: Austenesque Reviews
Ms. Roberts clearly has a fun sense of humor and her love for Jane Austen shines through her writing.
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From PENNY READ - Freelance critic ( previously of Jersey Evening Post)
Mr Darcy. Two words that, when uttered together in a crowed space, will have a remarkable affect on pretty much most of the female contingent (and perhaps some of the males too). Those who do not react have probably not seen a certain scene in a certain TV series, or not read Jane Austin’s classic.
Well ladies he is back, and residing in Salcombe for the summer. Kineton-based author and playwright, Belinda Roberts, has finally put us all out of our misery with “Prawn and Prejudice @ Salcombe”, a wonderful recreation of this classic tale but moved south and forward in time. (Haven’t we all, sadly).
We meet all the old favourites, saddled with all the old angst, the necessary entourage of embarrassing relatives and inescapable misunderstandings. But we find them yacht-hopping in bikini’s (or out of them) around the sun drenched beaches and well-healed streets of this beautiful coastal retreat.
It is a cleverly written, humorous narrative with some absolutely wonderfully playful moments (to say that the ultimate declaration of love between Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet is most touching would be correct, but completely understates this inventive and hilarious moment, look out for it). Prawn and Prejudice is light enough to enjoy on your own sun drenched holiday break, but with more than enough substance and insight to allow it to enter the “un-put-down-able” club.
And Mr Darcy? He is just as we remember him, Roberts has most definitely not let us down. So if you are looking for a compelling read then look no further.
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From KATIE by email
Thank you for your wonderful book.
It was the perfect holiday read when I was holidaying down at Kingsbridge last week. I had just visited Salcombe when I found (Mr Darcy Goes Overboard), which added to the enjoyment for me. It made me laugh out loud many times. I have handed it on to my daughter, who is a big Jane Austen fan. Pride and Prejudice is one of our favourite books.
I hope you will be writing more books for us to enjoy.
Best wishes,
Katie
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Kathleen M
A wonderful read - inspiring, intelligent and quite hilarious.
... hugely entertaining and a very clever skit on Jane Austen's masterpiece. It made me laugh out loud many times and Belinda Roberts' portrayal of a modern-day Mr Collins will stay with me for some time to come.
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Allison T
I just got my copy & adored it. Real side-slapping LOL material here. The image of Mr Collins struggling to pull on a too-small wet suit will linger….
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Dawn
Won this book off the Goodreads giveaway and loooooved it! Jane Austen fans will really appreciate it ... LOL funny ...
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Reviews
