The change of seasons is a rugged time around my house. All the adults have their own idiosyncratic biologies to deal with. Mine is lethargy that will not go away. As I am a fatalist in many ways, my thoughts turn to chronic or terminal illness. That being the case, I should sympathize more with Mr. Woodhouse. Alas not.
Anyway, I have been reading to give me the feeling of accomplishment. I finally read Pretty in Print by Laura Hile. (Sorry it took me so long, LL.)
Before we start, I have a bit of a brag. Laura Hile and I have known one another longer than we care to state, and we whine about writing when we chat. However, we don’t trade pages and nit pick. We do talk over plots in a general way, but we aren’t in one another’s’ pockets creatively. I have known about Pretty in Print for some time and hope I was helpful as she marched towards the finish line.
Now that PiP is out in the world, I have to say it is one of her best. I not only liked, but enjoyed all the characters. I don’t generally read a lot of P&P variations. Variations in any fandoms can be too enthusiastic. In P&P, the hazards are that Lizzy is too pert, Darcy is too broody, Collins is too much a boob, and Bingley is too much a terrier puppy. And what some people do with Mrs. Bennet is … best left unsaid.
My friend has a deft hand when it comes to characterization and lets Austen’s characters be themselves. Lizzy is a bit cheeky but not the put down queen. Darcy is somewhat standoffish, but only for a short time. And Collins is genuinely interesting. He’s still annoying, but is understandable when you understand his secret and how potentially embarrassing it is.
I also enjoyed how Laura set up the first meeting between Darcy and Lizzy. It’s not adversarial as in the original, but is a little conspiratorial. They share an opinion and that opens a natural acquaintance rather than going at one another hammer and tongs for half the book.
Lady Catherine also makes an appearance. She is overbearing as usual, but gets put in her place perfectly by Darcy. Quick and to the point.
As a bonus, much of the phrases will be familiar. Just not necessarily in order or from the speaker you expect.
Many books are forgettable. Sad, but true. The idea of a second read is rare but I am going to reread Pretty in Print in the next few weeks. It was fun and didn’t press me to “fall in love all over again.” The story progressed easily and naturally. No one was made too look foolish, and no one was the MOST ROMANTIC hero or heroine ever. They were sympathetic people opening themselves to new possibilities.
Be assured, this is a smart, clever story. And more than most authors, Laura respects her reader’s intelligence and loves inviting them in on the jokes.
PiP is a great fall read. The hype of summer is over and now is the time to savor reading and a cuppa something cozy. I suggest Pretty in Print by Laura Hile.
Take care–Susan Kaye
Susan Kaye, writer 