A Repellent Prospect: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Paperback – September 17, 2021

This is probably my favorite variation. Very well written, it’s a light, happy and quite amusing read. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a feel-good, funny version.

Basic premise: P&P if Elizabeth were not attractive. It was fun and funny and I was glad to see a nicer Caroline and an almost absent Wickham. Very low angst.

5+ starsThis author's books have become automatic Must-Reads for me, and I'm never disappointed. This is yet another gem from the talented Ms. Peneaux.The entire story takes place in Hertfordshire, and the major (but not the only) change is that Elizabeth is the plainest of the five Bennet sisters rather than one of the two prettiest. However, her vivacity, sweetness, and quick wit make her a favorite in Meryton society.Darcy's insult of the popular young lady at the Meryton assembly receives swift retribution, with Elizabeth indirectly calling him a "mannerless turnip" and the organizers agreeing he will not be welcome at future assemblies. The Bennet family decides on a different tactic: they will demonstrate their superior country manners to shame him for his rudeness.At subsequent social gatherings, Darcy observes Elizabeth's interactions with others and overhears enough of her sparkling conversations to become fascinated by her. Additionally, she's the only woman in his experience who does not appear to be angling for a marriage proposal whenever he speaks with her himself. (After a while, that actually starts to bug him.) The two become friends, and it's not long before he tenders a sincere apology.Characters have some subtle differences from canon. Mrs. Bennet is a warmer mother to Elizabeth here, though Mrs. B's obsession for marrying off her daughters remains constant. Jane is an uber-protective older sister; don't ever dare make fun of Elizabeth! Since Caroline Bingley doesn't perceive Elizabeth as a threat, she recognizes her admirable traits and therefore isn't her usual snarky self. Colonel Fitzwilliam has a strong role here as another guest at Netherfield. Lydia, Mr. Wickham, and Lady Catherine all get their moments, and I love the originality with which their storylines are handled.The unpredictable plot doesn't go heavy on the angst but instead focuses squarely on how much society values appearance above substance. Elizabeth is seen by the local young men as a gal pal; none of them consider her potential marriage material because of her lack of beauty. Mr. Collins's marriage proposal is particularly insulting, and it's followed closely by another one that wounds Elizabeth even more deeply. As she feels herself falling in love with Darcy, she's certain he would never marry a girl like her because of her face rather than her family's comparatively low social status.Ms. Peneaux's biggest writing strength is in her dialogue. Conversations sound natural, with Elizabeth's intelligence and quick come-backs on full display. The back-and-forth between her and Darcy really demonstrate how perfectly matched they are. I found myself laughing out loud several times throughout the book. And I have to mention the clever marriage proposal scene (the one that Elizabeth accepts), which is delightfully appropriate.Content is clean. Highly recommend!

No churlish moralist ever uttered a falser maxim than that "Beauty is but skin deep."Why Beauty is so deep that nobody has ever got to the bottom of it. ~ Thomas Clark Henley“A Repellent Prospect” begins and ends with observations from two minor characters: Mrs. Winford and Mrs. Chester, the self-styled patronesses of Meryton. They hold a similar power to their counterparts at Almacks and are similarly proud of it.Quote from the book: Mrs. Bennet was naturally among the first to receive her vouchers each month, for her five lively daughters must be considered a boon to the gathering. The eldest Miss Bennet in particular had been blessed with a beauty that was rarely to be seen. Those who were of an unkind disposition would often look at her younger sisters and remark that it was a pity none of her good fortune had gone to them. Those with more justice, however, would note that Miss Catherine and Miss Lydia were pretty enough girls, even if Miss Mary could only be termed plain, and Miss Elizabeth Bennet ... well, perhaps the less said about Miss Lizzy the better. She managed very well with what she had.Elizabeth Bennet has a face that only a mother can love. And her mother does love her! Elizabeth and Mary take after Papa Bennet. Mary is plain. Elizabeth is considered ugly.When Elizabeth came out, Jane insisted her sister be offered a dance by every applicant for her hand. Over the years, Elizabeth has come into her own and is popular at the local assemblies. She is a good dancer and an amusing conversationalist.When Darcy makes a particularly insulting comment at the Assembly, Elizabeth confronts him and the Meryton inhabitants support her.Beauty is but a flower,Which wrinkles will devour...~ Thomas Nashe (c.1564–c.1601)Caroline Bingley has no particular liking for Elizabeth, but since she considers the unfortunate girl no threat, she is not her enemy. Caroline listens when Elizabeth speaks. A conversation about stables and kennels confuses Caroline. Is Mr. Darcy truly her best choice?What’s this? Jane Bennet delivers a rebuke to Lydia and the youngest sister learns compassion.And what would make the Meryton populace reject George Wickham?“A Repellent Prospect” is unique on many levels. I loved it!She was a triumph over ugliness, so often more beguiling than real beauty, if only because it contains paradox. In this case, as opposed to the scrupulous method of plain good taste and scientific grooming, the trick had been worked by exaggerating defects; she'd made them ornamental by admitting them boldly. ~ Truman Capote

Lovely phrasing that I will likely keep coming back to reread this story, just to laugh at it again and again.Of course it could also be the title of some kind of fan fiction story, but who am I to judge. 😆

I kept postponing reading this variation when I realized Elizabeth was meant to be plain, even ugly. No it just couldn’t be. I forced myself to read this book after all, thinking I should give it a try. I am so glad I did. What a delightful book, really well written,funny, witty and sad. Jane is fabulous, Lydia repentant, Caroline surprising, Mrs Bennet not as annoying….. on the contrary. Wickam and Mr. Bennet are barely present: what a relief and needless to say I do love turnips! Whoever loves Elizabeth Bennet should give this book a chance. It is worth reading. I highly recommend it!

An enjoyable story exploring the idea of what would occur if Elizabeth was the plain Bennet sister.Enjoyable read, fairly low angst - interesting character development for Caroline Bingley.

Quite enjoyable for an afternoon’s read. While differing enough from the original to be rather original in itself, it did not change the characters so much as to make them unrecognizable. A really pleasant tale with little angst. Just the ticket for a day indoors.