Pride and Prejudice with a twist

This is a twist on the classic, Pride and Prejudice, where the Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy swap bodies. The premise is unique and interesting, to which the characters get a more in-depth picture and understanding of the other, particularly regarding cultural norms in the era. That being said, I'm not entirely sure how to feel about the concept.
Overall, the story is well-written and well-narrated. I was given a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

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A fantastical re-telling of a familiar tale...

Through Each Other's Eyes is a fantastical re-imagining of the Regency's most famous tale. However well you think you know Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett, they are about to become far better acquainted with each other...

Somewhat ironically with this book, I'm always in two minds about 're-tellings' of famous stories unless they bring something new to the tale, such as with Jo Baker's Longbourn. It often feels a little like a rip-off of another's work when the likeness to the original is more directly observed, but that is not a concern here.

I loved the idea of taking a familiar story which is set very much in an ordered, predictable reality and turning it into something fantastical which still has to try and follow the rules of etiquette when the laws of physics and reason have flown. It did not disappoint, with Darcy and Elizabeth forced to gain a greater understanding of life on the other side of the strict gender-divide.

Through Each Other's Eyes rewrites a little of Austen's timeline, changing a few of the outcomes in the process, and though it remains faithful to the tone of the original, it often riffs rather loosely on the Pride and Prejudice we know and love. I did like what Ashe did with Mary Bennet, whose fate I always thought would have suited this particular path.

Though the story remains engaging, the writing could do with a little polish in places, and there is quite a lot of anachronistic language used; with several Americanisms also detracting from its authenticity.

Despite those frustrations, this book was a fun, lighthearted diversion which is perfect for those who enjoy re-tellings of this particular love story; providing you can suspend your disbelief and don't expect anything to make complete sense.

Siobhan Waring, the narrator, did an impressive job of keeping track of the voices, especially once the body switch had taken place and Darcy spoke aloud with Elizabeth's voice, but articulated his thoughts with his own, and vice-versa. It must have taken considerable skill (and no doubt a lot of highlighter) to make such frequent switches without getting muddled.

*I received this audiobook free of charge in the hope of an honest, unbiased review.

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1 person found this helpful

Through Each others eyes

I love retelling of pride and Prejudice but this one does not do it for me. I loved the consept to begin with but they would do things like go on a horse ride that does not feel right even though I understand why it was done.
Then because they've swapped bodies there will be differences they would notice. To begin with I thought the author would mention it in passing then leave it at that but the characters would touch themselves and have dreams which put me off the book. I know in reality if that did happen (swapping bodies) you can't help but look and touch but P&P is originally a clean book and I would have prefered it if the author kept it that way. That is not to say it is graphic but it was not something I expected either.
This is my personal opinion and others might disagree with me and love it.

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