Interview with Amanda Kai
Hello Amanda and welcome
back to My Jane Austen Book Club. Congratulation on your new release, Sudden
Awakenings. It brings a fresh twist to Pride and Prejudice by
introducing Elizabeth Bennet's struggle with sleepwalking. What inspired you to
incorporate this unique aspect into her character, and how do you think it
influences her relationship with Mr. Darcy?
Well, originally, I planned to write a compromise scenario based on the
scene from the end of the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie, where Elizabeth walks
out into the field in her nightgown and Mr. Darcy meets her there in a state of
half-dress and they are witnessed by some gossipping neighbor.
However, I struggled to conceive a realistic reason for why these otherwise upstanding people would suffer from such a gross lack of propriety (even in the movie, it is a stretch, but I forgive it, just because I love it so darn much!)
Finally, I had the idea that perhaps Elizabeth was sleepwalking, and
that could account for her going out of doors in her nightclothes. The story
further took shape when I decided that her compromise would occur while she and
Mr. Darcy were both guests at Netherfield Park, and that she would
inadvertently wander into his bedchamber, leading to their forced marriage.
This scenario compounded the disgrace of their being caught in such a state by
the servants and other members of the household. Elizabeth does wander out of
doors in her sleep later on in the book, however, leading Darcy to rescue her
in a dramatic way.
The concept of a marriage of convenience is a well-loved trope in
romance. How did you approach writing the dynamic between Elizabeth and Darcy
as they are forced into such a marriage in your version of the story?
Darcy falls for Elizabeth first in this story, although he was initially
prejudiced against her, so that by the time they are forced to wed, he is
already in love with her, despite knowing she dislikes him. Her progression is
much more gradual, as she begins to realize over the subsequent months that her
preconceived notions about his character were wrong.
The forced marriage acts as a natural barrier, making each believe the
other indifferent as they attempt to navigate their new roles in the marriage.
But I also love forced marriages because, once the couple has realized their
feelings and confessed them, that barrier no longer exists and they are free to
move straight into the physical expression of their love without waiting for a
wedding to take place.
Lady Catherine's opposition to Elizabeth and Darcy's union plays a key
role in your novel. How did you craft her character in Sudden Awakenings,
and how does she differ from or build upon her portrayal in Austen's original
work?
Lady Catherine is always a fun character to use as a villain. Her
opposition comes in this story before she has even had a chance to know
Elizabeth; her prejudice is entirely based on the reports of Elizabeth’s
compromise from Mr. Collins, and she swoops down to try to block their wedding
from taking place. As the story progresses, she continues to oppose the
marriage, mistakenly believing that if Elizabeth were out of the way, then
Darcy would be free to marry Anne. Since her role as an antagonist is
established in the Canon, it was easy to magnify her into a formidable enemy.
Writing variations on classic novels like Pride and Prejudice
allows authors to explore different scenarios for beloved characters. What were
some challenges or opportunities you encountered while blending your original
ideas with Austen’s world?
It’s always a challenge to decide what elements of the Canon to keep and
what to change. For example, I kept to the original timeline for much of the
opening chapters, but added an earlier meeting for Darcy and Elizabeth, which
helped to set up Darcy’s rejection of her at the Meryton Assembly.
Some elements I did change. Georgiana’s near-elopement has not taken
place at the start of the story; she is under Mrs. Younge’s care and Mr.
Wickham serves as the rector of Kympton. It was challenging to disguise their
roles when they are characters the reader already knows as villains, and to let
their story play out in an unexpected way.
I also chose to deviate from Canon in pairing Mary with Mr. Collins
before the story begins, which eliminated him as a potential suitor for any of
the girls.
In the second half of the story, I had fun including some characters
from Sense and Sensibility and Mansfield Park. I’ve always
enjoyed the idea that all the worlds in Jane Austen’s books were connected, and
I love Pride and Prejudice variations where characters from other books appear.
How did you balance the light-hearted, romantic elements of Elizabeth
and Darcy’s evolving feelings with the more serious obstacles they face, like
Elizabeth’s sleepwalking and Lady Catherine’s schemes?
I think there’s sort of a rhythm to every story between the lighthearted
banter and touching moments to the scenes of crisis that occur. Before things
became too serious with the compromise, I gave Elizabeth and Darcy some time to
banter, building up Elizabeth’s dislike of Darcy and allowing his feelings to
shift from prejudice to admiration.
Later on, I gave them some sweet moments, from a visit to one of Matlock
Bath’s famous petrifying wells, to a Christmas gift exchange. Moments like
these neatly surround their arguments and dramatic moments like Elizabeth’s
sleepwalking and the schemes of the various villains in the story, giving the
reader a taste of the happy ending that they know is to come.
Sleepwalking is a fascinating element in this story, both metaphorically
and literally. Can you share more about how it serves as a tool for character
development, especially in Elizabeth’s journey of self-discovery?
The title “Sudden Awakenings” was two-fold, relating both to Elizabeth
suddenly waking from her sleepwalking to the sudden realization of her feelings
for Darcy. It proved to be a useful metaphor in describing her journey of
self-discovery, especially since there are several instances of her
sleepwalking that drive her, both figuratively and literally, into his arms.
Readers are often attached to their own interpretations of Elizabeth and
Darcy. How did you manage to stay true to their essence while adding new layers
to their personalities in your novel?
Always a challenge, to be sure! I feel that I have a version of Darcy
and Elizabeth that live in my mind, and they manifest themselves in various
forms and fashions in each of my novels, and yet they remain Darcy and
Elizabeth and are recognizable to the reader. Elizabeth, no matter what form
she takes, is a lively girl with remarkable intelligence and wit, but sometimes
blind to her own prejudices. Darcy, by contrast, is stoic and proud, concealing
his warm and caring heart at times, but always proves his worth by the end.
In Sudden Awakenings, I chose to use the framework of the Canon to
introduce their initial prejudice of each other, adding some remarks from Miss
Bingley and Mrs. Hurst to sway Darcy’s opinion of the Bennet family, and making
Elizabeth initially attracted to Darcy, so that his insults at the assembly
come as a crushing disappointment to her. His pride stems from his belief that
the Bennets are a greedy, grasping bunch of fortune hunters and that he had
best be on his guard against them, while Elizabeth fails to recognize the
mercenary motives of her family.
She balks over the forced marriage, not only because of her dislike of
Mr. Darcy, but because she knows it makes her seem as if she contrived to snare
him for his fortune. Yet she goes through with it, knowing that if she does
not, she and her sisters will be permanently ruined.
As a writer of a Pride and Prejudice variation, what do you
hope readers take away from Sudden Awakenings about love, personal
growth, or overcoming challenges?
Mrs. Gardiner advises Elizabeth, “once you do know your own heart, do not hesitate to
make your feelings known to the person you love.” I think for most of us, true
love only comes a few times in our lives, so it is important to take hold of
that and cherish the people you love and let them know that you love them.
Mrs. Gardiner also shares
this truth with Elizabeth when she describes how she fell in love with Mr.
Gardiner: “There was a moment in our courtship when he told me all he needed to
succeed in life was the love of a good woman by his side; if he had her, then
he could weather any storm, achieve any dream, and if he didn’t have that, then
it would all be for naught.”
I think this is true for
all of us, that if we have the love of good people in our lives, then we can go
through all of life’s challenges and successes, but a life without love is
meaningless.
Given that your novel culminates in a happily ever after for Elizabeth
and Darcy, what do you think makes their relationship so timeless, and how did
you ensure that same chemistry shone through in your version?
I think that from the outside, Elizabeth and Darcy appear to be
opposites; her lively and witty and him shy and proud, but they come to realize
that they are more alike than not. They are both passionate people who care
deeply about those they love, and desire for an equal partnership in a marriage
at a time when many cared only about financial stability or social maneuvering.
The sparks between these two individuals is what makes them so attractive and
enduringly popular, and why we want to read about them falling in love, time
and time again.
Are there any moments or scenes in Sudden Awakenings that you
particularly enjoyed writing or that you think will stand out to readers?
It was delicious to write the scene where Elizabeth kisses Darcy in her
sleep. Since they are already married by that point, it gave me freedom to
stretch the bounds a little bit while remaining a “clean” romance and provides
the reader with a nice, juicy moment at an otherwise strained part of the
story. It also gave Elizabeth a little push as she tries to sort out whether it
was love or lust that made her do that.
I think readers will also love the scenes at the well in Matlock Bath,
where Darcy creates a souvenir out of their gloves, allowing the well to
petrify them to resemble a pair of entwined hands, representing his desire to walk
hand-in-hand through life with Elizabeth.
Thank you so much, Maria Grazia, for allowing me to give your readers a
behind-the-scenes look at this story and how it was shaped. Below, I’ll share
an excerpt from the book, as well as a game and a link to my giveaway.
About the Book
What could be worse
than awakening in the bed of the man you hate?
Elizabeth Bennet, haunted
by a family history of sleepwalking, has spent her life navigating the
challenges and eccentricities of her condition.
A sudden encounter during a
sleepwalking episode forces her and Mr. Darcy into a marriage of convenience.
As they navigate their newfound relationship, their initial prejudices give way
to unexpected feelings.
However, Darcy's formidable
aunt, Lady Catherine, opposes the match and schemes to break them apart. Can
Elizabeth and Darcy overcome the obstacles placed before them and awaken to the
realization of the love between them?
This clean, heartwarming
romance will leave you captivated and yearning for more. A unique Pride and
Prejudice variation culminating in a happily ever after for Our Dear Couple.
(from Chapter 4 of Sudden Awakenings)
Mr. Darcy remained silent
and contemplative throughout the return journey to Netherfield Park. Miss
Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, however, displayed a starkly contrasting demeanor.
Their tongues, loosened by the evening's entertainment, launched into a
relentless critique of the assembly in the most abusive language. They had no
compunctions about speaking ill of Sir William Lucas, recently knighted, whom
they deemed insufferably pompous for abandoning his trade after receiving the
honor. Nor were the Gouldings spared their scorn, derided for classing
themselves amongst the gentry while still actively managing their bank.
But their favorite
subject was the Bennet family. Towards them, their insults held no bounds, to
the point that even their brother’s good nature was tried by the time they
reached Netherfield.
“Supposedly, they are a
long-standing gentry family, but the way they carry themselves, one would
suppose they were peasant farmers!” Mrs. Hurst scoffed.
They urged Mr. Bingley to
avoid the Bennets at all costs, but he was already too smitten with Miss
Bennet, and paid his sisters’ warnings no heed.
Though he did not voice his
thoughts aloud, Mr. Darcy agreed with much of what the sisters were saying. The
entire Bennet family appeared to embody the very qualities Miss Bingley and
Mrs. Hurst had ascribed to them. The younger sisters flitted about the room,
securing dance partners with an alarming degree of success, while Miss Bennet
herself wasted no time in securing Mr. Bingley's attention, readily accepting a
second set and even prevailing upon him to dance with her sisters. Mrs.
Bennet's role in this elaborate scheme was undeniable. Her persistent efforts
to keep her daughters in close proximity to him and Mr. Bingley throughout the
evening spoke volumes.
Mr. Darcy's attention
drifted from the conversation as his thoughts became preoccupied with a
particular Bennet daughter, the one he had encountered on the muddy lane and
who had later graced him with her proximity during the assembly.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
Now that he knew her name,
he could not remove her from his mind. Her audacity in positioning herself near
him with the expectation of an invitation to dance was presumptuous, to say the
least. The subsequent maneuverings, orchestrated through her sister's request
to Mr. Bingley, were clearly a calculated attempt at securing his attentions.
Such blatant
social climbing deserved a swift and decisive rebuff.
Feeling satisfied that he
had put her in her place, he leaned back against the seat of the chaise and
crossed his arms. Beside him, Mr. Hurst snored loudly, effectively drowning out
the ladies’ gossip and allowing Mr. Darcy to sink deeper into his thoughts
about Miss Elizabeth. Although he deemed his reproaches of conduct entirely
warranted, he found himself unable to overlook the lively gleam within her dark
eyes. Indeed, her impertinence was undeniable, yet there lingered a vivacity
about her that set her apart from other young ladies.
Mrs. Bennet, having just
bestowed upon Jane a well-considered list of conversation topics for Mr.
Bingley, turned her attention to Elizabeth. “Now, Lizzy,” she declared,
“there's no need to fret about conversing with Mr. Darcy. After his egregious
snub at the assembly last week, he deserves to be treated with disdain! I quite
understand if you choose not to speak to him the whole evening. In fact, I have
already asked Mrs. Goulding to seat him at the other end of the table, quite
apart from you.”
“Mamma, such measures are
entirely unnecessary!” Lizzy complained. “I'm perfectly capable of handling Mr.
Darcy's company myself. Surely, Mrs. Goulding will think I mean to give him the
cut direct!”
“No, no, my dear,” Mrs.
Bennet soothed. “A touch of reserve on your part is certainly warranted. Some
gentlemen find excessive eagerness in a lady rather off-putting. Perhaps I
failed to prepare you adequately for the assembly, leaving you to appear overly
forward. A display of indifference, Lizzy, is sure to captivate Mr. Darcy's
interest and make him regret his hasty pronouncements.”
Elizabeth's voice rose in
defiance. “I have no desire to captivate Mr. Darcy! Nor will I stoop to
childish games. If he does deign to speak to me, I shall treat him with
civility, but neither will I exert myself to converse with him.”
***
Her dinner companions were
Maria Lucas and William Goulding, a pleasant young man who had recently
returned from his studies at Cambridge. It was no secret that he admired Maria.
A lively discussion erupted over whether the rising cost of goods in Meryton
was likely to affect the young ladies’ clothing expenditures, which amused
Elizabeth greatly. She maintained that she would simply rework her old gowns,
rather than purchase fabric at such high prices.
After dinner, card tables
were brought out. Elizabeth strategically sat on the other side of the room
from Mr. Darcy. In this way, she managed to avoid him until close to the end of
the evening. Her mother was engaged in an animated discussion with Mr. Bingley,
with Jane close at hand. Elizabeth, knowing her mother’s tendency to overshare,
drew near to them, prepared to intervene should Mrs. Bennet begin divulging
some details best kept to herself.
They were discussing the
party Lady Lucas had thrown for Maria’s coming out when Mrs. Bennet's
tendencies took over.
“It was an excellent party,
and it did Lady Lucas credit as a hostess, though I am not certain it bolstered
Miss Maria’s chances any. It is a pity the Lucas girls are not more handsome.”
“Mamma!” Elizabeth gasped,
grabbing her mother’s arm, knowing Lady Lucas was within earshot, conversing
with Mrs. Long mere feet away. But Mrs. Bennet paid her no heed.
“Not that I think Charlotte
and Maria are so very plain, but then, they are our particular friends,”
she added.
“They seem to be especially
pleasant ladies,” Bingley offered congenially.
“Oh my, yes! But you must
own that they are plain. Lady Lucas has often envied me for my girls’ beauty, especially
that of my Jane. She is renowned throughout the county as the most beautiful
girl in Hertfordshire, or so many people have told me.”
Elizabeth’s cheeks reddened
over her mother’s impolite remarks, wishing she could put a stop to the
conversation before it went any further. To make matters worse, Mr. Darcy chose
this time to insert himself into their gathering and listen.
Her mother continued,
heedless of her errors. “Did you know that when Jane was only fifteen, there
was a gentleman at my brother Gardiner’s in town who was so taken with her, we
were certain he would make her an offer. However, nothing ever came of it. I
suppose he thought her too young. He did, however, write her some very pretty
verses.”
“Which put a swift death to
his love for her!” Elizabeth hurriedly interjected. “I wonder who first
discovered the efficacy of poetry in driving away love.” A nervous laugh
escaped her lips.
Her comment must have
surprised Mr. Darcy, for he said, “I have been used to consider poetry as the
food of love. Would not affection grow and increase while feasting on a lover’s
ballad?”
Eager to defend her
statement, she said, “Of a fine, stout, healthy love, it may, for everything
nourishes what is strong already. But if it is only a vague inclination of
affection, I am convinced that one poor sonnet would starve it away entirely!”
Mr. Darcy raised his
eyebrows. “You have a low opinion of poetry then, Miss Elizabeth?”
“Not at all. I am as much
an admirer of poetry as anyone. But I cannot recommend it as the surest way to
win a lady’s heart.”
“What would you suggest,
then, to encourage affection?”
“Dancing,” Elizabeth
replied, with a mischievous grin, remembering his earlier slight. “For as it is
said, ‘to be fond of dancing is a certain step towards falling in love.’”
Darcy’s lip quirked. “I
have never heard such a saying. Whom are you quoting?”
“I do not know where the
saying originated, but it is general knowledge– at least, if you were to ask my
sisters.” She glanced in the direction of Lydia and Kitty, who had persuaded
William Lucas and William Goulding into dancing with them. Maria Lucas sat at
the piano like a disgruntled queen, plunking out a tune, her envious gaze
drifting towards William Goulding and Kitty.
Elizabeth became aware that
she and Mr. Darcy had overtaken the conversation at hand, and suddenly wished
she could shrink away into the wallpaper. Her mother stared at her with a wide
open mouth, no doubt astonished after her daughter’s earlier insistence that
she would not go out of her way to converse with Mr. Darcy.
He is the one who
provoked me into debating him! Her barbs on the subject of dancing were intended to remind him of his
slight to her and make him ashamed of it. If I have succeeded in bringing
him a little remorse, then I suppose my break in silence towards him was not in
vain.
Mr. Bingley, uncomfortable
with the sparks flying between his friend and Miss Elizabeth, sought to bail
from the conversation at hand. “Well, if dancing is the first step to falling
in love, then I am quite ready to begin! Miss Bennet, if you would care to join
me?” He held his arm out to Jane, who readily accepted it and joined the small
fray of dancers in the middle of the drawing room.
Mrs. Bennet cleared her
throat. “If you will excuse me, I have just remembered I wanted to ask Mrs.
Goulding her receipt for the baked custard we ate,” she said, before leaving
Elizabeth alone with Mr. Darcy. Now, more than ever, Elizabeth wished she had
an excuse to disappear as well.
“It must be a blessing, I
suppose, for those who are fond of dancing, for they are sure to find love
quickly in this manner,” Mr. Darcy said, continuing their conversation. “But it
is a trial for those who lack the skill and grace to navigate a ballroom.”
“Do you speak of yourself,
Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth asked, unable to resist provoking him further. “I can
scarcely believe you to be the sort lacking the grace necessary for
dancing. Aren’t your sort taught to dance as soon as they’re out of leading
strings?”
He tilted his head
slightly. “When it comes to technical performance, yes, I have been taught all
the necessary steps. However, I do not possess the social graces to converse
easily with those whom I am unacquainted.”
“What about those whom you
have met before on the roadside? I have noticed you did not lack the skills to
converse with me then. I think your claim to shyness is a mask, to disguise
your disdain for those whom you deem unworthy of your notice.” Her eyes
flashed.
Mr. Darcy’s brow furrowed
in response. Feeling suddenly that she might say something she would come to
regret, she withdrew, curtsying to him, before hurrying off to find Charlotte.
“What were you speaking to
Mr. Darcy about?” her friend asked.
“Nothing of any
significance,” Elizabeth dismissed.
“I am sorry you had to
speak to such a proud, insolent man, after what he said about you before.”
“I suppose I could more
easily forgive his pride had he not mortified mine,” Elizabeth grumbled.
“I feel for you, Eliza, I
do!” Charlotte said, controlling her smile. “But I suppose some allowances must
be made for a man in his situation. He must have been brought up to think
meanly of others outside his own social strata.”
“I agree with you,
Charlotte. He claims a lack of social graces in the presence of unfamiliar
company. But one must ask why a gentleman, brought up in the first circles,
would not be taught all the social niceties one requires. I think it far more
likely that he thinks himself above us. Observe now, how he sneers at us from
the other side of the room, while engaged with Miss Bingley.” She gestured with
her chin across the room, where Miss Bingley had taken Elizabeth’s spot beside
Mr. Darcy and clung to his arm.
“I’ll wager they are
laughing amongst themselves over our little country gathering,” Charlotte said,
leaning in towards Elizabeth. The two shared a laugh of their own over this
notion.
***
Miss Bingley,
however, was all too ready to lambast their present company.
“It is insupportable,
spending so many evenings in this manner, among these country folk. How I long
for the rich society that only London can provide! Meryton offers nothing in
the way of cultural diversions. A night at the opera would set me up, or
perhaps a visit to a concert. Such insipidity– such self importance among these
people! I am sure you agree with me, Mr. Darcy, there is nothing here worth
admiring.”
“On the contrary, Miss
Bingley, I have been meditating on the great pleasure that a pair of fine eyes
on a pretty face can bestow.”
Taking his compliment
towards herself, Miss Bingley fluttered her lashes, her composure momentarily
startled. “A-and what woman’s eyes, pray tell, have you so utterly
captivated?”
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet,” he
replied without blinking.
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet!”
Miss Bingley repeated with incredulity, a frown forming on her lips before she
corrected it. “The insolent chit you did not deign to dance with at Saturday’s
assembly? You told me how she behaved that evening. What a laugh, that you
should fancy her, of all people!”
“I did not say I fancied
her, merely that I find her eyes to be beautiful. She is, by all accounts, as
you say, insolent.”
Miss Bingley tittered. “And
here I was, prepared to ask you when I was to wish you joy!” she teased. “I am
glad to see you haven’t been taken in by her ‘fine eyes.’ One may admire as
much as they wish, but to allow it to go further would put a stain on your
reputation and standing.”
“You are correct, Miss
Bingley,” Darcy said, recalling the conversation he’d witnessed earlier. The
Bennet family may have the necessary qualifications as members of the gentry,
but Mrs. Bennet’s vulgarity spoiled any chance they had of deserving his
society. His parents certainly never would have countenanced such people;
therefore, he would do well to follow in their example and dissociate himself
with anyone undeserving of belonging to the circle of a gentleman’s society.
“I only wish I could
persuade Charles to avoid these people,” Miss Bingley lamented. “He claims he
likes them, declaring them to be good people, but it is clear he is besotted
with Miss Bennet. He insists on staying through the shooting season, but I hope
once he has killed as many birds as he likes, we may persuade him to return to
Town.”
Darcy, who was beginning to
feel his own heart to be in as much danger as his friend’s, “I agree with you,
Miss Bingley. A few weeks is already too long a stay for such a place as this.
The sooner we remove from here, the better.”
Continue reading Sudden Awakenings
on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited
About the Author
Amanda Kai’s love of period
dramas and classic literature inspires her historical and contemporary
romances. She is the author of several stories inspired by Jane Austen,
including Not In Want of a Wife, Elizabeth’s Secret Admirer, and Swipe Right
for Mr. Darcy. Prior to becoming an author, Amanda enjoyed a career as a
professional harpist, and danced ballet for twenty years. When she’s not diving
into the realm of her imagination, Amanda lives out her own happily ever after
in Texas with her husband and three children.
Game
Today I have a slide puzzle for you, using some artwork from
the cover of Sudden Awakenings. Enjoy!
Giveaway
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