RETHINKING MR DARCY: IS HE REALLY THE ROMANTIC HERO WE LOVE?

 

Sebastian Faulks, in an essay marking Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary, offers a provocative re-reading of Pride and Prejudice — one that may challenge even the most ardent Mr Darcy admirers.

Faulks paints Darcy in stark terms: “mostly miserable” and, at times, “unforgivably cruel.” While modern adaptations have polished him into a brooding heartthrob, Austen’s own text is far more complicated. Faulks argues that Darcy is arrogant, socially tone-deaf, and even manipulative — especially in his treatment of Jane and Bingley. His famed proposal to Elizabeth, which many read as romantic tension, is framed by Faulks as a shocking display of class-conscious cruelty.

AUSTEN & THE ART OF THE SELF: IS ELIZABETH BENNET A MODEL OF SELF-LOVE?

This is the second in our ongoing series: “Austen & the Art of Self” – Exploring the self-help wisdom hidden in Jane Austen’s heroines. Read our previous post: Is Emma Woodhouse a Model of Self-Love?

Elizabeth as a Model of Self-Love

Of all Jane Austen’s heroines, Elizabeth Bennet may be the most beloved—and with good reason. Spirited, witty, and fiercely independent, Lizzy walks through Pride and Prejudice with a confidence that feels strikingly modern. She refuses to marry for convenience, she values integrity over wealth, and she’s unafraid to speak her mind, even to a man like Mr. Darcy. But beneath her quick tongue and clever observations lies something deeper: a strong and evolving sense of self-worth.

A BIRTHDAY GIFT FOR AGES: THE COMPLETE NOVELS BY JANE AUSTEN BY THE FOLIO SOCIETY

The Complete Novels by Jane Austen, The Folio Society

 A collector’s dream for Austen devotees 

Jane Austen’s novels have enchanted readers for more than two centuries, and in 2025 her 250th anniversary is being marked with something truly extraordinary. The Folio Society has created a six-volume limited edition box set of The Complete Novels—a landmark in bookmaking, with only 750 copies available worldwide.

To celebrate this remarkable release, I had the chance to speak with the creative team behind the edition—James Rose (Head of Editorial), Kate Grimwade (Production Director), illustrator Sarah Young, and box designer Emily Benton. In this special Q&A, they share insights into the artistry, craft, and inspiration that went into bringing Austen’s timeless works to life in such a beautiful form. 

A SUMMER WITH JANE: PAULA BYRNE ON SIX WEEKS BY THE SEA

 

by Maria Grazia, My Jane Austen Book Club

 It is a real pleasure to welcome acclaimed biographer, novelist and Austen scholar Paula Byrne to our blog today. Paula is the author of numerous bestselling works, including Belle: The Slave Daughter and the Lord Chief Justice, The Real Jane Austen, The Genius of Jane Austen, and Mad World: Evelyn Waugh and the Secrets of Brideshead, and she is widely respected for the depth, elegance, and originality of her work including biographies, literature, and history.

Her latest novel, Six Weeks by the Sea, offers a compelling blend of historical insight and imaginative storytelling. Set during the summer of 1801, the book follows a young Jane Austen during a six-week holiday in Sidmouth, where she becomes entangled in a quietly dramatic love triangle—with both a dashing Royal Navy captain and a thoughtful, abolitionist lawyer vying for her heart. Drawing on known facts and rich period detail, Paula creates a vivid world of family ties, social pressures, and romantic possibility—all with her signature grace and intelligence.

WHERE ARE TODAY'S MR DARCYS?

 

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, Vanity Fair Italia published a delightful and thought-provoking piece by Alessandra Gonnella asking: Where are today’s Mr. Darcys?

Between London parks, dating apps, and Austen's timeless prose, the author reflects on whether the romantic ideals we cherish from Austen’s novels still have a place in our modern lives.

Here’s my English summary of the article, followed by the original (in Italian):

👉 Link to the original article on Vanity Fair Italia: Dove sono i Mr Darcy di oggi?

PERSUASION IN ARABIC: A CONVERSATION WITH TRANSLATOR MAHA MAHMOUD SALEH

by Maria Grazia, My Jane Austen Book Club

Jane Austen’s works have crossed centuries, borders, and languages—continuing to speak to readers around the world. Recently, Persuasion has taken on new life in Arabic, thanks to the thoughtful work of freelance translator Maha Mahmoud Saleh, based in Cairo.

When she reached out to share news of her translation, I was immediately intrigued—not only by the beautiful cover of the Arabic edition, but also by the opportunity to explore how Austen’s elegant irony and emotional depth could be reimagined for a different linguistic and cultural audience. Maha shared that she began her translation process by watching a 1990s film adaptation of Persuasion, and was struck by how familiar the story felt—almost like an old Arabic romantic drama. “If it weren’t for the distinctly English setting,” she told me, “I would have thought I was watching an old Arabic movie starring Faten Hamama and Omar Sharif—dubbed into English!”

AUSTEN & THE ART OF SELF: IS EMMA WOODHOUSE A MODEL OF SELF-LOVE?

 

Among Jane Austen’s heroines, Emma Woodhouse stands out—not because she’s the most virtuous or modest, but because she’s bold, flawed, and entirely herself. At the novel’s outset, she is beautiful, clever, and rich—as Austen famously puts it—but also proud, meddling, and often blind to the needs and feelings of others. And yet, this complexity is precisely what makes her compelling. In an era when women were expected to marry well and behave modestly, Emma chooses independence and unapologetic self-confidence. This post explores how Emma’s journey through mistakes, self-awareness, and emotional growth makes her a surprisingly modern model of self-love—not as a static ideal, but as a dynamic, evolving woman learning to love herself more wisely.

SET SAIL WITH JANE AUSTEN: AN INTERVIEW WITH NATALIE JENNER

 

We are thrilled to welcome author Natalie Jenner back to My Jane Austen Book Club to discuss her latest novel, Austen at Sea. Known for her captivating historical fiction and her deep love of all things Austen, Natalie Jenner’s new book takes readers on a transatlantic adventure filled with literary intrigue, romance, and the enduring spirit of Jane Austen herself.

In Austen at Sea, readers will follow the Stevenson sisters and the Nelson brothers as they journey to England in 1865, lured by the promise of a rare Austen artifact and the chance to meet her last surviving brother, Sir Francis Austen. Alongside historical figures like Louisa May Alcott, Jenner masterfully weaves a tale of adventure and self-discovery, all under the guiding influence of Austen’s legacy.

BARRY S. RICHMAN ON HIS LATEST RELEASE, FOLLOW THE DRUM, A UNIQUE P&P RETELLING

 

Today on My Jane Austen Book Club, I’m excited to welcome Barry S Richman, author of the newly released Follow the Drum—a bold and unique retelling of Pride & Prejudice set against the backdrop of military life. This variation brings Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy into a world shaped by duty, honor, and the realities of war, offering readers a fresh perspective on a beloved classic.

SOLVING MYSTERIES WITH JANE AUSTEN: AN INTERVIEW WITH JESSICA BULL

 

Welcome, Jessica Bull, to My Jane Austen Book Club!

It’s always a delight to explore new takes on Jane Austen’s world, and today, we’re thrilled to welcome Jessica Bull, author of the Miss Austen Investigates series. Her latest novel, A Fortune Most Fatal, brings us another delightful mystery featuring none other than Jane Austen herself—this time, unravelling secrets in 1797 Kent. With wit, charm, and an irresistible puzzle at its heart, this book is sure to captivate both Austen fans and mystery lovers alike.

Scroll down and join us as Jessica shares insights into her inspiration, the challenges of blending history with detective fiction, and what’s next for our favourite literary sleuth!

LIVING WITH JANE AUSTEN: A CONVERSATION WITH JANET TODD

 

On the occasion of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, internationally renowned novelist and scholar Janet Todd offers readers a unique gift: a book that blends personal memoir with a deep and thoughtful engagement with Austen’s timeless works. In this intimate and insightful volume, Todd reflects on how Austen’s novels have guided her through different phases of her life, offering lessons on patience, humour, beauty, and the meaning of home.

With a distinguished career that spans feminist literary scholarship and acclaimed fiction, Janet Todd is one of the foremost voices in Austen studies. Her latest work not only highlights Austen’s relevance in today’s world but also reveals how living with Austen’s characters and stories can shape our understanding of ourselves and our surroundings.

In this interview, Janet Todd shares her inspiration, her personal connection to Jane Austen, and why Austen’s wisdom remains as powerful today as it was over two centuries ago.

WHY WE READ (OR WRITE ABOUT) JANE AUSTEN

 

Yours Truly is honoured to have been invited to share thoughts on why we continue to read and write about Jane Austen. My heartfelt thanks to Christina Boyd for featuring my piece on her website and for including me among her wonderful monthly guest contributors in this delightful series.

If you’ve ever wondered why Jane Austen has captivated me for so long—and why I’ve been blogging about her all these years—please join me over on Christina’s Quill Ink to read more.

You can read my piece HERE

SUDDEN AWAKENING BOOK TOUR: INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR AMANDA KAI & GIVEAWAY

 

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!)

MURDER IN HIGHBURY, VANESSA KELLY TAKES US BACK TO THE WORLD OF JANE AUSTEN'S EMMA

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 Less than one year into her marriage to respected magistrate George Knightley, Emma has grown unusually content with her newfound partnership and refreshed sense of independence. The height of summer sees the former Miss Woodhouse gracefully balancing the meticulous management of her elegant family estate and a flurry of social engagements, with few worries apart from her beloved father’s health. But the cheery circumstances change in an instant when Emma and Harriet Martin, now the wife of one of Mr. Knightley’s tenant farmers, discover a hideous shock at the local church. The corpse of Mrs. Augusta Elton, the vicar’s wife, has been discarded on the altar steps and the ornate necklace she often wore stripped from her neck . . . As a chilling murder mystery unfolds and chaos descends upon the tranquil village of Highbury, the question isn’t simply who committed the crime, but who wasn’t secretly wishing for the unpleasant woman’s demise. When suspicions fall on a harmless local, Emma decides to discreetly investigate. Armed with wit, unwavering determination, and extensive social connections, she will protect the innocent and expose the ruthless culprit hiding in plain sight.

Check the book at Amazon.com

JAYNE BAMBER, JUST BETWEEN US: AUTHOR GUEST POST, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY.

 

Hello, readers! It's a treat to be back at My Jane Austen Book Club to share about my newest release. My eleventh novel, ‘Just Between Us’ is available for pre-order, and at the end of this post I’ll be sharing an excerpt from this Pride & Prejudice retelling….

 Jane Austen once said, “My characters shall have, after a little trouble, all that they desire.” I give the Bennet sisters more than just a little trouble. Kitty has a minor heartbreak when her unrequited crush marries another, while Lizzy and Darcy have a whirlwind courtship but are separated for two years, and Jane gets her man but at a very steep cost. 

CRIME & CULPABILITY: A JANE AUSTEN MYSTERY ANTHOLOGY

 

Hello and happy Sunday, dear readers! Today I'd like to invite you to step into a world where Regency elegance meets thrilling intrigue! In this upcoming release, Crime & Culpability: A Jane Austen Mystery Anthology, some of your favorite Austen characters find themselves entangled in captivating mysteries, with clues hidden beneath the surface of every story. Whether it’s Darcy investigating a murder or Emma Woodhouse solving an art heist, each tale invites you to join the sleuths and unravel the secrets within. Ready to discover how Austen’s timeless charm blends seamlessly with a dash of mystery? Scroll down and dive into this unique anthology where the game is afoot! MG x

BRIGID HUEY, LEARNING TO LOVE: A PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND LITTLE WOMEN CROSSOVER!

 

Thank you for having me at My Jane Austen Book Club! I am so happy to be here to share my upcoming novel. Learning to Love is a Pride and Prejudice and Little Women crossover! In it, Amy and Laurie keep up a lively correspondence and grow closer through their letters.

We all know how digitized our world has become. I’m always texting, emailing, scrolling. As a writer, I used to write all my stories in notebooks. But I transitioned my writing from pen and paper to my laptop a few years ago. It’s more efficient (no more typing out what I’ve written) and I can type faster than I can write by hand.

NEW RELEASE! SOMETHING ABOUT LIZZY BY ROBIN ELIZABETH KOBAYASHI

 

 

Thank you, Maria Grazia, for inviting me to guest blog today. For many years I’ve wondered what it would be like to be friends with the lively, witty, intelligent Elizabeth Bennet of Pride and Prejudice, even after her marriage to Mr. Darcy, when she is a mother and the mistress of Pemberley. We know from Jane Austen’s novels and letters just how challenging and frustrating it was to be woman in a man’s world during the nineteenth century. My new novella, Something About Lizzy: Family Secrets Post-Pride and Prejudice, is my ode to Elizabeth Darcy née Bennet—her emotional journey as a married woman, her love and relationships and secrets.

PEMBERLEY BEACH, A MODERN RETELLING OF JANE AUSTEN'S PRIDE AND PREJUDICE BY ELIZABETH FAMOUS.

 

Welcome, Austen Admirers! Today, we have a special treat for you as we welcome the talented author Elizabeth Famous to our cozy corner of the internet. With her recent publication, Pemberley Beach, a contemporary reimagining of Jane Austen’s timeless classic Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth has captivated readers with her fresh take on beloved characters and themes.

We invite you to join us in exploring Elizabeth’s creative process, her love for Austen’s work, and the delightful twists and turns she introduces in Pemberley Beach. This interview is not just a conversation between author and interviewer; it’s an invitation for all of you to participate. Feel free to share your thoughts, questions, and favourite Austen moments in the comments section below. After all, what’s better than discussing literature with fellow enthusiasts? So, brew a cup of tea, settle into your favourite reading nook, and Elizabeth Famous as she shares insights into her literary world and her passion for all things Austen.

DOUBLE BOOK RELEASE! AMANDA KAI, A LITTLE BIT FOOLISH & SWIPE RIGHT FOR MR DARCY

 

I’m here today celebrating a double book release! A Little Bit Foolish is a collection of Pride and Prejudice April Fool’s stories, and Swipe Right for Mr. Darcy is a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice.

In 2021, I began a new tradition of releasing a new comedy story on April Fool’s Day with my  short story Unconventional, an Austentatious Comedy that Defies Expectations!   The following year, I wrote An Unexpected Party.  Last year, my plans for a short story were interrupted by the release of my full-length variation A Favorable Impression, and thus I did not complete an April Fool’s story in 2023. Therefore, this year, I decided to release a whole collection, including 3 brand-new stories!