MAGIC, MR DARCY AND SECOND CHANCES: A CONVERSATION WITH AMY GEORGE

 

"There is no enjoyment like reading!"
— Northanger Abbey

One of the greatest joys of Jane Austen's enduring legacy is seeing how each generation of writers finds fresh and imaginative ways to revisit her beloved stories. Some remain close to the original, while others dare to ask, What if...?

Today, I am delighted to welcome historical novelist Amy George—to My Jane Austen Book Club.

Her latest novel, His Dark Heart, takes readers into a world where Pride and Prejudice meets fantasy. In this magical reimagining, Lord Darcy is a prince who uses another’s powers  to manipulate fate itself—but, as every lover of fantasy knows, magic always comes at a price.

I invited Amy to tell us more about the inspiration behind this unusual Austenesque variation, her love of Jane Austen, and the challenges and delights of blending romance with fantasy.

Please join me in giving Amy a warm My Jane Austen Book Club welcome!

 

1.     His Dark Heart offers readers a very original take on Pride and Prejudice, blending Austen's beloved story with fantasy and magic. What first inspired you to imagine Darcy as a prince with magical powers?

Darcy doesn’t have magical powers, but there is a witch he blackmails. She uses her magic to get him what he wants.

 Jane Austen's Elizabeth Bennet is admired for her intelligence, wit and independence. How did you approach writing your own Elizabeth while placing her in a world where magic is very real?

 I think Elizabeth and magic would go together in any universe. She is smart enough to know there are things beyond her control. Our traditional Lizzy may scoff at what she doesn’t know (when she doesn’t have all the information), but in this universe magic is just there so she accepts it.

 Magic always comes with consequences in great fantasy stories. Without revealing too much, what role does magic play in His Dark Heart, and how does it shape Elizabeth and Darcy's relationship?

 Magic, quite literally, brings them together, but it also becomes an albatross around Darcy’s neck. That’s what helps make him the man he is at the end of the book.

  Austen readers enjoy seeing familiar characters in new situations. Were there any characters from Pride and Prejudice whom you especially enjoyed reimagining for this story?

 I really enjoyed writing Caroline as a witch. It seems appropriate. She’s not exactly evil, but she isn’t a good person and that’s almost always a lot of fun to write. I took out other characters I didn’t feel like writing. For example, Elizabeth is an only child because I thought there was enough chaos in the book to add 4 sisters.

Every Austenesque author has a unique relationship with Jane Austen's work. What do you think is the greatest lesson you've learned from reading Austen, both as a reader and as a writer?

 Every author I read teaches me something (good or bad), but, as a writer, Austen taught me not to rush a story. I have a natural tendency to use very little description and to write with an economy of words. I learned how to world-build from Austen.

As a reader, I feel that Austen helped me build my wit.

After such a long journey to publication, how does it feel to finally see His Dark Heart available for readers?

 Oh, my gosh. It’s a relief to see this story in black and white and under MY name. Having the story stolen not once but twice at least let’s me know the work is good, but it’s wrenching to know that it had to have been somebody who knows me—they used my given first name—stole it. That’s what breaks my heart.

 Finally, if Jane Austen herself could read His Dark Heart, what would you hope she would say about your magical reimagining of her most famous novel?

 I definitely think she would, due to the spice level, say “Oh, my.”

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Witty and popular, Elizabeth Bennet looks forward to a bright future. She plans to marry her childhood sweetheart and live happily ever after.

When Lord Darcy, Prince of Pemberley, attends an assembly and gives no hint of manners or civility, Elizabeth is forced to put him in his place. Challenging him like no other before, everything changes.

Now the dark Lord Darcy is obsessed with the obstinate, headstrong girl and will do anything to have her, including the use of magic. But magic has a price. Will it destroy this fragile couple, or will true love win in the end?

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amy George is a middle-aged Midwesterner who doesn’t own a Jell-o mold but has an amazing baked mac & cheese recipe she takes to gatherings. She lives with her long-time beau, a hermit, a dog, and four cats. (Although 4 cats may as well be 72 cats.) She enjoys reading fantasy smut, crocheting, and feeding the yarn stash.

 

 MY JANE AUSTEN BOOK CLUB EXPLAINER 

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