The Man Who Loved Pride & Prejudice: A Modern Love Story with a Jane Austen Twist

by Abigail Reynolds

Book Overview

A modern love story with a Jane Austen twist...

Marine biologist Cassie Boulton likes her coffee with cream and her literature with happy endings. Her favorite book is Pride and Prejudice, but Cassie has no patience when a modern-day Mr. Darcy appears in her lab.

Silent and aloof, Calder Westing III doesn't seem to offer anything but a famous family name. But there is more to Calder than meets the eye, and he can't...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1402237324
• ISBN13: 9781402237324
• Release Date: May 2010
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
• Length: 439 Pages
• Weight: 0.53 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 4.1" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

Loved the Book modern Adaptation of P&P Political opinions are annoying

Couldn't put Pemberly By the Sea down. Initially loved the modern day love story of Cassie and Calder although immediately the Political leanings were annoying Cassie is s Biologist who is protective of mother earth while Calder is from old money whose Father is a REPUBLICAN wasting money on endless wars. Nonetheless Calder loves Cassie sweetly throughout the book while his father tries to destroy her Sadly tho Could not read the last 10 pages as Calder's reconciliation was too Political for me bringing Cassie to a Women Democrat opponent of his Republican father to show his adoration was just too much! I suspect there was a happy ending as all Lizzy and Darcy books must have

A brilliant beach book!

A have long been a fan of Abigail Reynolds' writing, but I had only ever read her historical novels before, and I was wondering if I would be able to read a modern story, even from such a talented hand, with as much pleasure. I am delighted to say that I could! The Man Who Loved Pride & Prejudice is a really good read! Abigail brings her usual blend of excellent writing, warm and believable characters, witty dialogue and sense of humour to this story in abundance. It's definitely a book I will take down from the shelf again and again - very re-readable! I won't summarise the plot here, as other reviewers have done a great job of that already, but in general terms, this was a beautifully written story that made me care about the characters (and not just the leads, either), made me want to keep turning that page, made me want things to work out for Cassie and Calder... and a perfect beach read if you're going off on your summer holidays! (At over 400 pages, there's plenty to keep you going!) One of the (many) things I loved about the story was that although it carried an essence of Pride & Prejudice throughout - certainly enough to satisfy avid fans of the original story (like me) - it was also inventive and original. I loved how the two main characters met and the echoes to the original novel, but it was really nice to find that the story didn't attempt to simply reproduce Jane Austen's work in a modern setting. As so much has changed since those days, it isn't enough to just rename Darcy and Lizzy and stick them in the 21st century (though enough people seem to try!) What we have here is a cleverly crafted, beautifully written story that touches upon a well loved classic from time to time, almost with a caress.

My List of Favs

Author Abigail Reynolds is a physician, having her own part time private practice, and is also a long time Jane Austen fan. She studied Russian, theatre, and marine biology before going to medical school. Fellow Austen fans encouraged her writing, which led to four other Pemberley Variations. Other titles include: To Conquer Mr. Darcy, From Lambton to Longbourn, By Force of Instinct, Impulse & Initiative, Without Reserve, and Pemberley by the Sea. Originally from New York, she now resides in Wisconsin with her husband, two teenagers, and a menagerie of pets. Marine Biologist Cassie Boulton's favorite book may be Pride & Prejudice, but she wasn't seeking her very own Mr. Darcy. In fact, she has been hiding behind the veneer of scientific accomplishments, determined to hide the painful secrets of her past. But when Calder Westing III shows up at her lab, she finds herself as frustrated as she is intrigued. Silent and aloof, Cassie discovers there's more to Calder than meets the eye, and after sharing a passionate night by the sea, they can't seem to get enough of each other. But when the past threatens to come between them, Calder must write his very own retelling of the famous Jane Austen story, complete with their very own happy ending. In all honesty, poor Jane Austen's work has been beaten and retold to death. I often wonder what she would think of all this attention. Very few books and movies have persuaded me otherwise. This happens to be one of them. I encourage readers who are biased like myself to look past this to the great story Abigail Reynolds portrays. This book is in no way a retelling of Pride & Prejudice, but rather uses a similar storyline and conflict that continues to draw Austen's fans. With vivid imagery, the setting draws you in from the start, then continuing on with fascinating and relatable characters, you will find yourself crying, laughing, and gritting your teeth in aggravation. Readers will learn a lot about marine biology without having it shoved down their throat. Most of all, and true to Austen and Reynolds charm, the conflict and roadblocks for the hero and heroine force readers glued to each page, dying to know what happens next. My only real complaint for the book was I found Cassie's deep secret to be a bit weak. Didn't deter me from reading, though! A highly recommended read! Kelly Moran, Author and Reviewer,Bookpleasures

A worthy reissue for a wider audience

This book is a reissue of Pemberley by the Sea, retitled for wider distribution. This happens from time to time in the publishing business. If you've never read Pemberley by the Sea, and you are a fan of romantic fiction, and especially fans of Jane Austen derivatives, I recommend this highly. I love this story. Fans of Jane Austen will recognize a story very much in the spirit of Pride and Prejudice in a modern setting, and written for a modern audience. Calder and Cassie make a believable Darcy and Elizabeth in the 21st century, and their initial relationship, built on misunderstanding and misinterpretation is just as frustrating and fascinating as in Austen's version. Darcy's infamous letter takes on a new form here, but is as out of the ordinary in modern times as was Darcy's letter to a woman to whom he was not attached in the regency. But you don't need to be familiar with Pride and Prejudice to enjoy this novel. It's a lovely romance, and the characters have just the right mix of fantasy and reality. Both have significant secrets that threaten their relationship, and both have frustrating faults, and great strengths. Are they people you meet everyday? Probably not, but they are people I'd like to know. The Cape Cod location adds to the story, and there are some really lovely, sensual scenes - one especially with a magical, cinematic quality. Finally, the author knows how to create a very satisfying ending, which is an underrated skill in and of itself. In addition, Calder's father is a great character - the sort of person you love to hate. The characters and the pacing of the book are good, the story is original and keeps your interest, great setting and it is a very satisfying read. It's in my pile of things to reread again. In the genre of Jane Austen derivatives, or contemporary romantic fiction, this is one of the best, in my opinion.

Wonderful modern adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

The marketplace seems to be filled with Jane Austen these days; movies, alternate "what if" stories based on her original Regency era works and modern adaptations. This book falls into the later category and is not only well written but filled with compelling characters. Cassie and Calder are believable, the descriptions are top notch and --an added bonus--the marine biology one picks up along the way is a delight. If one isn't at the Cape for a summer vacation, one can be transported there through this author's captivating words. All in all, it makes for a great summer read.

I do love this book

Fans of Jane Austen will recognize a story very much in the spirit of Pride and Prejudice in a modern setting, and written for a modern audience. Calder and Cassie make a believable Darcy and Elizabeth in the 21st century, and their initial relationship, built on misunderstanding and misinterpretation is just as frustrating and fascinating as in Austen's version. Darcy's infamous letter takes on a new form here, but is as out of the ordinary in modern times, as was Darcy's letter to a woman to whom he was not attached in the regency. But you don't need to be familiar with Pride and Prejudice to enjoy this novel. It's a lovely romance, and the characters have just the right mix of fantasy and reality. Both have significant secrets that threaten their relationship, and both have frustrating faults, and great strengths. Are they people you meet everyday? Probably not, but they are people I'd like to know. The Cape Cod location adds to the story, and there are some really lovely, sensual scenes - one especially with a magical, cinematic quality. Finally, the author knows how to create a very satisfying ending, which is an underrated skill in and of itself. In addition, Calder's father is a great character - the sort of person you love to hate. The characters and the pacing of the book are all quite good, the story is original and keeps your interest, great setting and it's a very satisfying read. It's in my pile of things to reread again.