Beth Massey

Goodly Creatures: a Pride and Prejudice Deviation Beth Massey

A life altering event inextricably links a fifteen-year-old Elizabeth Bennet to Fitzwilliam Darcy while simultaneously creating an almost insurmountable divide. This Pride and Prejudice deviation takes the reader on a journey through a labyrinth filled with misunderstandings, bias, guilt and fear--not to mention, laughter, animal magnetism and waltzing. As Elizabeth says, 'she shed enough tears to float one of Lord Nelson's frigates' but as she also observes 'unhappiness does, indeed, have comic aspects one should never underestimate.' Though the path for our protagonists is much more ardurous than canon the benefit remains the same, a very happy Janeite ending for these two soul-mates. Along the way there is retribution, redemption and reward for other characters--including a few that recall players in Ms Austen's 'Sense and Sensibility.' While reading her first published novel, I came across grievances so unjust that they called out to this long-time struggler for women's rights. With this novel, I became determined to give them some vindication. A sampling of comments left for this story at an online Jane Austen fan fiction site: Thank you for bringing this amazing, complex, heart-wrenching, story to a beautiful conclusion. Beverly K--Wellington, New Zealand Awesome story. Could not sleep until I finished it. Riveting reading. Well done. J. Bolinas--Sydney, Australia Beautiful story, one that made me both laugh and cry. Amy A--Pacific Northwest, USA Such a good job of presenting a subject that affects women (and the men who love them) today as much as in that day... your writing draws out the fear behind what a victim is unwillingly to voice out loud and then cauterizes the wound after it is revealed and cleansed of its venom. Jan L--Pacific Northwest, USA It was more than good -- it was beautiful. I have tears in my eyes. Christine Marciasini--Italy That was beautiful! It was perfect. One of the best stories I have read. Lauren R--San Juan, Puerto Rico