Pride & Prejudice Book Club Podcast

Surprise! Welcome to our first episode released on the same day a book is released, and we're so excited that we're starting with Amy D'Orazio's Cursing Mr. Darcy! Fair warning - we know most of you haven't read the book yet, so beware of SPOILERS! A variation with a very distinct fairy tale flavor, Cursing Mr. Darcy prominently features some non-canon characters while still keeping our interest w...

In this week’s episode, we discuss "Reverie and Rancour" by S.E. Granger, a compelling take on the forced marriage trope. The story places Elizabeth and Darcy in an unfortunate situation that leads to an arranged marriage—a plot point that provokes some strong reactions. Alicia, who wasn’t a fan of this trope the last time we encountered it, questions Darcy's redemption arc. Emilie agrees that Dar...

Are you ready for a special BONUS episode? There was so much to unpack in An Ever Fixed Mark, one episode didn't feel like enough! And to mix things up even further, we asked a friend to join in the fun 😁 Elizabeth Adams kindly hopped on a zoom call to discuss alllll the things with Emilie—from analyzing how "Stornoway" is pronounced to admiring the way grief and emotion are deftly handled by the...

It's time for our first real foray into the world of Pride and Prejudice fan fiction! It only took us 60+ episodes to get here... We read "An Ever Fixed Mark" on Archive of Our Own (AO3) by user AMarguerite, and...just, wow! Emilie has been a bit hesitant to dive into fan fiction, but this story makes a strong case for jumping in. Quick summary: everyone gets a soul mark when they turn 16, and Eli...

We try something new on the podcast this week with our very first discussion about an *audio only* sequel to Pride and Prejudice—Mrs. Wickham, by Sarah Page. This short story is from the point of view of Lydia as she navigates life with her wastrel husband far from the safety and security of home. When she decides to take control of her life (as much as she is able), her situation begins to improv...

This week on the podcast, we explore "Fair Trade" by Kate Bedlow, where the Bennet sisters embark on an unconventional path into trade, supported by a surprising benefactor. Will these new ventures create insurmountable barriers between Darcy and Elizabeth, or will their love defy the odds? Join us as we explore the themes of love and loss, contemplate the existence of a "wives club," and ponder t...

In our latest episode, we delve into "Mr. Darcy's Bookshop" by Summer Hanford, where the tables are turned on Darcy's social status. In this refreshing variation, Darcy is a humble bookseller in London, denied his birthright due to his father's stubbornness and Wickham's scheming. Elizabeth, now his social superior, navigates Jane's cautious advice against getting involved with someone of lower st...

Hold on to your bonnets! This episode of the Pride and Prejudice Book Club might give you whiplash. On the one hand, both Emilie and Alicia really enjoyed this modern (GASP!) variation by a very talented author. On the other hand, there are...ethical questions. So. Many. Questions! We won't dive into it here, but suffice it to say that a good chunk of this episode is devoted to those questions, an...

Are you looking for a fun, comforting, and low-angst read? Then you'll love "Besotted" by Elizabeth Adams! The plot is straightforward and simple--it's a series of love letters between Darcy and Elizabeth from their engagement onward. It's a charming book, and if you like spending time with Darcy and Elizabeth, there's a lot to love here!  --- 🎵 Music Credit: Pride & Prejudice Book Club Theme...

We had the pleasure of chatting with author Elizabeth Adams, known for her exquisitely crafted novels like "Green Card" and "Besotted," both of which we've discussed on the podcast. It was an absolute delight! During our conversation, we delved into a variety of topics, from Elizabeth's favorite Jane Austen novel (plot twist: it's "Persuasion"), insights into her writing process, and how she immer...

Is it possible for Elizabeth to fall in love with Darcy when he's not Darcy? In this episode we discuss a fun and surprisingly deep body-swap (or "Freaky Friday") variation that has Mr. Darcy swap bodies with Mr. Collins, and the results are surprising!  Instead of finding Mr. Collins ridiculous and annoying, Elizabeth begins to find him interesting...and things get even more interesting from ther...

We're taking a little break this week, so we thought we'd dust off one of our favorite discussions from 2023: Madness in Merryton by Jayne Bamber!  A little refresher: Darcy and Elizabeth are stuck in a time loop reliving "market day," a random day after Elizabeth and Jane's stay at Netherfield but before the Netherfield Ball. Our hero and heroine need to work together to break the loop, and a mis...

Get ready for a quick succession of amazing wonderfulness, because Jayne Bamber is on the pod and the fun won’t stop! From being inspired by Taylor Swift to her complex red-yarn wall of plot points, Jayne generously gives us the scoop on all her stories (past and future!) She also pulls the curtain back on how she hires her audiobook narrators, a topic Emilie and Alicia found endlessly fascinating...

What would it be like to walk in Elizabeth Bennet's shoes? This week's episode centers around "Austenland," a delightful novel by Shannon Hale that transports readers to an over-the-top theme park where women can immerse themselves in their Jane Austen-inspired fantasies of courtship. Both Alicia and Emilie have previously enjoyed the book, but now they're ready to delve deeper into its themes and...

We have a fine time this week talking about Amy D'Orazio's novella, "A Fine Joke." And while the general topic is serious (Mr. Darcy believes he's dying!) the novella itself is lighthearted and breezy. It even features a mildly redeemed Wickham! We hope you have a fine time listening this week, and if you can, please vote for our next book on our social media accounts :)   ---   🎵 Music Credit: P...

In this week's episode, we take an unexpected journey as we explore a book that dares to question whether Darcy is truly the best match for the main character. Alicia is left flabbergasted by Emilie's enjoyment of a story that challenges the original pairings, but does it all come together in the end? Join us as we delve into the complexities of expectations versus reality in romantic pairings, an...

In our latest episode, we delve into the captivating world of "A Quick Succession of Busy Nothings" by Jayne Bamber. Unlike her previous work "Madness in Merryton," (which we adored), this book takes a daring turn by blending Pride and Prejudice with other Jane Austen novels. Prepare to have your expectations turned upside down as "bad" characters find redemption, seemingly good characters reveal...

We’re back with a tasty little treat: Jessie Lewis’s new novella, 'The Cad, The Couch, and The Cut Direct.' While it is (in Emilie’s opinion) waaaaay too short, it is a fun “what if” farce that is full of misunderstandings, tantalizing near-misses, and, ultimately, romance. Despite its brevity, Alicia still manages to pull some interesting quotes for discussion. Does competition make romance bette...

This week on the podcast, we're exploring KC Kahler's "A Case of Some Delicacy," where Darcy and Elizabeth join forces to prevent Jane from marrying Mr. Collins. With fewer obstacles in their path and a flurry of secret rendezvous, we're treated to ample "Darcy and Elizabeth time" as they forge a deeper connection. But will an inevitable misunderstanding threaten to derail their budding relationsh...

In this week's episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with author Heather Moll for some fascinating insights into her writing process and experiences. From her unexpected journey into the world of Pride and Prejudice to her expertise as a librarian (and research enthusiast), Heather's story is as delightful as her novels. Join us as we explore the creative mind behind the books and delve int...

A surprise visit, a flood, and a murder mystery combine to create Heather Moll's "An Appearance of Goodness," a variation that gives Elizabeth and Darcy plenty of time to get to know each other—and plenty of time to get to "know" each other!   In this episode, we venture into new territory as we delve into discussions of intimacy in relationships and explore Elizabeth and Darcy's journey (spoiler...

Today, we're delving into the world of mystery with PD James' 'Death Comes to Pemberley.' Is it possible that Wickham, notorious for his deceit and misdeeds, might also be a murderer? Also a mystery: what happened to Col. Fitzwilliam's personality?!? Listen to the episode to find out! (As usual, we assume that you've read the book, but more so than ever: beware of SPOILERS!) --- 🎵 Music Credit: P...

Get ready for a much-anticipated episode! We're diving into one of Emilie's all-time favorite variations—'Unequal Affections' by Lara S. Ormiston. Ever wondered what would happen if Elizabeth had said "Yes" instead of "No" to Darcy's proposal? This carefully crafted tale explores just that, offering a fresh perspective on our beloved characters and their journey. Join us as we unravel the subtle t...

Our next episode of the podcast delves into "Mr. Bennet's Dutiful Daughter" by Joana Starnes. When Mr. Bennet experiences a medical emergency, Darcy proposes to Elizabeth, who, scared and devastated, accepts him to protect her family. Darcy believes their union is founded on love, so despite the circumstances, he's thrilled. Consumed by grief, Elizabeth is feeling anything but thrilled. Even as sh...

Join Alicia and Emilie for an enthralling interview with two extraordinary authors in the world of JAFF—Victoria Kincaid and Abigail Reynolds!   Get ready for a captivating conversation that spans the early days of JAFF to the release of "Mr. Darcy's Enchanted Library," a collaborative effort by Abigail, Victoria, and several other talented authors in the JAFF community. Learn about the creative p...