Title: My Cousin Darcy (Sofia-Elisabete Stories, Book 4)
Author: Robin Kobayashi
Narrator: Lucas Keen
Genre: Historical Fiction, Pride and Prejudice Vagary
Book Blurb:
Can Fitzwilliam Darcy help his young cousin vindicate her father’s honor?
1826, Yorkshire Wolds. In this humorous and heartfelt short novel narrated by Colonel Fitzwilliam’s daughter, Sofia-Elisabete, the colonel takes her to fox hunts. A terrible accident occurs at the second hunt when the impetuous and spirited Sofia fakes a “view halloo” and sets the riders in the wrong direction so that she can save the fox. Lies spread, and the colonel is unjustly blamed for the tragic death that occurs. A key witness—Nimrod, the popular sports writer—has vanished. The colonel seeks Darcy’s help to find this journalist.
There is no greater friendship than between loyal cousins.
Sofia hasn’t seen this cousin since she was a child, but she recalls the happy Darcys of Pemberley. Fitzwilliam Darcy at 42 still has that certain je ne sais quoi that had captivated her as a girl. But can Darcy make things right in a world where corruption abounds, and where trouble and the fantastic keep happening whenever Sofia is near? Told against the backdrop of the sporting life, from the chase to the turf, from the ring to the links, My Cousin Darcy lays bare the secrets of a flawed and sensitive hero from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
The award-winning Sofia-Elisabete Stories:
I, Sofia-Elisabete, Love Child of Colonel Fitzwilliam–Searching for Utopia in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars. A Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2018.
Twelfth-Night Cake & the Rosings Ghost–Clashing with Lady Catherine of Rosings Park. Finalist, 2018 Wishing Shelf Book Awards.
Only Sofia-Elisabete–Trusting love and her healing power. A Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2021 and B.R.A.G. Medallion honoree.
My Cousin Darcy–Teaming up with Fitzwilliam Darcy to save her father's honor.
My Review:
Story Impressions –
A delightful tale blending Pride and Prejudice characters plus traditional Regency sporting jaunt and an unusual heroine. As with other JAFF tales, this reimagining is as pleasing to the ear as it is to my Regency heart. I found the plot believable and historically accurate. The author writes with an Austenesque flair. The story itself is addictive to listen to and before I knew it, hours ticked by. If you’re a P&P vagary fan, you’ll simply adore My Cousin Darcy. It’s one I will read again and again with pleasure.
Narrator’s overall voice – Lucas Keen’s voice has an individuality all its own but when it employs the various character voices, it takes on each character with ease. I thoroughly adored his voice. Does the narrator fit the characters? Yes, Lucas Keen fits the characters, especially Sofia. I’m astonished at how well he evokes women. It’s not an easy thing to do. Well done. Narrator’s reading style – Lucas Keen has an informal reading style but with enough twists and turns to keep the listener mesmerized. Narrator’s impact on reading experience – Lucas Keen has an inherent ability to draw a listener/reader in without any effort. The scenes are so well narrated, that I had to stop what I was doing to concentrate on the story. Narrator’s pacing – Lucas Keen’s pacing is impeccable, blending historical fiction and mystery together without any effort. Audiobook flow – Lucas Keen lets the audiobook unfold naturally with plenty of dialogue, action, and intrigue. What makes this audiobook unique – Lucas Keen and Robin Kobayashi partner up again to bring readers/listeners one of the best historical fiction/Pride and Prejudice vagary audiobooks I’ve ever heard/read. Lucas Keen’s narration brings My Cousin Darcy to life, like a film. Brilliant from start to finish. Would I recommend this audiobook – YES! One-click this audiobook right now.
My Rating: 5+ stars
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Author Biography:
Robin Elizabeth Kobayashi is a writer of historical fiction and magical realism. Her book, I Sofia-Elisabete, was named to Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2018. The sequel, Only Sofia-Elisabete, was named to Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2021 and honored with a B.R.A.G. Medallion. Her short story, "Goya's Muse," appeared in The Copperfield Review. My Cousin Darcy, her short novel released in March 2023, is also available as an audiobook.
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Reviewed by: Nancy