“The Trouble with Friends” is a charming “Pride and Prejudice” variation by Kelly Miller. Like all author’s works, this story is a delightful combination of what Jane Austen and Regency romance fans love and a few twists and turns that make the read more exciting and fit for the modern readers’ taste.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet finds herself in an awkward situation with Mr Lockhart, a man who appears in the neighbourhood, together with other noble gentlemen – all eligible bachelors. It wouldn’t be the Lizzy we all know and admire if she had behaved like a faint-hearted miss under such circumstances. Of course, she chooses the right and not the appropriate thing to do. Little does she know then how her choice will complicate her life when the complications are the last things she needs.
Although minor, Mary Bennet and Robbie – Lizzy’s cocker spaniel – are my favourite characters in this novel. I have a confession to make. I have always felt sorry for the plain and bookish Bennet sister, for I could relate to her. In my teens, I was the one with the book rather than attending dance parties with my classmates. I even had a major argument with my best friend over my obsession with reading. All I wanted after returning from school was to dive back into the world of the book I was reading at the moment. But my friend wanted us to go for a walk and chat about boys. Anyway, it always bothered me that Mary hadn’t gotten to a suitor in the original “Pride and Prejudice”. And it felt highly gratifying to see how life turned out for her in “The Trouble with Friends”.
Another favourite of mine is Mrs Bennet. She might be seen as ill-mannered and too loud for the standards of that era’s high society, but she is sincere and not hiding behind the façade of a refined lady. It doesn’t make her daughters’ lives easier, though. In addition to their lack of wealth, boisterous Mrs Bennet is a serious obstacle on their way to getting a husband.
“The Trouble with Friends” was an utter joy to read. We get to see Mr Wickham demonstrating his wickedness – which Jane Austen couldn’t afford to portray, with rules of propriety being too strict also for literary works – and we get to see Lydia’s naivete bordering on stupidity. The author also has prepared a few unexpected plot twists swerving from what the readers expect in a “Pride and Prejudice” variation.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Kelly Miller. I would be ecstatic to read variations of other Austen novels, for the author’s writing style is exquisite and her attention to the period details makes her books stand out from the works in this popular literary niche.
Eve's Book Diary 