Everyone has their rock stars. For music buffs, it is literal rock stars. For sports fans, it is that forward or goalie who is carrying the team. And for Austenites, it is Mr. Darcy. Pride and Prejudice’s love interest has captivated readers for over two centuries now, and his popularity is not slowing down in the least. But why is Mr. Darcy still so popular today? Dr. Gabrielle Malcolm dives into Darcy’s legacy to find out just why we are all still fascinated. There’s Something About Darcy is the perfect read for any Jane Austen fan who finds themselves dreaming of Darcy…
If you are also an Austenite, you have probably spent more than your fair share of time wondering what it would be like to meet Austen’s characters. Would Mrs. Bennett annoy you? Would Elinor Dashwood be a dear friend? And, would you want to punch John Thorpe? All very valid questions to an Austenite. However, I don’t think that any characters have held our attention like Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy. And given modern interpretations of Pride and Prejudice, it is no wonder that Mr. Darcy takes centre stage. While I am personally a member of Team Tilney, I am fascinated by the hold that Darcy has over so many people. So, I was incredibly excited when Dr. Gabrielle Malcolm’s publisher contacted me about reviewing There’s Something About Darcy. Finally, a thorough study of Darcy and his legacy! I have to give a massive thank you to Endeavour Quill and Dr. Malcolm for sending me an advanced reader copy and inviting me to take part in this blog tour.
Who Is Dr. Gaby Malcom?
Dr. Malcolm could rightfully call herself a Darcy expert. She has edited Fan Phenomenon: Jane Austen, and continues to work in all areas of Austen studies. And she doesn’t only focus on Austen, she also works in other areas of Victorian literature, particularly focusing on author Mary Braddon. She also works with different theatre companies in the United Kingdom, and with different research projects.
There’s Something About Darcy
For some, Colin Firth emerging from a lake in that clinging wet shirt is one of the most iconic moments in television. But what is it about the two-hundred-year-old hero that we so ardently admire and love?
Dr Gabrielle Malcolm examines Jane Austen’s influences in creating Darcy’s potent mix of brooding Gothic hero, aristocratic elitist and romantic Regency man of action. She investigates how he paved the way for later characters like Heathcliff, Rochester and even Dracula, and what his impact has been on popular culture over the past two centuries. For twenty-first century readers the world over have their idea of the ‘perfect’ Darcy in mind when they read the novel, and will defend their choice passionately.
In this insightful and entertaining study, every variety of Darcy jostles for attention: vampire Darcy, digital Darcy, Mormon Darcy and gay Darcy. Who does it best and how did a clergyman’s daughter from Hampshire create such an enduring character?
A must-read for every Darcy and Jane Austen fan.
I will admit, the first few chapters were slightly more difficult for me. I adore Austen, but I admit, I’m not particularly a fan of the Brontës. The in-depth discussion of Darcy’s contemporary qualities, and his descendants such as Heathcliffe and Rochester is perfect for the nineteenth century literary fan. (If you are like me, you will learn far more about the other heroes, and only confirm that Austen is in fact the author for you…) I did learn rather a lot from these chapters, but they did feel rather academic. If you are looking to discuss Austen in an academic setting, this book will be invaluable. Her treatment of the dismissal of Austen and her heroes in academics is fascinating, and hopefully spurs on more discussion. However, I think that Dr. Malcolm really hits her stride when she discusses twentieth and twenty-first century film and television adaptations, as well as modern written adaptations.
As of 2019, Colin Firth and Matthew Macfadyen are still battling it out to see who holds the top spot as Darcy. While people who aren’t Austen-mad think we are crazy, we will defend our choice to the end, and the actors’ portrayals have added to Darcy’s legacy. Malcolm’s discussion is astute and thoughtful, it doesn’t trivialise it to simply wet-shirts and open collars. She digs deeper to find out why these films have endured and made such a mark on all of us. What truly impressed me though, was her study of modern literary adaptations. Malcom is honest in her assessment. To start off, she doesn’t fall into the academic trap of dismissing all fiction with a hint of romance. I loved that she continued the discussion of the role of romance books in readers lives, and works to dispel the idea that people enjoy romance simply because it is missing from their life. She also addresses the newest look at Austen as a whole: The Austen Project. The Austen Project was/is a flop, and she point blank discusses why. On the flipside, The Lizzie Bennett Diaries are quite a successful adaption (both as a Youtube series and as a book), and she doesn’t dismiss it but rather relates it to modern sensibilities. And of course, the written elephant in the room: fan fiction. Her deft treatment of Jane Austen fan fiction is thorough and to the point; she doesn’t shy away from difficult aspects. It is this chapter alone that makes it a valuable resource for the modern Austen reader- how does all of this relate to life in 2019?
If you are looking for more thoughts on There is Something About Darcy and Darcy-related writings, please visit these bloggers throughout the month of November for the blog tour! (Their Twitter handle is beside their name, if you would like to follow them.) You can also follow Gaby herself on Twitter here! And of course, you can find the link for the book right here.
Are you going to be reading There’s Something About Darcy?
Cheers,
The Historian
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This sounds quite interesting! In addition to the title being very on brand for me, I’m especially drawn to the literary adaptation piece you mentioned. Definitely going to check it out.