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Faults of Understanding: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (The Love Conquers Pride Series) Kindle Edition

4.6 out of 5 stars 1,080 ratings

"I have faults enough, but they are not, I hope, of understanding." --Mr. Darcy, Pride and Prejudice

When Fitzwilliam Darcy makes an impetuous offer of marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, he is convinced they have as good a chance as any for a harmonious life together. That is, until an overheard conversation changes everything, and Darcy realizes he is now joined in perpetuity to a woman who loathes the very sight of him.

Elizabeth Bennet’s expectations for matrimonial accord were never very high, having accepted Mr. Darcy’s proposal in a fit of pique, not love. Still, she is determined to make the best of her situation, despite having tied herself to such an arrogant, disagreeable man.

But life at Pemberley is not at all what she imagined, and Elizabeth soon finds herself with more questions than answers about the enigmatic gentleman she agreed to wed.

Trapped in a marriage founded on misunderstandings, Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy struggle with deepening attraction while confronting self-doubt and old betrayals. But is love enough to heal the wounds of the past? What will it take for two people bound by duty to find their way home to one another?

Note: This novel contains mature content dealing with intimacy and loss. While the scenes are not graphic in nature, the subject matter is most suitable for an adult reader.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

5 Stars - "Sensitive, poignant, and exquisitely developed - Faults of Understanding is everything I want in a Pride and Prejudice variation. For readers who enjoy forced-marriages/marriage of convenience scenarios, who appreciate introspective and gradual development in Mr. Darcy's and Elizabeth's relationship, and who treasure hard-won and ardent romances, this is a MUST READ." -- Austenesque Reviews

5 Stars; 2021 Editor's Pick - "What began as a solid four-star story...soon evolved into a full five-star, completely unputdownable tale. [ . . . ] Readers will revel in the emotional and enigmatic route to enlightenment in
Faults of Understanding." -- Austenprose

From the Author

Excerpt Faults of Understanding. © Jennifer Altman. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Prologue

9th December 1811

In the end, Elizabeth blamed Lady Catherine.

Oh, certainly there were any number of others with whom Elizabeth could find fault: Mr. Collins for his lack of discretion; Mr. Bingley for not offering for Jane sooner; her mother for her ceaseless matchmaking. Even her beloved papa for having the temerity to insinuate that accepting Mr. Darcy might be Elizabeth's last chance at matrimony.

Still, it was Lady Catherine who had pushed Elizbeth over the edge.

Sinking into the fine leather squabs of Mr. Darcy's carriage, Elizabeth turned to stare out the window at the hilly terrain--so different from the familiar countryside back home--and the breath left her body in a heavy sigh.

No, it was unfair to condemn Mr. Darcy's aunt. Despite that woman's insolent behavior, Elizabeth had entered into this marriage of her own free will, and the decision had been hers and hers alone. And now, for better or for worse, Mr. Darcy was her husband.

Pulling her gaze away from the passing scenery, Elizabeth shifted her attention to the opposite seat, where the man in question was buried behind his newssheet, much as he had been since the beginning of their journey.

Setting aside the novel she had been attempting to read with little success, Elizabeth cleared her throat.

"Really, Mr. Darcy, I believe we must have some conversation. Even a very little will suffice."

At the sound of her voice, Elizabeth's husband visibly started, slowly lowering his paper to regard her with a rigid expression.

"Forgive me. I had assumed you wished to read your book."

"Not particularly. While I appreciate your consideration, even a great reader such as myself values at least some social interaction during the course of several days spent together within a small compartment."

Elizabeth could see the muscles in Darcy's jaws clench, but he set aside his broadsheet with obvious reluctance.

"Very well. Of what would you wish to speak?"

The lack of emotion in his voice fueled Elizabeth's irritation, and she had to take several calming breaths before trusting herself to reply.

"Perhaps you might tell me a little more about Pemberley. We cannot be more than an hour away, and you have said relatively little about the estate. It might be nice to have some idea of what I can expect when we arrive."

Darcy frowned, turning to observe their surroundings through the frosted glass.

"We are actually quite close. In fact, we should be on Pemberley's lands shortly," he informed her brusquely before directing his attention back to the spot where she sat. "Is there anything in particular you would wish to know?"

Elizabeth was silent, contemplating her response. What she most wanted to know was why her new husband had scarcely said ten words together in the three days they had been in this carriage, and why it seemed to pain him to so much as look in her direction, but she doubted either of those questions would be met with anything beyond Mr. Darcy's usual stony stare.

Clearing her voice, she said instead, "I imagine the house is quite large. How many bedchambers are there?"

"In total, seventeen, however, only twelve of them are currently in use--seven in the family wing, and five guest chambers. There are an additional five chambers on the third floor, as well as the nursery, but those rooms have been closed for many years."

Despite her best efforts to appear indifferent, Elizabeth gaped back at him.
Seventeen bedchambers! Good heavens. That was more than the two inns in Meryton combined!

"Of course," Darcy continued, "that does not include the servants' quarters."

Swallowing hard, Elizabeth forced a smile.

"Well, that certainly is... large. With a house of that size, I imagine there must also be a good deal of land?" she inquired tentatively, and Darcy nodded.

"There are over four thousand acres. The park itself is ten miles around, so you should have ample space to roam when the weather improves. You are fond of walking, I believe," he added mordantly.

"Yes," Elizabeth murmured.

Darcy's lips tightened, and he briefly looked away. "Good. It is comforting to know there will be one thing you approve of, at least."

Elizabeth opened her mouth to speak, but was saved the trouble of formulating a reply when her husband once again turned his attention to the view beyond the windowpane.

"Well, you shall not have to wait any longer to have your curiosity satisfied. We have finally arrived."

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B093YRJ8FG
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 27, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.2 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 514 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 1,080 ratings

About the author

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Jennifer Altman
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Jennifer Altman is a novelist, an anglophile, and a lover of all things Regency. After a long career in the television industry, Jennifer shifted to book publishing in 2016 and hasn’t looked back. She currently makes her home just north of New York City, where she lives with her three-year-old Cavapoo, Penny. When she’s not writing, Jennifer can be found reading, watching British period dramas, and not cleaning her house. More Than You Know is her third novel.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
1,080 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this Pride and Prejudice variation well-written with excellent dialogue, describing it as a great P&P variation that takes them on an emotional journey. They appreciate the character development, with one review noting well-developed Elizabeth and Darcy portrayals. The story quality receives positive feedback, with one customer mentioning it captivated them from the first page. The pacing receives mixed reactions from customers.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

50 customers mention "Story quality"47 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the story of this Pride and Prejudice variation, finding it well-written and tender, with one customer noting it was captivating from the first page.

"...All in all, my 5 star type of satisfying JAFF. And, no typos or mistakes to distract me. This is definitely one I will read again...." Read more

"...100% the end of this book is worth the full reading, but ugh, that first 50-60% was painful and could easily be cut in half length-wise and..." Read more

"...I am certain it will be a stellar read...." Read more

"...However, as others have said, this story is best read by mature audiences." Read more

23 customers mention "Writing quality"23 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its excellent dialogue and good descriptions of characters and settings.

"...All in all, my 5 star type of satisfying JAFF. And, no typos or mistakes to distract me. This is definitely one I will read again...." Read more

"...There are a lot of pitfalls for an author, but overall, the writing is good and if you push to get through to about 60%, it becomes enjoyable...." Read more

"...Although there is mention of some intimacies there are no graphic details. However, as others have said, this story is best read by mature audiences." Read more

"...The book is well written, well edited and stays true to the canon in the character portraits even in this different though in essentials, similar..." Read more

19 customers mention "Enjoyment"19 positive0 negative

Customers find this Pride and Prejudice variation captivating and enjoyable every minute, with one customer noting it's not too wild.

"...The main characters are true to Austen. We get some new, creative ideas of why Darcy is as he appears, stiff, formal and condescending...." Read more

"...writing is good and if you push to get through to about 60%, it becomes enjoyable. Below are my notes at 25%, 50%, and 75%...." Read more

"...the settings were true, the characters were themselves, but I loved the variations and the deeper feelings evinced by both Darcy and Elizabeth...." Read more

"...the "forced marriage" scenario has been done often, but it is an enjoyable scenario when written by a talented writer... There is something I like..." Read more

13 customers mention "Character development"11 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one review noting that Elizabeth and Darcy's portrayals are true to Austen's original work, while another customer particularly enjoyed Lady Wheaton's character.

"...The main characters are true to Austen. We get some new, creative ideas of why Darcy is as he appears, stiff, formal and condescending...." Read more

"...The writing was good, the settings were true, the characters were themselves, but I loved the variations and the deeper feelings evinced by both..." Read more

"...course -- that's what these are all about -- but all the characters felt solid and true...." Read more

"...However, it was convincingly written and I liked how the author portrayed Lydia and Wickham, each not all bad or good." Read more

9 customers mention "Emotional content"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the emotional journey of the book, with one review highlighting the deeper feelings expressed by both Darcy and Elizabeth, while another notes the heartbreaking turns.

"...Being vague to avoid spoilers but the turns are heartbreaking, emotional and eventually lovely...." Read more

"...themselves, but I loved the variations and the deeper feelings evinced by both Darcy and Elizabeth...." Read more

"Just the right amount of angst, and misunderstandings. The narrator performed beautifully as she always does. I’ll revisit this one many times." Read more

"This novel has kept my emotions high as I wanted to shake sense into Darcy and Elizabeth. ODC took several months to understand their love...." Read more

6 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book.

"...We see Elizabeth just as spirited, stubborn and outspoken as always...." Read more

"First half dragged on and on. Even when Elizabeth and Darcy are told to love each other they can't seem to do it...." Read more

"...He is intelligent, kind, introverted, loyal and treats people working for him with kindness and fairness...." Read more

"...ODC took several months to understand their love...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2021
    I have read several hundred versions of Pride and Prejudice over the years and this type of JAFF is probably my favorite. Elizabeth explains it in the book by saying their hearts connected immediately upon their acquaintance, but their minds and pride refused to accept what they were feeling and fought hard against it.

    Darcy determines he must rescue Elizabeth from a life as Mr.Collins wife by marrying her himself. Elizabeth is still adamantly opposed to him due to his comments at the initial assembly and treatment of Wickham. However, per Mr. Bennet’s request, she is giving it serious consideration before giving Mr. Darcy her answer. In steps Lady Catherine de Bourgh in her attempt to prevent her accepting Darcy, but this just pushes Elizabeth in a heat of anger to be contrary to Lady Catherine and say she will accept him. Unfortunately or fortunately, Darcy overhears her declaration and they are engaged, even though Elizabeth is still uncertain. After the wedding Darcy overhears a conversation between Elizabeth and Jane where Jane categorically states Elizabeth married him despite her serious dislike of him. His demeanor towards Elizabeth changes, and she now sees he is unhappy in her presence. This sets up the scenario of the forced marriage, both believing the other unwilling and unhappy. But, are they really?

    This then is my preference for this type of story - much of what happens then is contained in the thoughts and feelings of our dear couple. They believe their growing feelings for the other are unrequited. They misinterpret the actions and statements of each other, and their insecurities keep them from resolving their differences. At the same time they find their feelings of love and respect continue to grow. Will they ever resolve this? Of course, this is JAFF and Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth always have a happy ending.

    The main characters are true to Austen. We get some new, creative ideas of why Darcy is as he appears, stiff, formal and condescending. We see Elizabeth just as spirited, stubborn and outspoken as always. Darcy’s family are kind, Lady Catherine imperious, Wickham greedy, Lydia silly, etc. A couple of added characters give us a way to resolution and a couple help demonstrate the true characters of ODC. There is not a lot of action, as most of the story takes place within the minds of Darcy and Elizabeth, but I love this kind of action. I shed a few tears and shared joy in the resolution of their differences and in the other characters lives.

    All in all, my 5 star type of satisfying JAFF. And, no typos or mistakes to distract me. This is definitely one I will read again. I hope it comes out in audiobook format with a good reader so I can enjoy it that way, as well.
    17 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2021
    I got to 25% of the way through and wanted to quit, but the high ratings have me also wanting to push through. I figured I’d write this review in stages in the hopes that it helps explains the high reviews for readers in the first half of the book. I think this is one of the hardest type of variations to do—they are already married before Darcy finds out Elizabeth hates him. There are a lot of pitfalls for an author, but overall, the writing is good and if you push to get through to about 60%, it becomes enjoyable. Below are my notes at 25%, 50%, and 75%. I tried to avoid important spoilers.

    @ 25% through: This is one of the worst Elizabeth’s I’ve read. I’ve seen some other reviews that say she is “immature”, but it goes beyond that. She is selfish, self-centered, and mean-spirited. And, she overreacts to the dumbest things, for example, Darcy stomps to get his dog’s attention (which, yes, is a bit weird until you realize the dog is deaf), but her inner dialogue has her about to erupt on Darcy with a prediction that the next thing he is going to do is whistle at her. It’s just such an over the top leap. She gets mad at him for everything. When he is quiet and reflective when discussing his mother having died and the effect it may have had on Georgiana. Elizabeth assumes he is insulting her mother. And, her inner dialogue is constantly complaining about Darcy not being affectionate towards her which she also says doesn’t want and says she would be uncomfortable if he did. Look, a marriage unequal in affection has enough fodder for conflict without this type of stupidity and self-centered hot mess. I have a hard time reading variations when Elizabeth is such an unattractive character. But, I’m going to power through.

    @ 50% - The inner monologue of Elizabeth from about 25-35% is “how hard can Darcy’s life be, yes, he lost his parents when he was young, but really, he’s rich and a man so who cares”. Then, when she tells him this to his face, he disagrees with her and leaves and then she is mad he left the room. This Elizabeth is just absolutely awful. She makes up things to be angry at him about, then gets mad when he is upset with her doing that—so mad that she “paces infuriated” that he could “provoke her” by defending himself and then leaving the room (when she started the conversation and made the accusations, including ones about how a man has a right to his wife’s body!!!!). Then, while she is infuriated, she goes to demand he consummate their marriage (even though her inner monologue is that she doesn’t want to and she just berated him about men demanding that of their unwilling wives) and then is angry that he won’t do it. Look, I can deal with an Elizabeth confused about her feelings, but this is so much more than that. She is angry at him about literally everything that he does and does not do simultaneously and it is exhausting. I thought we were turning a corner mid- to late 40 percents, but sadly, no…

    @ 75% we’ll, I’m glad I persevered. We have turned a corner. It’s like Elizabeth turned into a completely different character. She used to get angry at Darcy for breathing, now she thinks he is the best men. Darcy’s behavior toward her hasn’t changed, actually he’s been largely absent. But, whatever, at least now I don’t want to throw my kindle across the room every time Elizabeth thinks or speaks.

    @ 100% the end of this book is worth the full reading, but ugh, that first 50-60% was painful and could easily be cut in half length-wise and Elizabeth has a completely different personality in the second half that is jarring in the change. All the feels in the last 20% though are worth it.
    18 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2025
    My new approach to JAFF NOVELS: The covers. Frankly, I am too lazy to write reviews of content. I also despair of the grammatical flux pas in the majority of these novels so have decided to make-believe they don’t exist or blame them ona lousy eduction. I have decided, however, that I can no longer remain silent about cheesy covers.

    The authors are moving more and more toward the cheap looking “bodice ripper” style: overly made-up women (have authors not realized that 20th and 21st century make-up did not exist in the 18th and 19th centuries)? And the fabrics on the models! Fabrics had a sheen. Fabrics were not shiney like cheap Kmart imitation satin. The poses of the models! Bah! Admittedly courtesies were formal and stuffy as embodied by Sir Elliot. But, why, does Darcy have to be reduced to dramatic posturing merely for the sake of selling a book. And so I will continue to wonder why someone spent huge numbers of hours in writing a book only to demean it with “pearl-clutching” poses performed by needlessly enthusiastic models. Leave that nonsense to Caro Bingley and Lady Catherine and Mrs. Bennet.

    You are creating art with words so why not with illustrations.

    To be certain: I found the cover of this novel fabulous. It was tasteful, artistic, and relevant to the time period and content. Millions of kudos to the author. The merit of the cover resulting from the thoughtfulness of the author compelled me to purchase and read this book. I am certain it will be a stellar read.

    Heretofore, if the author decides to introduce his/her book with a cheesy cover, I will likely not read it and certainly not buy it.

Top reviews from other countries

  • G L Marfleet
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very good
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 28, 2021
    A thoroughly enjoyable book - I found it hard to put down and was sorry when I came to the end.
    The author knows how to draw the reader in from the start and painted a very believable picture of E & D - flawed and at times irritating but in the end very likeable and far more true to the period in behaviour and values than many books of this genre.
    I enjoyed Ms Altman’s previous book “To Conquer Pride” and was very pleased to be sent an early copy of this one.
  • Vipra Jena
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good
    Reviewed in India on August 7, 2024
    A hasty marriage ruined by certain circumstances.
    Darcy and Elizabeth struggle in this one with their hasty marriage.
    There are layers of past woven into the take that unfold slowly. The characters are kept to a minimum. Some are completely absent or make a short appearance and leave.
    A good read with angst thrown in between.
  • Kindlereader
    5.0 out of 5 stars Eavesdropping, misunderstandings, seashells intolerance and a dog!! A must read!
    Reviewed in France on May 27, 2021
    An early marriage (early canon timeline wise, but not forced or haste) between D and E? Yay!
    Only not really... The wedding day, Darcy overhears Jane and Elizabeth talking and becomes aware of his new wife's opinion of him.
    He resolves to offer her everything she might have wanted from this marriage (station, wealth, money, Pemberley) and to deny himself everything he hoped from it...

    I read it in a sitting - while it is a satisfyingly long book (although to almost quote Jane: when it is well written, it is always too short 😘) and went to sleep at 5h in the morning. And as per my habit, I had to start almost immediately the second reading ....
    What I find remarquable is that while (IMO) the book is a lot from Elizabeth's point of vue - D's eavesdropping is obviously from his own - all his torment and despair, his struggles, the heartwrenching decision to finally settle for a life far from Pemberley and Elizabeth and indeed everything he loves, are also shared thru E's feelings and thoughts.
    Of course this means some despair and struggles on E's side as well... But well, I can't say I'm sorry if the shoe is on the other foot for a while :-)
    As are some of other details - a bit in the mirror - for example, The Letter! I find it masterful that it is Elizabeth who should write it.

    Without spoiling (too much) I have to say I love this Darcy, a bit more serious and quiet than we know him even, with a touch of sadness. Of course he is the same in essentials as he ever was, but we get a lot of explanation as to how things happening in his past that brought him to accept fatality and actually to believe he deserves being unsatisfied and unhappy. Also explains why he is attracted to a lively, witty, outspoken, compassionate and intelligent type of person...
    Of course Elizabeth will change all this, but the road to achieve this is not without some heartwrenching for her as well (although I can't - a bit perversely - not to remark upon the fact that her wretchedness is far shorter than his). But maybe the fact that she has a nasty intolerance and consequently an allergy to seashells balances it a bit? 😘🤏

    The story is obviously focused on this road to mutual felicity, but I would be remiss in not mentioning how often there is an interaction between ODC.
    There are other characters, obviously, what story doesn't have them? But they all pale in the fundal, it seems. Lady Catherine lives to be of use - and she is!! - , Wickham is there (and dealt with to satisfaction without saddling some unfortunate girl with him, even if they almost did!), there is Georgiana and the colonel, his parents and a lovely and astute godmother. As most of the story happens at Pemberley, there is very little of Bennets... And there is Harpocrates!!!
    But for her role you have to read the book!

    As we can see on the cover - which is a beauty! - , it is obvious who the main (both female) characters are in this book 🤪
  • Camila
    5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful reading
    Reviewed in Brazil on August 29, 2021
    Beautifully written and edited. Low angst, my favorite plot, a lot of E and D interaction which I love. I recommend.
  • Dorotea Maria Fulde Benke
    4.0 out of 5 stars Not just another variation
    Reviewed in Spain on December 14, 2021
    When I started reading I thought the story would be just another variation of the basic situation. But the characters are designed so well, the plot explaining Darcy's sadness is so interesting and Elizabeth is her lovely self and Lydia is a surprise... I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it highly!

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