Darcy By Any Other Name by Laura Hile - 5star story of body switching

Darcy By Any Other Name by Laura Hile
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I first read Darcy By Any Other Name as the author posted it chapter by chapter on an online fan fiction website. It was just torment having to wait a week or even two before seeing where the story was going. Reading it in basically one sitting was a far superior reading experience for me. Even knowing what was going to happen this time around I still found myself unable to do anything for an entire day except read this to completion. It is definitely a unique P&P variation, and one with quite a fascinating lesson.

At the Netherfield ball Darcy steps outside for a bit of fresh air and is followed by the obsequious Mr. Collins. As a storm is brewing, they take shelter in a folly which is filled with statues of men from the bible and citations of various biblical texts. They are struck by lightning and a miraculous thing occurs - they switch bodies. The fabulously wealthy, powerful and handsome Mr. Darcy finds himself in the body of the pudgy, penniless parson, and Mr. Collins awakens to a life of luxury in an amazing body, but with duty and responsibility bearing down on him.

This is just a tremendous premise. We see Darcy experiencing what it is like to be disrespected and condescended to. However, he also has the opportunity to improve how the Bennet family, especially Elizabeth, views Mr. Collins. On the other hand, Mr. Collins gets to see what it is like to have servants waiting on him, the finest clothing, food, drink and cigars, and Miss Bingley at his beck and call. But, he is also in a position to really mess things up for Mr. Darcy, as his limited knowledge and few skills cause Lady Catherine, etal, to conclude the lightning strike has robbed Darcy of his mental faculties.

So, the author has provided us with several fascinating plot twists with questions to be answered. Will Mr. Darcy and Mr. Collins ever be able to switch back to their own bodies? If not, how will they handle their lives so their families don't send them to Bedlam? Will Elizabeth fall in love with the man she thinks is Mr. Collins and what will happen if they are able to switch back? Then we have side issues with Wickham, Anne de Bourgh, Mr. Bennet, etc. There is just so much going on and so many ways things can go wrong that simply propel the reader through this story.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the story is what the two main characters, Darcy and Collins, are taught about themselves and their world. This is definitely a story about pridefulness. In addition, the writing is so good and the characters so well rounded. I know I will read this one again. Highly, highly recommended.

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