Official Review: Through Each Other's Eyes by Aleena Ashe

Fu Zaila · Post by **Fu Zaila** » 27 Jul 2019, 09:15

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Through Each Other's Eyes" by Aleena Ashe.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Through Each Other’s Eyes by Aleena Ashe is a retelling of Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice. The book follows the story of the lead couple Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy after they mysteriously swap bodies in an effort to understand each other.

Adopting the characters and setting of the original tale, the story starts with the events at the Netherfield Ball. Elizabeth Bennet is curious about Mr. Darcy, whose reserved demeanor confuses her a great deal. Meanwhile, Mr. Darcy is restless thinking about Miss Elizabeth. He is smitten by her even though her family’s financial situation is discouraging. They both wish to know each other and understand what the other person is thinking. The very next day, both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are granted their wishes when they find themselves in the body of the other.

Elizabeth is suddenly in charge of Darcy’s great Pemberley Estate, while also living with Mr. Bingley in his house. On the other hand, Mr. Darcy finds himself in a very uncomfortable position at Mr. Bennet’s house, by having to deal with Elizabeth’s sisters and all that comes with being a woman. Both of them try their best to enact their new roles without compromising their modesty, while secretly meeting each other and growing closer. Elizabeth learns about Georgiana, Darcy’s sister, and even learns to ride a horse. Mr. Darcy gets to know about Elizabeth’s life, Jane’s affection for Mr. Bingley, and Elizabeth’s intimate relationship with her father. Inadvertently, they fall in love with each other, or interestingly, themselves. Both of them try to figure out a way to switch back and bring their love to fruition.

I was excited to see how Aleena Ashe would play with the characters without compromising the original characterization in Pride and Prejudice that millions of people have come to adore. Fortunately, the book didn’t disappoint. I really loved how the author managed to develop her characters in the same way Austen did, albeit quickly. She did take liberties by adding a few extra characters and focusing more on romance, but she does so with extreme elegance. The Bennet sisters Kitty and Lydia gain more personality in this book. I liked how the deep bond between sisters is explored through the eyes of Mr. Darcy posing as Elizabeth. The Bennet family became dearer to me with every passing page. Mrs. Bennet is also less annoying. While some characters like Lady Catherine are only barely mentioned, most other characters make an appearance. The author also successfully manages to adopt the fluid writing style we associate with classics. The romance is light but well-written.

All the complications that come with body-swapping definitely appear here, and the author doesn’t leave them unaddressed. It was a bit uncomfortable to read about Elizabeth dealing with manly sensations like “swollen” body parts, or Mr. Darcy experiencing menstruation and cramps. While the way the author doesn’t shy away from speaking about periods is quite commendable, I felt those to be repetitive. Every other page, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth discover something new about their body, and some of them were unnecessary. As someone who has read and loved Pride and Prejudice, I know what happens to Mr. Wickham’s character. However, in this book, Mr. Wickham’s ousting is skipped. Elizabeth goes from trusting his opinions in the first chapter to undervaluing him by the end, without any proper explanation of the event that prompted her change of opinions.

The author is undoubtedly a gifted writer, but sadly, the book isn't edited professionally. There were a handful of grammatical errors and misplaced punctuation. Even though they did not detract my reading, I’m compelled to rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I really liked reading the book and would recommend it to fans of light-hearted romance. There are some explicit descriptions, so I wouldn’t recommend it to readers under 16 years of age. This book is merely a retelling, so if you’re looking for a book similar to Pride and Prejudice with Austen’s signature social criticism and humor, this book is probably not for you.

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Through Each Other's Eyes
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Verna Coy · Post by **Verna Coy** » 29 Jul 2019, 05:35

I was afraid of some of the issues you mentioned, which is why I didn't select the book. I have such great respect for the storyline of Pride and Prejudice, I couldn't imagine the new ideas fitting well with it. Pride and Prejudice is a family favorite, and we watch the BBC version at least twice a year. I'm glad you found things to like in the book, It's too bad it still needed a bit of proofreading. Thanks for the great review!

Manang Muyang · Post by **Manang Muyang** » 29 Jul 2019, 10:22

Despite the editing issues, this book sounds wonderful. I'm eager to bite into it. I hope Jane Austen isn't turning in her grave.

Fu Zaila · Post by **Fu Zaila** » 29 Jul 2019, 11:34

VernaVi wrote: ↑29 Jul 2019, 05:35 I was afraid of some of the issues you mentioned, which is why I didn't select the book. I have such great respect for the storyline of Pride and Prejudice, I couldn't imagine the new ideas fitting well with it. Pride and Prejudice is a family favorite, and we watch the BBC version at least twice a year. I'm glad you found things to like in the book, It's too bad it still needed a bit of proofreading. Thanks for the great review!

I can understand such reserves as I struggled with them myself one time

I'm glad to hear of such great family traditions, lol, nobody knows of Elizabeth Bennet here but me. And I loved the Pride and Prejudice adaption with Kiera Knightley. She's bliss to watch!

Fu Zaila · Post by **Fu Zaila** » 29 Jul 2019, 11:35

Miriam Molina wrote: ↑29 Jul 2019, 10:22 Despite the editing issues, this book sounds wonderful. I'm eager to bite into it. I hope Jane Austen isn't turning in her grave.

I hope you enjoy it too. Austen would be cringing for sure seeing Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth turn openly romantic all of a sudden

Post by **kandscreeley** » 29 Jul 2019, 12:43

Even with the editing errors, this book is interesting to me. I love Pride and Prejudice. So to read about Elizabeth and Darcy swapping bodies would be fabulous! I'm really going to have to find time to read this one. Thanks.

Magnify3 · Post by **Magnify3** » 29 Jul 2019, 12:57

Interesting twist on the classic. I am a little afraid of reading of the experiences of swapped bodies. I am afraid this book is not for me. Great work on
the review.

maggi3 · Post by **maggi3** » 29 Jul 2019, 13:54

I’m one of the few people who didn’t enjoy Pride and Prejudice, but this twist sounds interesting nonetheless. I’ll have to keep this one in mind. Thanks for the review!

danielleamy · Post by **danielleamy** » 29 Jul 2019, 15:25

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice reimagined with a Freaky Friday twist is something I have never come across! I don't think I would have considered this before reading your review. Thanks for the recommendation!

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 29 Jul 2019, 18:42

Retelling a known story in a different perspect using a body swap! This is a completely novel idea and I think I might love to check this out. Nice review. Thanks for sharing your thoughts

briellejee · Post by **briellejee** » 30 Jul 2019, 00:59

Such an interesting plot! Glad to see you enjoyed this. Pity for the errors though.

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 30 Jul 2019, 08:00

It is interesting that the author uses a twist to a classic for her story. It sounds very well done. Thank you for a wonderful review!

Erin Painter Baker · Post by **Erin Painter Baker** » 31 Jul 2019, 13:21

With Pride and Prejudice in the public domain, we are seeing so many books giving us a new look at the classic and beloved novel. This one seems like a decent member of that lot, but not something I am likely to pick up, as, horror of horrors, I have never actually read the original. :p