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C. P. Odom
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A Most Civil Proposal: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Kindle Edition

by C.P. Odom (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 851 ratings
"You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." When Fitzwilliam Darcy spoke these words to Elizabeth Bennet as part of his marriage proposal, they expressed his concealed feelings completely, but their meaning was at odds with the rest of his prideful and arrogant offer of marriage. It was therefore rather easy for Elizabeth to reject his offer in much the same manner. But what if Darcy, never one at ease when trying to speak of inner sentiments, had realized beforehand how his intended proposal would sound to the young woman he hoped to make his bride? What if he had attempted a much more civil and thoughtful proposal of marriage? Could Elizabeth Bennet have coldly and angrily rejected an offer made in such a manner? A Most Civil Proposal, a variation on Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice", examines and explores how the lives of the two main characters and their families and friends might have turned out differently had Darcy realized his error beforehand and thus avoided being so forcefully instructed and corrected by the love of his life.
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  1. Print length
    377 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    March 11, 2013
  5. File size
    3.7 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00BSKK2HC
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Meryton Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 11, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.7 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 377 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1936009909
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 851 ratings

About the author

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C. P. Odom

C. P. Odom

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By training, I’m a retired engineer, born in Texas, raised in Oklahoma, and graduated from the University of Oklahoma. Sandwiched in there was a stint in the Marines, and I’ve lived in Arizona since 1977, working first for Motorola and then General Dynamics. I raised two sons with my first wife, Margaret, before her untimely death from cancer, and my second wife, Jeanine, and I adopted two girls from China. The older of my daughters recently graduated with an engineering degree and is working in Phoenix, and the younger girl is heading toward a nursing degree. I’ve always been a voracious reader and collector of books, and my favorite genres are science fiction, historical fiction, histories, and, in recent years, reading (and later writing) Jane Austen romantic fiction. This late-developing interest was indirectly stimulated when I read my late wife's beloved Jane Austen books after her passing. One thing led to another, and I now have four novels published: A Most Civil Proposal (2013), Consequences (2014), and Pride, Prejudice, and Secrets (2015), and Perilous Siege, available on Amazon (March 30, 2019). I’m under contract for a fifth novel, A Covenant of Marriage, which is being edited and will be available later in 2019. I retired from engineering in 2011, but I still live in Arizona with my family, a pair of dogs (one of which is stubbornly untrainable), and a pair of rather strange cats. My hobbies are reading, woodworking, and watching college football and LPGA golf (the girls are much nicer than the guys, as well as being fiendishly good putters). Lately I’ve reverted back to my younger years and have taken up building plastic model aircraft and ships (when I can find the time).

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
851 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this Pride and Prejudice variation to be a heartwarming story with excellent development, and one customer notes the convincingly Austenian dialogue. The book receives positive feedback for its character development, original concept, and civil manners. While customers find it realistic, opinions about believability are mixed.

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Writing styleCharacter developmentVariationConceptMannersBelievable
29 customers mention "Writing style"25 positive4 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book, noting its tasteful and well-crafted prose, with one customer highlighting the convincingly Austenian dialogue and another mentioning the beautiful wit of Elizabeth Bennet.

"Very good variation. Well written and edited. A terrible Mr Bennet but I think he’s awful in the original, too...." Read more

"...Not much “plot twists”, very predictable. This was well written and the verbal exchanges or sparring between Richard and Elizabeth were fantastic..." Read more

"I loved 'A Most Civil Proposal' because it was very well written, entertaining and true to the era, as well as being about my favourite literary..." Read more

"...The dialogue is convincingly Austenian and the plot darts from conflict to conflict buoyantly...." Read more

12 customers mention "Character development"9 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one noting it is an interesting adaptation of the Austen characters.

"...component of this variation can be gleaned from the lessons learned by the characters; lessons or realizations which are universal and relevant in..." Read more

"...Lastly, I love Col Fitzwilliam in this story. He is the same affable character, though you do get an occasional peek at his war hardened persona...." Read more

"...The despites are as follows: Some of the secondary characters are almost unrecognisable...." Read more

"...Mr. Odom did a credible job of characterizing both main characters and making them believable to a certain degree...." Read more

10 customers mention "Variation"10 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy this variation of Pride and Prejudice, finding it among the best adaptations, with one customer noting it is very different from other versions.

"...This is definitely one of the best P&P variations I have come across, and surely a keeper." Read more

"Very good variation. Well written and edited. A terrible Mr Bennet but I think he’s awful in the original, too...." Read more

"...All in all, it is by far one of the best variations that I have read and would highly recommend it!" Read more

"...a fan of the way Mr Bennet is a bit inept in this story but it is different and really good...." Read more

9 customers mention "Concept"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the concept of the book, with several noting its excellent ideas, and one customer describing the proposal as the most beautiful thing.

"I enjoyed this book very much. It was written in a style that evokes the original work and seemed very believable...." Read more

"...The civil proposal that Darcy offers is truly beautiful, Col. Fitzwilliam is hilarious and Lizzy is beautifully witty...." Read more

"...Overall an excellent pride and prejudice variations with excellent ideas and where for the most part the characters stay true to the Jane Austin..." Read more

"I really appreciated the novelty of this Austen re-write--very original...." Read more

4 customers mention "Manners"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the manners in the book.

"...the Fitzwilliam Darcy we all know and love; aloof and reserved, yet honorable, generous and a great lover to the woman who holds his heart...." Read more

"...premise, namely that Darcy's Hunsford proposal was actually, well, most civil, rather than the insulting proposal we all know from canon..." Read more

"...This is a marvellous retelling of P&P with all the manners, the smouldering passion and enough the original characters from Miss Austen 's original...." Read more

"A Most Civil and Enjoyable Read..." Read more

13 customers mention "Believable"9 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the believability of the book, with some finding it realistic while others disagree.

"...What I most appreciate about this variation is how realistic and practical Elizabeth Benett is characterized...." Read more

"...job of characterizing both main characters and making them believable to a certain degree...." Read more

"...This Mr Bennet was nasty, foolish, unforgiving and deliberately blind to all that he was told, not only by the man who was in love with Elizabeth,..." Read more

"...It was written in a style that evokes the original work and seemed very believable...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Maria Isabel Escarda
    5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely one of the best
    Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This variation is one of the most memorable, comprehensive and thorough I have ever read. At first, one might think it a simple variation as to what transpires when instead of the Canon marriage proposal at Hunsford, FD makes A Most Civil Proposal to EB. But it goes way beyond that. It’s like reading a book within a book within a book.

    What I most appreciate about this variation is how realistic and practical Elizabeth Benett is characterized. She doesn’t give in to emotions and romantic notions despite her knowledge of FD’s intense affection for her. This is what I have always envisioned EB to be: confident, independent, passionate, strong-willed, and willing to admit her mistakes while doing her best to rectify them. Her character development and her journey to discovering love for the man she married is truly a delight, as this, being a huge fan of JAFF, is what I wish to read more of. Also, the author capitalizes on the Fitzwilliam Darcy we all know and love; aloof and reserved, yet honorable, generous and a great lover to the woman who holds his heart.

    The tender exchanges and romantic dialogue are enough to make one swoon; although I did not care too much for the graphic description of lovemaking sessions of the married couple.

    Despite the lack of mention or participation of many of the characters from the original, the off-Canon characterization of Mr. Benett and the increased significance of the Gardiner couple, as well as the more colorful and confident Georgiana, make this variation more angsty and interesting.

    The most significant component of this variation can be gleaned from the lessons learned by the characters; lessons or realizations which are universal and relevant in today’s society, such as the mention of a double standard in a male-dominated world, the effects of indolent neglect by parents in rearing children, the theme of forgiveness among family members, and the necessity to self-reflect and meditate before embarking on marriage.

    I found out through this variation how amazingly a male author can write with so much depth and emotion, especially on the romantic aspect of the story. The author, once he starts, never lets up with the outpouring of love scenes between the beloved couple. I thought the Epilogue was a bit too much, but I am sure many other readers are pleased with the addition.

    This is definitely one of the best P&P variations I have come
    across, and surely a keeper.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Lesley Mac
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed it immensely, despite...
    Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2013
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I loved 'A Most Civil Proposal' because it was very well written, entertaining and true to the era, as well as being about my favourite literary couple, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett.

    The scenario was believable and it was lovely to see Darcy actually showing himself as more than the disdainful snob he was portrayed as in the original work, at such an early juncture in this version.

    The despites are as follows: Some of the secondary characters are almost unrecognisable. That is not really a problem in the case of Lady Catherine, because I really do enjoy an even more unpleasant character than Jane Austen presented us with. And this Lady Catherine is indeed a most disagreeable and easily unlikeable character with no redeeeming features at all. THIS Lady Catherine would never reconcile herself to Darcy and Elizabeth's marriage (as we know happened as an epilogue to the original work) no matter how much Darcy eventually tried to extend the olive branch at the encouragement of his lovely and forgiving wife.

    Mr Collins, however, is far worse than the original character, who (apart from being decidedly unattractive in an unpleasant, sweaty way) was little else but utterly foolish. A genetic fault, surely, and therefore unfortunate but forgivable. But this Mr Collins is not only a fool and a sycophant, but he is mean-spirited and a trouble-maker of the worst kind.

    A previous reviewer stated that the Mr Collins of Jane Austen's imagination would never have dared risk the good (or so he thought) opinion of such a grand personage as Mr Darcy of Pemberley, Derbyshire. Not to mention that he is the even more well-heeled nephew of his illustrious patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. And I agree with said reviewer. Mr Collins not only denigrates and attempts to destroy Darcy's good name, but as a consequence of that, the reputation of his young cousin. And we know that the 'loss of virtue in a female is irretrievable-that one false step involves her in endless ruin-that her reputation is no less brittle than it is beautiful...'

    William Collins, is supposed to be a man of the cloth, but there is not one iota of Godliness, nor understanding, nor Christian charity in this clergyman who is supposed to be the spiritual leader and adviser of the good people of Hunsford. It would seem he is little more suited to having been ordained as was George Wickham, when in the direst of straits.

    But the most altered character of all, as to be almost unrecognisable, was Mr Bennet. This was not the man who found humour in most things, and who was very, very attached to his second daughter. This Mr Bennet was nasty, foolish, unforgiving and deliberately blind to all that he was told, not only by the man who was in love with Elizabeth, but by Elizabeth herself and his brother Gardiner. The whole of his behaviour is unfathomable. Inexplcably, he preferred to believe George Wickham's character was unblemished despite proof to the contrary, and even more amazingly, he believed Mr Collin's poisonous rantings when he wrote to inform him of the supposed goings-on in Hunsford, when he had scoffed at every single one of the silly man's utterances when he was visiting Longbourn.

    I am sure that anyone who loves Lizzy and Darcy will love Mr Odom's version of that wonderful love story, Pride and Prejudice, regardless of the change in some of the characters. It is also a pleasant change that this author is male. He does a wonderful job with what is essentially, chick lit!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Erika L Centena
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great story writing
    Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Okay so this is my second (maybe more) time I have read this story and still love it. I love the story telling of C.P. Odom. He just spun his tale and waited to catch his "victims," I just loved this Darcy. He was more introspective and cautious at times, and yet in essence he was still the same Darcy we all loved!! Oh and don't get me started on the proposal cause I might swoon!!! It is every female dream proposal!!

    I, for the most part loved this Elizabeth as well, though like another reviewer commented:
    What I wasn't too fond of was the fact that Elizabeth took immense pleasure, initiated, and craved romantic intimacies with Mr. Darcy yet at the time was still undecided over whether or not she loved him. Why would it take Elizabeth several months to ascertain her true feelings when she already esteemed and admired him before they were married?

    Mr Bennet, for all that is smart and well read, is really more foolish than Mrs Bennet and a class A jerk (I'm being nice)! What father believes that he can and its okay to bend his daughter to his will?!?! I think he got off pretty easy, but that's me.

    Lastly, I love Col Fitzwilliam in this story. He is the same affable character, though you do get an occasional peek at his war hardened persona. And his final comeuppance! Though my friends, I will not spoil it for you because I don't suffer "the Darcy impulsiveness"!!!!

    So please read this book for yourself and enjoy. I would recommend to all JAFFers!!
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars loved it
    Reviewed in Germany on May 18, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I’ll be honest, I’ve grow weary of P&P Variation, having read hundreds of them the constant repetition of the bits taken from the book and only slightly twisted into another way has become hohum. However this book grabbed me from page one and had me sitting up until 4 am reading. It’s P&P only more, it’s Darcy and Elizabeth only vibrantly alive and different. So fans of variations will love it and those who just enjoy a regency take will love this too. Great read.
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  • Lynne Robson
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 29, 2013
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is one of the best sequels, it is written with a lot of feeling and understanding. I loved the way he has Darcy write out what he wants to say in his proposal. Also, encouraging Bingley to do the same with his sisters especially Caroline.

    Mr Bennet does not believe that Darcy and Elizabeth are the innocent parties and refuses his blessing on their marriage. He thinks well of Wickham and so Elizabeth and Darcy marry in town.

    The book is such a wonderful story I could not put it down until I had finished it at 2am in the morning.
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  • Judy Coldwell
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favourites
    Reviewed in France on January 7, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I’ve read this several times and each time I enjoy it just as much as I did the first time. Great story, well written, funny, a little angst ... perfect for me as I’m not a fan of a lot ! ... with beautifully rounded characters. NO spoilers just read and enjoy
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  • Shana
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book
    Reviewed in Canada on April 2, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was a very enjoyable book to read. The plot was both plausible and smooth flowing. The characters seemed in keeping with Austen's own. There were just enough twists to make it interesting and keep it that way without too much anxiety. I particularly liked the way that Darcy and Elizabeths' relationship developed. A word of caution to those who would want to know; there are some sexually explicit scenes which occur after marriage but not so many as to spoil the narrative. My thanks to the editor of the book for having so few errors that it did not detract from the story. Not only would I recommend this book, I will read it again. Well done Mr. Odom!
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  • Marta
    5.0 out of 5 stars How lovely
    Reviewed in Australia on May 22, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    What a sweet rendition of our timeless Pride & Prejudice.
    I specifically loved the set down of Caroline Bingle and Mr. Bennet, the face slapping of Lydia, the wedding between Elizabeth and Darcy, and the final chapter.
    The steam between ODC is also beautiful.
    Well done and thank you very much.
    Report

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