Excerpt – On Mr. Darcy’s Sofa by Zita Muranyi
Synopsis
Mr. Darcy’s 21st-century alter ego, Presser, is struggling in real life. Not only is he at odds with the job search, but he is also grappling with marriage. Although he would fight for his son, Noah, who shared custody, they did not design for him. Thanks to an unfortunate attempt to approach her, he also loses the girl who stuck by him the whole time. Finally, the stone of remembrance sinks into the river, which with its white color becomes a symbol of forgiveness.
On Mr. Darcy’s Sofa is a compelling novel about love, loss, and heartbreak. Covering a range of delicate topics from death to infertility, the reader is taken on an emotive journey following a range of well-developed and interesting characters as they navigate their way through life’s ups and downs.
There are elements of humor that work well alongside the hard-hitting narrative and the references and comparisons to Jane Austen and Mr. Darcy throughout are very well done and will, no doubt, captivate readers.
On Mr. Darcy’s Sofa is an intriguing women’s fiction novel set in Hungary, which is informed by the author’s own experiences. With many parallels drawn between beloved Austen characters in the present day, fans of Austen will enjoy reading another novel inspired by her romances.
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Excerpt
ON THE ROAD
“No friend is as true as a book.”
Hemingway
– Get a grip, honey. Hurry or you’ll miss your flight!
Daddy’s urging made me anxious. Of course, I took it well when he got to the airport. The rain poured down. The city commute on public transport wouldn’t have been a pleasant experience. I couldn’t have any hand to hold the umbrella because of my luggage. I chose not to respond, ignored my ancestor’s warning, and maintained my speed. Whenever I’m in a hurry, I leave something important at home. Something that causes pain when separated for two weeks.
While a fortnight isn’t an eternity, there are specific things I cannot exist without. For instance, I concealed Dorian’s photo in the interior pocket of my denim jacket. My hand is on my heart. The object emits a pleasant warmth that heats my palms. My favorite book is also among the essential things. When I can’t sleep, I read a few chapters of it in the evening. The Old Man and the Sea by Hemingway lay beside my bed this time. Despite its brevity, I was curious why I still didn’t finish reading it. I had a hard time empathizing with Santiago’s suffering, which left me feeling frustrated. I sensed the story was about the unlimited potential of the human soul, but I didn’t feel eager when I opened the book that evening.
Come on, come on, you’ll end up staying at home! – I had to obey my father’s urging, while I glanced in the mirror, he grabbed my suitcase and headed towards the door. Mom waved me out of the kitchen. Her farewell was simple, with no hugs or forehead kisses. Later, she’ll cry thinking about how much she misses me while I’m away. Now it’s simpler this way for both of The chill in our relationship is nothing new to us. I waved her back in and we finally walked out. Dad stood at the bottom of the stairs. I remained at the top; I called for the elevator. We easily caught up. He loaded my things into the trunk and gave me the option to sit in the front.
At twelve, I reached the height by pulling myself out. I first sat beside him in my life and I first watched Pride and Prejudice then on TV. Just two years later read it. When the cops came, my dad told me, “Just pull yourself out, pull yourself out, honey,” and I didn’t understand what was going on. Looking back, I now realize he was concerned for my safety. Now I didn’t have to keep my spine straight at all costs. I grew already much taller than I had been before.
But buckle up! Despite the car beeping, I was so lost in thought that I couldn’t hear the sound, so he warned me not to ignore it. “Okay,” I replied, and he stepped on the gas pedal, and we made our way to the airport.
About the Author
I have had three books of poems and three novels published in Hungarian so far.
On Mr. Darcy’s sofa is my debut novel in English, published by Inovie Books.