Reviews tagging 'War'

Longbourn by Jo Baker

11 reviews

jlewis's review

Go to review page

emotional inspiring relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Life at Longbourn, the home of the Bennett family in Pride and Prejudice, as seen through the eyes and stories of the servants - the housekeeper, butler, 2 housemaids/maids of all work and a recently arrived footman and groom, who is secretive about his past.  All is revealed about this in a lengthy flashback in part 3 of the book, before returning to the starting chronology in book 4. There are some well-drawn characters and some thought-provoking suggestions that consider how both sexual orientation and pregnancy out of wedlock might have been managed. Overall it is a well-written, well-researched and engaging book.  I would agree with the several other reviewers who found the second half of the book less engaging than the first and that the ending was not altogether convincing in terms of either plot or character consistency.   But one of the better P&P spin-offs. 
For those who know Pride and Prejudice, it will surprise no one to be told that Mr Wickham is still a villain. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
More...