Reviews - The Other Bennet Sister

The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow

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"Happiness depends on ourselves."

For any introverted woman who has ever felt like a social misfit, who has ever waged that internal battle of wanting both to stay true to yourself and to fit in, or who has struggled to move from self-criticism to un-bitter confidence, this story is for you. While there are many parts of my life that are different from Mary's, I felt seen in many little instances, and wholeheartedly celebrated every one of Mary's hard-earned steps forward. So thank you, Janice Hadlow, for this book.

Some complain that this book is too long, but for the degree of transformation that Mary makes, it needs to be. She has a long way to go from her self-effacing, lonely misery to unapologetic confidence, and it is a glorious transformation to witness. The beginning of the book feels rather episodic, moving from scene to scene, demonstrating the apparent hopelessness of Mary's situation and the futility of all her efforts to feel included in her family. With her determined and rational mind, she observes those around her and the effects of her actions on her relationships with them, continually experimenting to try to attain what she so desperately needs--acceptance, appreciation, and love. Gradually, oh so gradually, it becomes safe for her to let her emotions out from the many layers she's had to bury them under.

I appreciated Hadlow's take on and elaboration of Austen's characters, with familiar and new scenes. Elizabeth appears blithely tone-deaf opining of being described by Mr. Darcy as only "tolerable," to her plain friend Charlotte and plain sister Mary. I was pleased for more depth and some character development with Charlotte Lucas/Collins and Mr. Collins. Some characters who do remain rather unchanged and without development (besides being in many new scenes) are Mrs. Bennet, Mrs. Gardiner, and Miss Bingley.

While I gave the book 5 stars, I wouldn't say it's perfect. But any small imperfections I can easily dismiss. I enjoyed Hadlow's writing style, and I think it fits well as a modern complement to Austen's (with quite a few borrowed lines). The author has made Mary an utterly relatable ordinary girl who works hard to make happiness for herself. For as many times as her courage fails her, she determinedly continues on and forges a life she never would have thought imaginable at the conclusion of Pride & Prejudice.