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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
For some reason I frequently feel compelled to read novels based on Jane Austen’s classics, even though I am disappointed more often than not. This book did not disappoint. The author chose to follow what happens with Mary after Pride and Prejudice ends. The beginning is slow as there is a bit too much time spent setting the scene for those readers who aren’t familiar with P&P (if they exist). And maybe Mary changes a bit more than is really plausible, but overall I really enjoyed this book. Hadlow’s word choices and phrasing are very reminiscent of Austen and many parallel themes or events from other Austen novels made appearances. Glad I read it.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
I read so many of these Jane Austen spin offs, but it's rare to find one that captures the tone and atmosphere of the originals so well. Once you get past the point of the original source material, the story works well.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Very readable, very true to the characters but much longer than the original and with much more focus on the romance. What struck me most was how lonely Mary is - no friends her own age in London.
I loved this new perspective on Mary, as well as some new takes on other characters from Pride and Prejudice. A thoroughly delightful read for Pride & Prejudice lovers.
Was this fancier Austen fan-fiction? Oh yes. Can you tell when this was written? Definitely. Did I devour this book and longed for the next time I had time to read? Of course!
As much as I didn't want it to end, it did drag out a bit, hence not five stars.
As much as I didn't want it to end, it did drag out a bit, hence not five stars.
Mary Bennet is known (and usually portrayed in tv/movie adaptations) as the plain (or ugly) and awkward sister. She plays piano, and sings even though she is terrible. She says weird things outloud that causes the other characters to sigh or roll their eyes. At the end of P&P she is without a husband, and is, therefore, a failure.
This book retains the awkwardness, the plainness, the piano playing, and makes the reader understand her in a different way. She wanted to be loved by her father but would never surpass Lizzie in his affections. The sister she was closest with was Lizzie, but Lizzie was always closer with Jane. She was overlooked by her mother (a particularly heartbreaking scene, IMO, is when she makes an effort for a party with the help of Mrs. Hill and even though she looks well, Mrs. Bennet refuses to acknowledge the transformation because she was not a part of it). Remember that scene in P&P when Mary plays and sings at the Netherfield ball? I will never be able to look at it the same way again.
But don't worry, Mary finds her way. In the true fashion of Jane Austen novels, there are suitors and then there are Suitors, the burn is slow, and the HEA is earned and satisfying. Mary is sympathetic and complicated and as she slowly breaks out of her shell you will be happy you were there.
For reference, the book overlaps with Pride and Prejudice and then continues on for a few years after. Many characters that we love (and hate) from Pride and Prejudice return, along with some new ones.
This book retains the awkwardness, the plainness, the piano playing, and makes the reader understand her in a different way. She wanted to be loved by her father but would never surpass Lizzie in his affections. The sister she was closest with was Lizzie, but Lizzie was always closer with Jane. She was overlooked by her mother (a particularly heartbreaking scene, IMO, is when she makes an effort for a party with the help of Mrs. Hill and even though she looks well, Mrs. Bennet refuses to acknowledge the transformation because she was not a part of it). Remember that scene in P&P when Mary plays and sings at the Netherfield ball? I will never be able to look at it the same way again.
But don't worry, Mary finds her way. In the true fashion of Jane Austen novels, there are suitors and then there are Suitors, the burn is slow, and the HEA is earned and satisfying. Mary is sympathetic and complicated and as she slowly breaks out of her shell you will be happy you were there.
For reference, the book overlaps with Pride and Prejudice and then continues on for a few years after. Many characters that we love (and hate) from Pride and Prejudice return, along with some new ones.
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No