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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
Where do I begin a review when my feelings about a book are so warmly and coolly mixed?
This extension of Jane Austen's world of Pride & Prejudice was off to an absolutely exquisite beginning. The first two-thirds of it were so beautiful, so good for the soul—they gave life to characters I once thought completely odious, characters for whom I held no hope. Though the first third was incredibly painful—Mary is essentially being passed from relative to relative in her unmarried state—there was hope in her growth that was evident in every chapter.
Hadlow was giving life to a character I had so long overlooked—so much so that, in my heart, Mary was actually beginning to eclipse the position of even her most famous sister, Lizzy. There were so many beautiful moments of narrative candor to give a backstory to Mary's disposition and just as many equally lovely lines of self-discovery and determination within her that it was impossible not to root for her wholeheartedly.
{SPOILER WARNING: Though I don't go into lots of detail, I do discuss the general arc of the plot.}
And, just as she really begins to become the person we all know she can be and we really start to feel proud of her, she meets a hero who has the potential to be just the man she's been looking for in her deepest, unacknowledged heart-of-hearts. It's almost too wonderful to be true. And then...
The plot goes in a wholly unexpected—and wholly unnecessary—drawn-out direction.
Naturally, with everything coming together so beautifully, I knew something was going to happen—I was only about halfway finished with the book—but I was genuinely expecting a terrible tragedy or obligation to befall one of them—not a complete diversion from the foundation of the story! We're introduced to a whole other side-plot that, while I can understand its purpose, spent far too much time doing little to grow Mary as a character and, in so doing, needlessly dragged on and on.
I was so completely prepared to adore this book (if it didn't wholly break my heart with a tragic ending), but in reading to the finish (which was heartwarming and quite satisfying), I walked away more disappointed than delighted. Ultimately, it was the plot structure (and Mary's momentary, but very out-of-character actions) that sunk it. I feel the story could have been revised (and shortened) to still contain the necessary rising tension and uncertainty needed to create a satisfying resolution, without the unnecessary rabbit trail (and the even more unnecessary length).
Dear Ms. Hadlow, if you happen to be reading this, please don't misunderstand me! I absolutely DO adore the backstory and the personal growth Mary makes as a character—most particularly through the first half of the novel. She absolutely blooms before our eyes and it is an exquisite transformation to behold. And I adore our hero—he now ranks among my favorites of the Austen universe. Both of them are truly beautiful characters. There are also several gorgeous lines of truth and beauty that I have tucked away to reflect on for their genuine candor about life, self-possession, & the incredible power of gentle kindness. ... It's just the latter half-ish of the plot that lost me. It felt so out of character for a character I'd unexpectedly grown to love.
My recommendation to readers: Read the story up until about the 60% mark (where a certain unwanted group of individuals crash our favorite intimate family party on their Lake District holiday), and then skip to the last 5% when all is explained away and our heroine and her hero can live happily ever after.
This extension of Jane Austen's world of Pride & Prejudice was off to an absolutely exquisite beginning. The first two-thirds of it were so beautiful, so good for the soul—they gave life to characters I once thought completely odious, characters for whom I held no hope. Though the first third was incredibly painful—Mary is essentially being passed from relative to relative in her unmarried state—there was hope in her growth that was evident in every chapter.
Hadlow was giving life to a character I had so long overlooked—so much so that, in my heart, Mary was actually beginning to eclipse the position of even her most famous sister, Lizzy. There were so many beautiful moments of narrative candor to give a backstory to Mary's disposition and just as many equally lovely lines of self-discovery and determination within her that it was impossible not to root for her wholeheartedly.
{SPOILER WARNING: Though I don't go into lots of detail, I do discuss the general arc of the plot.}
And, just as she really begins to become the person we all know she can be and we really start to feel proud of her, she meets a hero who has the potential to be just the man she's been looking for in her deepest, unacknowledged heart-of-hearts. It's almost too wonderful to be true. And then...
The plot goes in a wholly unexpected—and wholly unnecessary—drawn-out direction.
Naturally, with everything coming together so beautifully, I knew something was going to happen—I was only about halfway finished with the book—but I was genuinely expecting a terrible tragedy or obligation to befall one of them—not a complete diversion from the foundation of the story! We're introduced to a whole other side-plot that, while I can understand its purpose, spent far too much time doing little to grow Mary as a character and, in so doing, needlessly dragged on and on.
I was so completely prepared to adore this book (if it didn't wholly break my heart with a tragic ending), but in reading to the finish (which was heartwarming and quite satisfying), I walked away more disappointed than delighted. Ultimately, it was the plot structure (and Mary's momentary, but very out-of-character actions) that sunk it. I feel the story could have been revised (and shortened) to still contain the necessary rising tension and uncertainty needed to create a satisfying resolution, without the unnecessary rabbit trail (and the even more unnecessary length).
Dear Ms. Hadlow, if you happen to be reading this, please don't misunderstand me! I absolutely DO adore the backstory and the personal growth Mary makes as a character—most particularly through the first half of the novel. She absolutely blooms before our eyes and it is an exquisite transformation to behold. And I adore our hero—he now ranks among my favorites of the Austen universe. Both of them are truly beautiful characters. There are also several gorgeous lines of truth and beauty that I have tucked away to reflect on for their genuine candor about life, self-possession, & the incredible power of gentle kindness. ... It's just the latter half-ish of the plot that lost me. It felt so out of character for a character I'd unexpectedly grown to love.
My recommendation to readers: Read the story up until about the 60% mark (where a certain unwanted group of individuals crash our favorite intimate family party on their Lake District holiday), and then skip to the last 5% when all is explained away and our heroine and her hero can live happily ever after.
First third is basically a retelling of Pride & Prejudice and I skimmed it; back 2/3 are cute and more fun to read
A dear friend gave me this copy to read. I don't normally read Jane Austen spinoffs but made an exception due to my friend's generosity, the good reviews, and because of the author.
The book was broken into four parts, and possibly contrary to many, part two was my favorite. It was not happy by any means, and yet it was beautiful, almost painfully so. I cannot stop thinking about Mary's interactions with Mrs. (Charlotte) and Mr. Collins. If it is to be believed, the author was able to make Mr. Collins a sympathetic character. Part two for me, short as it was, deserves 4.5 stars.
Up to this point, I wasn't sure where the author was going to go with the storyline and that made me appreciate it even more.
Then parts three and four altered the book into the more conventional take on a Bennet sister a reader would come to expect, if with a bit of "modern" sensibilities sprinkled here and there. And while it was about time Mary found some happiness, I felt a bit let down by its lack of originality. Mary wasn't written to be conventional (at least up to part three), but to fit the times, I see why what happened had to happen. Therefore, in all fairness, it was an enjoyable read but it could have been so much more as the author is supremely talented.
3.5
The book was broken into four parts, and possibly contrary to many, part two was my favorite. It was not happy by any means, and yet it was beautiful, almost painfully so. I cannot stop thinking about Mary's interactions with Mrs. (Charlotte) and Mr. Collins. If it is to be believed, the author was able to make Mr. Collins a sympathetic character. Part two for me, short as it was, deserves 4.5 stars.
Up to this point, I wasn't sure where the author was going to go with the storyline and that made me appreciate it even more.
Then parts three and four altered the book into the more conventional take on a Bennet sister a reader would come to expect, if with a bit of "modern" sensibilities sprinkled here and there. And while it was about time Mary found some happiness, I felt a bit let down by its lack of originality. Mary wasn't written to be conventional (at least up to part three), but to fit the times, I see why what happened had to happen. Therefore, in all fairness, it was an enjoyable read but it could have been so much more as the author is supremely talented.
3.5
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I almost DNF'd this on account that the first third was recapping the entirety of Pride and Prejudice, from Mary's perspective of course. The first third to a half of the book is also incredibly depressing. If you do not prepare yourself for more hopeful events in the later portions, it can seem like you will never escape the depressive overtones! Very heavily character driven. And, halfway onwards, a wonderful pleasure to read.
I didn’t know this book existed until it was mentioned on the Hot and Bothered podcast deep diving into Pride and Prejudice. I’d read a Lizzy Bennet sequel years ago and feel unsatisfied but I loved this. The author deftly weaves dialogue and characters from the base novel into her new imagined novel and it’s wonderful. It feels in keeping but new and exciting. Absolutely wonderful.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
reflective
sad
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