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gambo's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
paula_jaramillo's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
simoneg's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mar1b3n's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
2.5
arash's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
nicolel0922's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it
As a huge fan of Elizabeth and Darcy, I almost wanted these characters to have more of a role in the story. I fully believe that my perfect version of Darcy would have dropped everything and solved Sarah’s problem at the end of the story. Just to please Elizabeth. But in truth he probably never really could “see” Sarah as more than just a servant.
As a huge fan of Elizabeth and Darcy, I almost wanted these characters to have more of a role in the story. I fully believe that my perfect version of Darcy would have dropped everything and solved Sarah’s problem at the end of the story. Just to please Elizabeth. But in truth he probably never really could “see” Sarah as more than just a servant.
taylor394's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars out of 5
If you want to read this book, READ IT! I enjoyed it and recommend it! Don't let negative reviews discourage you. I saw many negative reviews for this book saying it wasn't like Jane Austen ... Well of course not! Jo Baker isn't Jane Austen and she never pretended to be. Baker makes it very clear that this book is a separate story to Pride and Prejudiced. Baker artfully gives voices to the characters that were mere footnotes and nameless servants in Austen's classic. Baker portray's a real look at the historical time period, the class distinctions, the troubles of war, illness, poverty, power, and the more gritty historical events at the time of Pride and Prejudiced.
At times, Baker was very detailed in her descriptions of the maid Sarah's work and chores. I could see how this might get tiresome to some readers, but I did not find it lagging at all, in fact, I began to empathize with Sarah and understand her way of life. This is an interesting accomplishment because it is so much easier for a reader, or dreamer, to sympathize with, say Elizabeth Bennet's love life and worries, then the day to day exhaustion her maid might face.
My only criticism for the book is volume three. I disliked how it jumped to the past. I understand that it was important to reveal James, the footman's, backstory, but I found it drew on to long. In addition, volume one and two follow Sarah, and the mystery that James was to her, I wish we could have continued to follow Sarah and learn about Jame's backstory through her. Changing the perspective made me feel alienated to the plot that was already being conceived and it seemed like the novel was just on pause until I could get back to following Sarah's story. I also don't know how I feel about the plot twist with Mr. Bennet....
I enjoyed this novel very much, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed Pride and Prejudiced and would like a new perspective. Keep in mind, it's fiction, and it's not claiming to be anything else. I really enjoyed following Sarah's journey, and giving faces, names, and stories, to ALL those at Longbourn.
If you want to read this book, READ IT! I enjoyed it and recommend it! Don't let negative reviews discourage you. I saw many negative reviews for this book saying it wasn't like Jane Austen ... Well of course not! Jo Baker isn't Jane Austen and she never pretended to be. Baker makes it very clear that this book is a separate story to Pride and Prejudiced. Baker artfully gives voices to the characters that were mere footnotes and nameless servants in Austen's classic. Baker portray's a real look at the historical time period, the class distinctions, the troubles of war, illness, poverty, power, and the more gritty historical events at the time of Pride and Prejudiced.
At times, Baker was very detailed in her descriptions of the maid Sarah's work and chores. I could see how this might get tiresome to some readers, but I did not find it lagging at all, in fact, I began to empathize with Sarah and understand her way of life. This is an interesting accomplishment because it is so much easier for a reader, or dreamer, to sympathize with, say Elizabeth Bennet's love life and worries, then the day to day exhaustion her maid might face.
My only criticism for the book is volume three. I disliked how it jumped to the past. I understand that it was important to reveal James, the footman's, backstory, but I found it drew on to long. In addition, volume one and two follow Sarah, and the mystery that James was to her, I wish we could have continued to follow Sarah and learn about Jame's backstory through her. Changing the perspective made me feel alienated to the plot that was already being conceived and it seemed like the novel was just on pause until I could get back to following Sarah's story. I also don't know how I feel about the plot twist with Mr. Bennet....
I enjoyed this novel very much, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed Pride and Prejudiced and would like a new perspective. Keep in mind, it's fiction, and it's not claiming to be anything else. I really enjoyed following Sarah's journey, and giving faces, names, and stories, to ALL those at Longbourn.
dmrosenblatt's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture
skroning's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Such a lovely book. I really enjoyed getting a behind the scenes look at the Longbourn staff and LOVED the love story. Well written with characters you both fall in love with and completely loathe. Definitely recommend for Austen fans and those who enjoy historical fiction.