roshnimc 's review for:

Longbourn by Jo Baker

2.5

lighthearted medium-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: N/A

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It started off very well describing the servants' situation at the Longbourn estate and, wherever possible, followed the Pride and Prejudice novel. I especially liked the tie-in with the ladies of Longbourn being said to have got their shoe ribbons by proxy in P&P and the description of what that actually meant here - that Sally had to walk through rain and mud to get them. Then, the story degenerates into a Hollywood movie. The story should have gone on giving a realistic picture of the servants' lives rather than forcing a somewhat bizarre happy ending. The character of many of the central figures of P&P are necessarily changed. I understand the empathy for Mrs Bennet but here Mr Bennet and even Lizzie and Mr Darcy are not shown in a good light. I would have liked to add this book to my re-read pile based on the first half but the second part messed it up.