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tapestryofwords 's review for:
The Other Bennet Sister
by Janice Hadlow
4.5 stars. This book serves up exactly what it purports to offer -- telling the story of the "other Bennet sister," Mary. Mary is initially a little irritating at times, but as she grows up, she becomes more and more likeable a narrator, and I found many points of sympathy with her. She is a scholar at a time when few women were, and none were acclaimed for it; she tries to understand the world through her intellect, a strategy which sometimes succeeds, and sometimes fails. It's sad to read about how she was treated by her family growing up -- it hurts to witness her desperate desire to be respected and loved by her sister Lizzy and particularly by her father. This book shows us Mary's search for a place she belongs, and what happiness means to her. The writing style is about as Austen-esque as one could hope for without the author being Jane Austen herself (as no one can copy Austen's style to perfection). Hadlow's portrayal of Mary rings true, taking the character we meet in Pride and Prejudice and turning her into the heroine of her own story. While the book is very slow-moving, it details Mary's coming-of-age in a realistic way that will now be how I picture Mary's happily-ever-after. Kudos to Janice Hadlow for a job well done -- it isn't easy to take on Austen!