Take a photo of a barcode or cover
thecoolestfreak 's review for:
The Other Bennet Sister
by Janice Hadlow
This book took me out in 100 different ways like Janice threw nunchucks at me.
It seemed like she peered into my inner soul and wrote specifically to me. All these sentimental feelings about happiness and hope, love and loneliness, the incredibly sad stretches of this book and the elation in the relief from it. My god. I FELT like I was Mary Bennet. I felt everything she described to me like it was my own heart. One of my favourite passages from the beginning on the novel made me realise I was in for a real treat:
“You may talk like a rational creature, but beneath that disciplined exterior hides a true romantic nature. You keep it well concealed, but it makes an appearance every now and then before you rush to snuff it out.”
*rubs my hands together in glee*
I've seen some complaints about it being too long and the middle being too slow, which I do understand from a critical viewpoint. There is potential to trim it a little. It helps, of course, that I am a fan of historical fiction and P&P both so I like spending more time in the world this book created. I didn't mind the length, as I felt it accurately reflected what Mary herself was going through and it made the happiness she finds all the sweeter once you've struggled as she has through the tedium that is her life.
I love all the old characters - they all feel true to themselves, which is a very hard feat to accomplish - and all of the new. They slot right into the world of P&P. I also liked how Janice didn't copy the tone or style of P&P, which can go catastrophically wrong and is hard to pull off regardless. It feels true to the world but through Mary's POV, which is slightly more pessimistic. However, it does retain some of the satire and comedy, which would be a shame to miss. I cried so many times but I laughed just as much. I particularly had a good laugh at Mr. Hurst - you know what part when you get to it.
One of my favourite lines?
“Are all you legal men such great lovers of literature then?” (...) “We must have something to distract us from our work. It’s either poetry or the bottle, I’m afraid.”
There's so many little things I loved about this book. The ability to make me care about characters I never thought I would care about, all because Mary notices those who are often ignored - Charlotte, Mrs. Collins, Mr. Hurst. I will never look at P&P the same. And I don't mind at all - I love that my worldview has been shaken in the manner this book wrings out of you. I love the writing style, the way it was able to capture and explore Mary's thoughts, feelings and desires, as well as carry the larger themes and messages. And there are messages. Feminist ones, of course, but very appropriate to the time and never false in feeling.
“She no longer stared at her reflection, looking for new reasons to disparage herself. Instead, she rarely looked into the mirror at all. But this was not because she despised what she saw there. It was rather because she was broadly satisfied with herself. Or as content with her appearance as she suspected was the case with most women who will never be beauties. Freed from a regimen of criticism and complaint, Mary had found her own level. And she was not unhappy to be there.”
How freaking wonderful is that? How could you not be so incredibly moved, especially when Mary has spent the better part of her book utterly miserable and with so little self-esteem she can barely wear the glasses she needs to wear to see?
This is Mary's story through and through, and it is only natural she explore and question the societal boundaries of the time, which I loved along with everything else. It took me a long time when I was younger to come to realisation that loving a man does not mean you're a bad feminist. It's tough when all you're taught is black and white ideas of gender and sexuality, domestic felicity and intellect. I sympathised greatly with Mary's confused sentiments as I've been there myself (and still am, in a way). The Romance (capital R) is such a lovely and welcome addition, but never feels like that is all Janice was here for. And that was beautiful.
“She is a delightful wit, which is the most pleasing aspect of her work.” “Now I know you’re making game of me. I can’t imagine why I merit such a description.” “No, you would not see it,” replied Mr Hayward. “But I do.”
“I hope that encourages you to accept that your capacity to feel is as strong as anyone’s,” he said quietly. “You need not fear that you are - in any way - dull of soul. That is not you at all.”
The second one is perhaps my favourite line of Tom's because it sums up exactly what this book is all about. "Dull of soul." Ah, Janice cut straight to my heart, what an evocative phrase. Subtle, sweet, and it works within the feminist narrative. What more could you want out of a book labelled under "period romance," - pointedly among other labels?
I also loved the references to other Austen works, either thematically or a slightly changed line of dialogue. My favourite work of Austen is Emma, and I think The Other Bennet Sister inspires more from that novel than the others in Austen’s arsenal. My favourite - and the famous - line from Mr. Knightley was present (if a little altered) and I did a little squeal of delight when I came to it. Great stuff, such a treat for the audience this book attracts.
There is also, I am very pleased to say, a little of Jane Eyre in this book. The story of a poor and plain girl who finds she has as much feeling, soul, and smarts as any other woman on earth. Jane Eyre is one of my favourite books and this is too. It is not only a relatable emotional and thematic journey but a true one. These women are closer to reality than the rich and beautiful protagonists of other novels. It made me so happy to see Mary realise her own worth as Jane did, with or without romantic love, as a fully formed being who can reason and feel in equal measure, taking no shame in their character or appearance despite the years of childhood abuse.
I read the audiobook as performed by Kristin Atherton and this is the first time I firmly believe my reading experience was vastly improved by narrator's performance. Atherton was so incredible. I'm not sure whether she was directed to perform the original cast of characters in their BBC-adaption voices - it certainly seemed like it. But I think this was a very good choice. It brings you right into the already atmospheric world of this book. I particularly like her performances of Mrs. Bennet, Lydia and Mr. Collins, but I think even the new characters she has a distinct voice for. And they never feel false or put-on. Atherton's Tom was so perfect - not too deep or dark, but affected and moved, young and serious when the text called for him to be. She nailed the romantic hero here. She brought out incredible sadness when appropriate, and I could hear the smile in her voice at the happier moments and it made me smile myself.
I know I would love the printed book too - In fact I am ordering myself the hardback to go on my permanent shelf - but this audiobook was such a pleasurable and heightened experience to an already good written one. I've already bought the audiobook (I borrowed it from my library) for myself to permanently keep and re-listen to my favourite passages.
Just excellent. Exactly what I was looking for in this book and more - far more. One of the better P&P follow-ons and an excellent story in it's own right. One of my favourite books ever, I think. But I must stop saying "I think," like a timid child. Like Mary, I must learn to speak clearly and believe in what I say. Very well. This is one of my favourite books ever.
It seemed like she peered into my inner soul and wrote specifically to me. All these sentimental feelings about happiness and hope, love and loneliness, the incredibly sad stretches of this book and the elation in the relief from it. My god. I FELT like I was Mary Bennet. I felt everything she described to me like it was my own heart. One of my favourite passages from the beginning on the novel made me realise I was in for a real treat:
“You may talk like a rational creature, but beneath that disciplined exterior hides a true romantic nature. You keep it well concealed, but it makes an appearance every now and then before you rush to snuff it out.”
*rubs my hands together in glee*
I've seen some complaints about it being too long and the middle being too slow, which I do understand from a critical viewpoint. There is potential to trim it a little. It helps, of course, that I am a fan of historical fiction and P&P both so I like spending more time in the world this book created. I didn't mind the length, as I felt it accurately reflected what Mary herself was going through and it made the happiness she finds all the sweeter once you've struggled as she has through the tedium that is her life.
I love all the old characters - they all feel true to themselves, which is a very hard feat to accomplish - and all of the new. They slot right into the world of P&P. I also liked how Janice didn't copy the tone or style of P&P, which can go catastrophically wrong and is hard to pull off regardless. It feels true to the world but through Mary's POV, which is slightly more pessimistic. However, it does retain some of the satire and comedy, which would be a shame to miss. I cried so many times but I laughed just as much. I particularly had a good laugh at Mr. Hurst - you know what part when you get to it.
One of my favourite lines?
“Are all you legal men such great lovers of literature then?” (...) “We must have something to distract us from our work. It’s either poetry or the bottle, I’m afraid.”
There's so many little things I loved about this book. The ability to make me care about characters I never thought I would care about, all because Mary notices those who are often ignored - Charlotte, Mrs. Collins, Mr. Hurst. I will never look at P&P the same. And I don't mind at all - I love that my worldview has been shaken in the manner this book wrings out of you. I love the writing style, the way it was able to capture and explore Mary's thoughts, feelings and desires, as well as carry the larger themes and messages. And there are messages. Feminist ones, of course, but very appropriate to the time and never false in feeling.
“She no longer stared at her reflection, looking for new reasons to disparage herself. Instead, she rarely looked into the mirror at all. But this was not because she despised what she saw there. It was rather because she was broadly satisfied with herself. Or as content with her appearance as she suspected was the case with most women who will never be beauties. Freed from a regimen of criticism and complaint, Mary had found her own level. And she was not unhappy to be there.”
How freaking wonderful is that? How could you not be so incredibly moved, especially when Mary has spent the better part of her book utterly miserable and with so little self-esteem she can barely wear the glasses she needs to wear to see?
This is Mary's story through and through, and it is only natural she explore and question the societal boundaries of the time, which I loved along with everything else. It took me a long time when I was younger to come to realisation that loving a man does not mean you're a bad feminist. It's tough when all you're taught is black and white ideas of gender and sexuality, domestic felicity and intellect. I sympathised greatly with Mary's confused sentiments as I've been there myself (and still am, in a way). The Romance (capital R) is such a lovely and welcome addition, but never feels like that is all Janice was here for. And that was beautiful.
“She is a delightful wit, which is the most pleasing aspect of her work.” “Now I know you’re making game of me. I can’t imagine why I merit such a description.” “No, you would not see it,” replied Mr Hayward. “But I do.”
“I hope that encourages you to accept that your capacity to feel is as strong as anyone’s,” he said quietly. “You need not fear that you are - in any way - dull of soul. That is not you at all.”
The second one is perhaps my favourite line of Tom's because it sums up exactly what this book is all about. "Dull of soul." Ah, Janice cut straight to my heart, what an evocative phrase. Subtle, sweet, and it works within the feminist narrative. What more could you want out of a book labelled under "period romance," - pointedly among other labels?
I also loved the references to other Austen works, either thematically or a slightly changed line of dialogue. My favourite work of Austen is Emma, and I think The Other Bennet Sister inspires more from that novel than the others in Austen’s arsenal. My favourite - and the famous - line from Mr. Knightley was present (if a little altered) and I did a little squeal of delight when I came to it. Great stuff, such a treat for the audience this book attracts.
There is also, I am very pleased to say, a little of Jane Eyre in this book. The story of a poor and plain girl who finds she has as much feeling, soul, and smarts as any other woman on earth. Jane Eyre is one of my favourite books and this is too. It is not only a relatable emotional and thematic journey but a true one. These women are closer to reality than the rich and beautiful protagonists of other novels. It made me so happy to see Mary realise her own worth as Jane did, with or without romantic love, as a fully formed being who can reason and feel in equal measure, taking no shame in their character or appearance despite the years of childhood abuse.
I read the audiobook as performed by Kristin Atherton and this is the first time I firmly believe my reading experience was vastly improved by narrator's performance. Atherton was so incredible. I'm not sure whether she was directed to perform the original cast of characters in their BBC-adaption voices - it certainly seemed like it. But I think this was a very good choice. It brings you right into the already atmospheric world of this book. I particularly like her performances of Mrs. Bennet, Lydia and Mr. Collins, but I think even the new characters she has a distinct voice for. And they never feel false or put-on. Atherton's Tom was so perfect - not too deep or dark, but affected and moved, young and serious when the text called for him to be. She nailed the romantic hero here. She brought out incredible sadness when appropriate, and I could hear the smile in her voice at the happier moments and it made me smile myself.
I know I would love the printed book too - In fact I am ordering myself the hardback to go on my permanent shelf - but this audiobook was such a pleasurable and heightened experience to an already good written one. I've already bought the audiobook (I borrowed it from my library) for myself to permanently keep and re-listen to my favourite passages.
Just excellent. Exactly what I was looking for in this book and more - far more. One of the better P&P follow-ons and an excellent story in it's own right. One of my favourite books ever, I think. But I must stop saying "I think," like a timid child. Like Mary, I must learn to speak clearly and believe in what I say. Very well. This is one of my favourite books ever.