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phoebesmiles 's review for:
The Other Bennet Sister
by Janice Hadlow
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Two beautiful stories in one - the same feel of Jane Austen, same pacing, the same world and characters, but more relatable, deeper, with wider themes.
The first story is Mary Bennett, on a long journey to grow into herself and her confidence, to find her passions and be comfortable in her own skin. It's a very real portrait of Mary, that she's gauche and prim and awkward because she's taught not to think she deserves anything good from life, and without looks and charm, she's no good, that a second rate existence is all that she deserves. It's terrifying how real that feels, the impact an unloving parent has. I always liked Mr and Mrs Bennett in Pride and Prejudice, but in The Other Bennet Sister, they outraged me. Abominable, selfish, destructive people!
it's a joy to see Mary grow in all ways, in her belief in herself and ability to relate to people. And to discover her passion for poetry and the Lakes! It's one of my favourite things about the novel, how well it captures the Romantic obsession with the Sublime, the landscapes of mountains and emotions of poetry.
The other story is Mary growing into her romance with Mr Hayward, in the most natural way in the world. And at the end, coming to all the world tells her to get - a husband, a house- but just as the fruits of someone helping her to grow, and discover herself. Charming.
I was so invested! And you should be too!
The first story is Mary Bennett, on a long journey to grow into herself and her confidence, to find her passions and be comfortable in her own skin. It's a very real portrait of Mary, that she's gauche and prim and awkward because she's taught not to think she deserves anything good from life, and without looks and charm, she's no good, that a second rate existence is all that she deserves. It's terrifying how real that feels, the impact an unloving parent has. I always liked Mr and Mrs Bennett in Pride and Prejudice, but in The Other Bennet Sister, they outraged me. Abominable, selfish, destructive people!
The other story is Mary growing into her romance with Mr Hayward, in the most natural way in the world. And at the end, coming to all the world tells her to get - a husband, a house- but just as the fruits of someone helping her to grow, and discover herself. Charming.
I was so invested! And you should be too!