The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow

 

Witty and so wonderfully absorbing, a comfort read at any time of the year.

The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow was recommended to me by a dear friend who knew about my penchant for all things Jane Austen.   And oh boy did it not disappoint at all. Instead it has now become a book that is definitely going to be a repeat read and a treasure to keep.

Set in the world of Pride and Prejudice, The Other Bennet Sister tells the story of Mary Bennet. The middle of the Bennet sisters who is perennially stuck between two beautiful and smart older sisters and two vivacious and silly younger sisters; leading to a life of no expectations and one where she is at most times ignored. Her only crime – born penniless and plain.

If you thought the above description of Mary Bennet would lead to this being a sad and pitiable book, then think again?  With exceptional storytelling skills Janice weaves the story into delightful nooks and crannies, giving us a coming of age story like none other. A story of a woman who may have been born penniless and poor but who discovers and hones in herself, exceptional skills and talents. A woman who grows up to be full of grit and gumption.

Filled with all our favourite characters from Pride and Prejudice this book also gives us a look at a different side of some others, while introducing us to a few new, very witty and lovable characters. And if you, like I, have seen the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, then you are delightfully doomed to be visually seeing all those actors while reading the book.

As we join Mary on a breath-taking tour of the Lake District with the poems of William Wordsworth and his Guide to the Lakes for company, we the reader, like her; realize the joy of becoming, as Wordsworth says in his poem Tintern Abbey “a living Soul”.

All the people Mary encounters in her journey of self-discovery offer her immense wisdom, though it is surprising that it is one of the least loved characters of Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Collins, (one that we have been guilty of judging hastily), that gives Mary (and us the reader) the greatest wisdom of all. “Our happiness depends on ourselves.”

  

A soothing balm in these troubled times. This book was just what I needed. Hope you liked my fair and honest review.

Happy Reading🙂