The Other Bennet Sister A Novel by Janice Hadlow
Let me just say at the outset that I adore this book. If you are a Jane Austen fan, definitely take a look at this title.
The other Bennet Sister is Mary. If you have read P and P, you know how she is portrayed there. In this title, readers will get to know Mary so much better. I felt for her immediately as some of the first things to come up in the novel had to do with being a middle sister, bookish, needing glasses, not feeling pretty (enough) and not necessarily wanting to go to parties. I could identify with these! I also relate to Mary’s efforts at self improvement as she approaches the piano and her father’s library. Watching Mary figure out her life while spending time with other members of the Bennet household made this a wonderful read for me.
I think that Ms. Hadlow has captured the tone of Jane Austen. Mr. B is still sardonic, Mrs. B is a bit empty headed and the sisters are very much themselves.
Another plus of this title for me is its length. At 480 pages it is a novel to sink into.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this most enjoyable title. All opinions are my own.