Precocious Young Lizzy Wanders Into the Future!
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
Note: Lizzy Bennet Meets the Countess is the fourth installment in The Bennet Wardrobe series, and it is recommended that readers read The Keeper: Mary Bennet’s Extraordinary Adventure, Henry Fitzwilliam’s War, and The Exile: Kitty Bennet and the Belle Époque prior to reading the Lizzy Bennet Meets the Countess.
For those who are unfamiliar with The Bennet Wardrobe series, it is an inventive and engaging series filled with time-traveling Bennets, who are able to travel forward in time – thanks to the magical properties of a specially-crafted wardrobe that has been in the family since the late 1700s. In the first few books of the series there is a focus on Mary, Kitty, and Lydia Bennet and what happens to them post Pride and Prejudice. However, this two-part novella focuses more on Elizabeth and features two significant times in her life.
The first part of this novella, “Through the Looking Glass” illustrates what happens when Lizzy makes accidental use of The Bennet Wardrobe during a game of hide-and-seek (can you blame her, it is a perfect hiding spot!) The Wardrobe brings ten-year-old Lizzy to the year 1907 (talk about a startling change!), and Lizzy makes the acquaintance of Jacques and Maggie Robard from The Exile, and encounters several relations that would be hers and her family’s descendants – including someone very near and dear to her. I loved seeing Lizzy’s adventures in the future, I’m so glad she got to use the the Wardrobe (Finally! I’ve been waiting!) And I thought Don Jacobson wonderfully captured what Lizzy would be like at such a young age and what her thoughts would be of all the modern inventions and changes she witnesses. Young Lizzy was delightfully precocious, inquisitive, and unsurprisingly wise beyond her years.
The second part of this novella, “Finding Prometheus” takes place in 1816 when Darcy and Elizabeth are in the midst of their travels across Europe. After a chance encounter with Lord Byron and his traveling companions, the Darcys end up accepting Byron’s invitation to spend some time with them in Lake Geneva at the Villa Diodati. What I loved most about this part of the story was Elizabeth’s blossoming friendship with Mary Godwin (Percy Shelley’s future wife), and witnessing Elizabeth’s emotions as she continues to heal from a heartbreaking event a few months back. In addition, I appreciated how this portion of the story tied into real history, as this gathering of literary greats really did take place in Lake Geneva in 1816, and Mary Godwin really did began writing what would eventually become her full-fledged novel, Frankenstein; or the Modern Prometheus during this time. What an interesting encounter for all involved!
I loved how this two part novella paid tribute to two diverse classic works of literature – Alice in Wonderland and Frankenstein! And I enjoyed how the themes of each – whether they be absurdities and exploration or questions about life and science – were creatively woven together into the fabric of this tale. In addition, I greatly appreciated how the events of this story tied into the history of the Bennet family and the other novels of this series. My only quibble would be that I still have some unanswered questions about Lizzy’s experience/understanding of the Bennet Wardrobe. (Maybe I need to reread parts of The Keeper for my answers…) Lastly, I love that Mr. Jacobson included a Preface and an excerpt from The Keeper: Mary Bennet’s Extraordinary Adventure to help set up the events of this tale. However, I do think a list of dramatis personae to easily reference would be a wonderful addition to these books as more characters are introduced in each tale.
In Lizzy Bennet Meets the Countess, Don Jacobson takes readers on another captivating adventure with the The Bennet Wardrobe that continues to augment the complex and fascinating history he is building for the Bennet family. I recommend this series to readers who love imaginative stories about time-travel and the idea of Jane Austen’s beloved characters encountering other literary characters and historical figures!
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GIVEAWAY TIME
Don Jacobson has generously offered to sponsor a giveaway of Lizzy Bennet Meets the Countess in conjunction with my review!! One winner will receive Lizzy Bennet Meets the Countess in the format of their choosing – Audible audibook, ebook, or paperback (paperback option is for US residents only).
To enter this giveaway, leave a comment about my review!
- This giveaway is open worldwide (paperback for US only). Thank you, Don!
- This giveaway ends November 28th.
Ohhhh…thank you for your kind comments, Meredith. What we experience here is an intimation of the weaving of the great themes (the last three loves) which drive the Wardrobe. More on that in later entries. Looking forward to comments!
Thank you for the opportunity to read this intriguing series, Don! I am looking forward to continuing the journey with the Bennet family!
Fascinating! I love reading about time travel (with my being a big history buff!) and I love reading P&P variations! These books have to be the best of both worlds combined together in a single application! Thanks for the giveaway!
I am excited to have your read and react to the series!
I think you will find a lot to enjoy in this series, Denise! Hope you get the chance to read them soon!
This series looks utterly fascinating!! I am hoping to read all of them before tackling this latest title. Thanks for another insightful and detailed review, Meredith!
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
I have two more main novels to write (“The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father’s Lament” is out with betas now) before the series concludes. As Meredith noted…start with Keeper.
Thanks so much for reading my review, Susanne! It is such an interesting saga – I hope you get the chance to start reading it soon!
Saga…I love that word. Thank you again, Meredith.
Your review was captivating and excellent. This story sounds extraordinary and is a real treasure. Time travel is so intriguing and appeals to me greatly.
What is important to note is that Bennets are not zipping all over the timeline. They are placed in contexts where they can learn that which they need to learn…and as we are discovering, advance the agenda of the Wardrobe.
Thanks for checking out my review, April! That’s great to hear that time travel intrigues you!!
Thank you for the review. I enjoyed the first book in this series and would love to read this one. Thanks for the giveaway.
Hey there…so…You have read “The Keeper.” Next book is “Henry Fitzwilliam’s War” novella. Then “The Exile: Kitty Bennet and the Belle Epoque.” Then “Lizzy B”. Then “Te Exile: The Countess Visits Longbourn.”
That’s great to hear! i hope you get the chance to read the rest of the series soon!
Loved your review and I adore this unique perspective and series on the Bennet Family! Do not enter me in the giveaway.
Thank you for all of your support!
Thank you, Carole! 🙂 It is definitely a unique series! Looking forward to what happens next!
Having enjoyed the series so far I am sure I will find this book a pleasureable experience
This book fits into both the space between the end of Exile 1 and the beginning of Exile 2…as well as slotting within The Keeper.
I think you definitely will, Vesper! I think this one is my favorite so far! 🙂
I love time travel and with the Bennets, who can resist? I enjoyed the review. I will definitely be looking up the other books in the series.
Look forward to your thoughts! Sequence is “Keeper”, “War,” “Exile 1,” “Lizzy B” and then “Exile 2.” “The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father’s Lament” is with betas now.
Awesome! 🙂 I hope you enjoy this series as much as I am!
I loved the series and the time travel of what happens as they travel and I especially loved Mary’s part in this series. Thanks for the recap. I do enjoy your writings.
I am really happy that you are enjoying the Series. “The Avenger” should be out in 2-3 weeks.
It was so lovely to see Mary become whole and find her happiness. 🙂 Thank you for reading my review and sharing your thoughts!
i have been collecting these, with the goal of immersing myself in this unique world when Mr. J. has completed the series. or maybe sooner!
Just finished the third full novel. Have two more to go through which we will see the Wardrobe’s purpose revealed. One tidbit I can offer is that the Wardrobe operates with the Fifth (that which redeems) and Sixth (that which Forgives) guiding it. Books are also available now on Audible. I found listening and reading simultaneously to offer an amazing experience. Shameless self-promotion, I know!
Awesome! 🙂 Great plan!
What a fun series. I have yet to read these books and I would love to find out how Don has speculated about the lives of some of our favorite characters in new scenarios. Thanks so much for featuring Don’s latest.
Jennifer, Thank you. I hope you will enjoy the books! The story continues in a few weeks with “The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father’s Lament.”
This series is definitely full of unique scenarios and possibilities!
This sounds like such a fun series. I love time travel and fantasy as well as JAFF, so to have the 2 combined is wonderful. Somehow I missed it when the series was first released, so I will be adding these to my TBR.
Hi Debbie, I hope you are having a great Thanksgiving. Out here in the West Coast, just got the bird in the oven. I do think you will enjoy the series (the third full novel–The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father’s Lament–is with betas right now) as the characters use the Wardrobe to learn that which they must. Also, you will gradually see the master arc evolve so that the ultimate purpose of the Wardrobe becomes clearer and clearer.
Definitely seems like it is a good fit for you, Debbie! Hope you get the chance to read it soon!
Thank you Meredith for the summaries of these books. These are such interesting stories – story around the story of the Bennetts, past and present. Thank you for the chance to win a book.
Hi there…would love to see your reviews of the Five books in the series. The Sixth story…”The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father’s Lament” is in Beta read right now. Once it is cleaned up and the cover designed…maybe two weeks????…t’will be out in print and e-book. Audible probably in early February. The other books–Keeper, War, Exile/Belle Epoque, LIzzy B, and Exile/Longbourn–are all performed by Amanda Berry and are available on Audible and (or so I understand) i-Tunes. Good luck on the give-away!
So happy you enjoyed learning about this series, Buturot! Thanks for checking out my review!
Reading the Mary Bennet one now – so good. Would love to be added to the pot for the giveaway.
So happy that you are enjoying “The Keeper.” Next up is “Henry Fitzwilliam’s War,” a shorter novella which explains how the personality of Lord Henry Fitzwilliam, the second lead in “The Exile: Kitty Bennet and the Belle Epoque” was shaped. As Meredith noted, the sequence of the books is Keeper, War, Exile 1, Lizzy B, and finally Exile 2. I am going over beta comments on the next book…”The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father’s Lament” right now. Look forward to your review of “Mary” and all of the others.
Awesome! Best of luck in the giveaway!
I have read five of the books/novellas in this series and need to get back in there and finish up. I would love to win this one. Thanks for the chance.
Don’t include me in this drawing – I did read this one – obviously it has been awhile. That is the problem with series…by the time the next one comes out it is hard to remember what you have already read.
Yep, it is tricky sometimes to remember all that you read…especially when one reads as many books per month as you, my friend!
A well written review as always, Meredith. As I’m a fan of history, I love the idea of Lizzy Bennet meeting real life literary figures. Thanks for the giveaway, Don.
So happy you enjoyed the review and are a willing accomplice in the Wardrobe’s universe.
Thank you, Sylvia! I appreciate you checking out my review! 🙂 It is neat to see how these meetings would take place. Lizzy always gives so much to admire!
Oh man you had me at “wardrobe”! That sounds awesome, and I loved the “Lost in Austen” series on tv, so this sounds great, I can’t wait to read this! And of course the tribute to 2 of my favorites is not lost on me either 🙂 Thank you for the review and thank you Don for the giveaway 🙂
I hope you will dive right in! As Meredith noted, the order is Keeper, War, Exile 1, Lizzy B. I am going through edits on the next book, The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father’s Lament. Good luck.
Yes! I love Lost in Austen too! It is such fun to explore all these unique possibilities! Hope you get the chance to read this series soon!
I apologize for commenting so late to this review, Meredith. And it was great as usual: No spoilers. Don’t enter me in the giveaway, I have the ebook and the audible version (yes, Ms. Berry does a great job!)
As someone who is so completely divested in this series I am looking forward to the next one coming out soon. But I am also dreading the end of the series. The series thus far has seen such a rewarding outcome (redemption, as he mentioned above) for our beloved characters. Although all have had their personal fires of hell to go through to achieve it.
I’d like to ask a question of the author if I may. Mr. Jacobson, which of the above mentioned ‘Loves’ applies to this book? I hope you can answer without spoilers, and if so I can ask in a different format. Thanks to Mr. J for such an amazing series, and thanks again Meredith for all the hard work you do for us.
Lizzy B. is a preparatory work bridging multiple story lines that really does not directly address the “loves” in the most direct sense. We do see the Fifth Love (that which redeems) to an extent in the Countess’ interactions with Lizzy. We see the Sixth (I think)–that which forgives with Elizabeth as she begins to emerge from her pain.
You, of course, graciously contributed to Hurricane relief to earn you a cameo (you got two) in Lizzy B…although in the “Finding Prometheus” section.
No apologies at all, my sweet friend! I am late to respond to these comments and am only now am catching up! Great question, Michelle! Thanks so much for checking out my review and your kind compliments! And yes, I was quick to notice your lovely cameo on the barge…how fun!! 🙂
I do love this series and I look forward to this installment. A young Lizzy is going to be fun!
I am so pleased you have enjoyed the first three books (Keeper, War, Exile 1). After Lizzy B, please followup with Part 2 of the Kitty arc…”The Exile: The Countess Visits Longbourn”. I anticipate that the most recent book, “The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father’s Lament” will be released in about three weeks,