An Intimate and Sympathetic Journey with Mary Bennet
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Secondary Character story about Mary Bennet, Alternate Point-of-View/Sequel
TIME FRAME: Begins before the events of P&P and jumps ahead two years after the Netherfield Ball
SYNOPSIS: Mary Bennet, plain, awkward, and not rich, with a painful childhood and sober disposition, seemed unlikely to ever achieve the success and happiness in life that blessed her fortunate sisters. From an early age, Mary learned that she is not like them. And with her elder sisters and younger sisters dividing into close and confiding pairs that excluded her company, Mary soon accustomed herself to always being unhappy and alone. But as each sister departs to be happily wed and the life she knows at Longbourn begins to change, Mary learns she must find her own way… What does the future have in store for this serious, studious, and neglected Bennet sister?
WHAT I LOVED:
- Perceptive, Rational, and Earnest: Rather than portray Mary as pious or priggish, Ms. Hadlow instead depicts Mary as a perceptive observer who is trying to figure out life – what is the correct way to live? what should be her guide? I loved how thoughtful and sensible Mary is, Ms. Hadlow repeatedly used the word rational to describe Mary’s thoughts and actions. Lastly, I loved how Mary was sincere in all her endeavors and in active pursuit of learning or improving herself. This Mary has so many qualities that I can identify with and many others that I admire.
- Mary and Charlotte Dynamic: I quite enjoyed the side scenes that show some candid conversations between Mary and Charlotte during P&P. They felt so plausible. Even though Lizzy is Charlotte’s dear friend, it makes perfect sense that she would recognize some similarities between herself and Mary and share some unsolicited advice – from one plain maiden with no prospects to another. This was such an interesting dynamic to explore between these characters, and I especially enjoyed the development of their relationship later on in the novel.
- The People in Mary’s Life: This book is all about Mary and her relationships with others. I really enjoyed the way Ms. Hadlow thoughtfully developed and plausibly portrayed these relationships. Especially with Elizabeth, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Collins, and Caroline Bingley (I know, this last one is a surprise!) There was something new to discover between each relationship. However, my three favorite people in Mary’s life would be Mrs. Hill, Mrs. Gardiner and Tom Hayward.
- Mary Bennet, Couch-Surfer: This is a cheeky way of me saying that I enjoyed seeing Mary visit several homes of her relations and make observations about them and their lives. Like Elizabeth, Mary is an avid study of human character and human relationships. But of the two, she may be the more adept and accurate observer. I loved seeing all that Mary learned about others, it definitely helped influence her thoughts, beliefs, and desires.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Pacing and Length: This is a very comprehensive book full of narrative. And with a sober heroine who spends a lot of time in quiet contemplation, it sometimes felt a little slow and heavy. While a more serious and introspective story is suiting for dear Mary, it probably could have been trimmed down a good bit in some places.
- So Much To Be Sad About: The first part of this book comprises of events before and during Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice – a lot of these moments are filled with painful recollections and scenes of neglect, heartache, and loneliness. And with the second part continuing with some more mistreatment and despair, it did make the first half of the book feel a little bleak and again, heavy. Maybe reducing some of the earlier sections or selecting certain scenes as flashbacks would have helped balance emotions a little.
CONCLUSION:
While the beginning was filled with heartache and pain, the journey Janice Hadlow takes readers on is a rewarding and satisfying experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the last two sections of the book where we witness Mary’s self-discovery, growth, repeated examples of strength, acceptance, and finally, her success in achieving perfect happiness. With The Other Bennet Sister, Janice Hadlow displays her keen insight and sensitive understanding of the Bennet’s middle daughter. I loved this sympathetic and intimate tale about one of my favorite secondary characters!
I will be buying the hardcopy of this as soon as it is published, and amazon are sending books out again
Amazon stopped shipping books? I thought they were just giving it low priority but still keeping the regular shipping 🙁
Amazon should have copies of the book to ship; they just won’t be reordering, should they run out. –Janice’s Publisher
I had a feeling you would!! I look forward to hearing your thoughts, Vesper!
The Book depository has copies and will send out.
Thanks for your thoughts on this book Meredith. I really like books that focus on Mary, and apparently on this one the author choose a different path for her happiness. Happiness doesn’t have to be getting married and having a bunch of kids, that’s just the what society expects of people, so I value books that explore other options for happiness 🙂
Thank you, Rita, for reading my review! I agree, I love books about Mary. I hope I didn’t mislead you with my review…this book does show a different portrayal and journey for Mary, but there is still romance. ❣️
Oh, really? I though her pursuit for happiness didn’t include a love match, but it sounds interesting nevertheless 🙂
So excited to see your review of this one, Meredith. I picked up a copy last month at Shakespeare & Co. when I was traveling in Paris. Had not heard of this one but the cover immediately caught my eye and buying a P&P variation at my fave Parisian bookstore was a bonus. I haven’t quite finished it but I agree with many of your points.
Stay safe and healthy!
Aw, thank you, Lori! How fun that you came across this book while traveling – and in Paris!! Lucky you!! I love that you found the book by chance, and that you will forever have a special memory of where you got it from!
Please feel free to share your thoughts when you finish!
You too!
Thanks for your review, Meredith! I appreciate the novels where Mary is the heroine 😉
I agree with Rita about the concept of “happiness” and I like this book seems to follow an alternative “way of being happy”. Bravo!
And, thanks, Lori, for the comment of “Shakespeare and Co”: I didn’t know this bookstore sells P&P variations!. When I travel again (some day) to Paris, I’ll stop by this place to get some austenesque novels 🙂
Good health to all of you!
My pleasure, Teresa! I am with you, Mary makes a wonderful heroine! And I especially enjoyed this author’s treatment of her!
That is something to look forward to, indeed! There are quite a few Austenesque books that are being traditionally published this year, so perhaps they will be easier to find in places. 😉
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one Meredith. I am glad that you enjoyed it. It handles Mary favorably, but like you, I felt it was too long and needed pruning.
Thank you for reading my review, Laurel Ann. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts!
lovely review
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Thank you, Denise!
I was very taken with this version of Mary and could definitely see this being her life. Great review. 🙂
Yes, I felt the same way – a plausible and accessible portrayal for sure.
I really appreciate a good secondary character story, and Mary is one of my favorites. Although you said this is a little long in the sad parts, the story sounds interesting enough to put it on my wish list. Thanks for the fair review. I wish the author all the best. Janice Hadlow is a new name to me.
Same here on both, Michelle. I love stories about Mary and this one is done really well. Yes, those were the only complaints I had – otherwise top-notch writing!!
Thank you for your review. Another blog also recommended this book to us. Mary is so often portrayed in a negative light. Sounds like this author put a great effort into giving us more depth to this neglected character.
Yes! I saw Sophia’s lovely review on Austenprose if that is the one you are talking about!
Yes, I don’t like to think of Mary as negative or priggish, I much rather believe she is social awkward and trying to figure things out. I really loved this author’s portrayal of Mary. 🙂