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A review by finding_novel_land
The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
'Our happiness depends on ourselves' - Aristotle
Who would have thought my favourite book of the year so far would be Jane Austen fan fiction?!
I have always had a soft spot for Mary Bennet, relating to her quite a bit when reading or watching Pride and Prejudice; I always thought her and Mr Collins would have been a good match, but I suppose Austen never seemed to write wise vicars. Therefore, to read about what could have happened next to Mary, as well as her backstory, was right up my alley (note to self: remember this isn't actually canon!)
What I didn't expect this to turn into was a fantastic study of self love. While still a romance novel at heart (and a perfect, edge of your seat, slow burn one at that), watching Mary grow from feeling worthless and unaccepting of love (no thanks to Mrs Bennet) to blossom into a woman who felt assured enough in herself to turn down a marriage proposal from a man of wealth while never losing her intellectual streak was just a pleasure. 'Glow up' storylines are often so problematic, and the author really got the balance right. I have never wanted to highlight a book more as she hit the nail on the head on so many occasions and her prose was just beautiful (the right mix of Austen and 21st century, albeit with a few typos(!)). In someways this is both fiction and a self-help book as I took so much away from it (this novel couldn't have come at a better time for me). Nothing can sum this up more than Mrs Gardiner talking Mary into wearing nicer clothes:
'Your appearance does not suggest blithe indifference but an acute awareness of your choices. You dress as you do because you do not believe you deserve anything better; and in doing so you communicate that low opinion of yourself to everyone who sees you. If you were to embrace a few improvements, I believe it would signify something more than merely a desire to look a little smarter. I think it would suggest a willingness to allow yourself the self-respect you deserve, and which you have been reluctant for so long to grant yourself.'
If there was any criticism, for me I felt that the ending, after building up over 300 pages, fell a little flat and was over too quickly. If we're not going to have a wedding scene at least give us an epilogue!
Having been enraptured by this book and with its characters over the last few days, I am truly going to miss its world and will no doubt treasure and reread it for a long time.
Who would have thought my favourite book of the year so far would be Jane Austen fan fiction?!
I have always had a soft spot for Mary Bennet, relating to her quite a bit when reading or watching Pride and Prejudice; I always thought her and Mr Collins would have been a good match, but I suppose Austen never seemed to write wise vicars. Therefore, to read about what could have happened next to Mary, as well as her backstory, was right up my alley (note to self: remember this isn't actually canon!)
What I didn't expect this to turn into was a fantastic study of self love. While still a romance novel at heart (and a perfect, edge of your seat, slow burn one at that), watching Mary grow from feeling worthless and unaccepting of love (no thanks to Mrs Bennet) to blossom into a woman who felt assured enough in herself to
'Your appearance does not suggest blithe indifference but an acute awareness of your choices. You dress as you do because you do not believe you deserve anything better; and in doing so you communicate that low opinion of yourself to everyone who sees you. If you were to embrace a few improvements, I believe it would signify something more than merely a desire to look a little smarter. I think it would suggest a willingness to allow yourself the self-respect you deserve, and which you have been reluctant for so long to grant yourself.'
If there was any criticism, for me I felt that the ending, after building up over 300 pages, fell a little flat and was over too quickly. If we're
Having been enraptured by this book and with its characters over the last few days, I am truly going to miss its world and will no doubt treasure and reread it for a long time.