The Other Bennet Sister

The Other Bennet Sister cover
Good Books rating 4.17

Technical:
  • ID: 1537
  • Added: 2025-10-07
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • ISBN: 9781509842056
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2020-01-09
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3
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The Other Bennet Sister reimagines the life of Mary Bennet, the often-misunderstood middle sister in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Unlike her outgoing sisters, Mary is an introvert who finds solace in books and strives to be 'right' in a world that values beauty and charm. As her sisters marry and move on, Mary remains at Longbourn, facing the prospect of a lonely future. However, when her father passes away, she begins to see that there might be more to life than she ever imagined./n/nSet against the backdrop of Regency England, this novel is a heartwarming journey of self-discovery. Mary's story is one of resilience, growth, and the true meaning of happiness. Perfect for fans of historical fiction and Jane Austen, this novel offers a fresh perspective on a beloved literary character.

Reviews
delightful 4.50

The reviewer appreciates the novel's portrayal of Mrs. Bennet and finds the early chapters particularly strong. They enjoy the introspective and descriptive nature of the story.

The reviewer from Reveries Under the Sign of Austen highlights the novel's condemnation of Mrs. Bennet, aligning with their interpretation of Austen's portrayal of the character. They find the early chapters to be the strongest part of the book, praising the introspective and descriptive nature of the storytelling. The reviewer enjoys how the novel delves into the minds of the characters, providing a deeper understanding of their motivations and emotions. They appreciate the author's ability to capture the essence of Austen's style while adding her own unique touch.


Quick quotes

    I love the way it condemned Mrs Bennet – which aligns with how I think Austen presented her — ceaselessly mindlessly mercenary and silly too.

    The best of the book is found in the early chapters, where the introspective nature of the storytelling shines.

    Hadlow's descriptive prose and attention to detail make the novel a delightful read for Austen fans.

uplifting 4.00

The reviewer finds Mary's journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance to be positive and uplifting. They appreciate the novel's exploration of toxic family dynamics and personal growth.

The reviewer from Smart Bitches Trashy Books highlights Mary Bennet's journey as the heart of the novel. They find her struggle to break free from her toxic parents and learn self-acceptance to be both compelling and uplifting. The reviewer appreciates the novel's exploration of complex family dynamics and personal growth, making it a rewarding read. They praise the author's ability to create a believable and engaging narrative that resonates with readers on a deep emotional level.


Quick quotes

    Much of the novel is Mary's journey as she breaks free of her toxic parents and learns self-acceptance and self-kindness, which I found to be a positive and uplifting experience.

    The exploration of Mary's character is both nuanced and heartfelt, making her a relatable and sympathetic protagonist.

    Hadlow's writing is engaging and thought-provoking, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved classic.

The Guardian · 2020-01-11
engaging 4.00

Hadlow creates an immersive and engaging retelling of Pride and Prejudice, focusing on Mary Bennet. The author captures the essence of Austen's world while adding depth to a often overlooked character.

The Guardian's reviewer praises Janice Hadlow's ability to build an immersive and engaging new version of the familiar world of Pride and Prejudice. They highlight how Hadlow brings depth to Mary Bennet, a character often overlooked in Austen's original work. The reviewer appreciates the author's attention to detail and her ability to stay true to Austen's style while adding new dimensions to the story. They find the novel to be a compelling exploration of Mary's character, making it a worthy addition to the Austen canon.


Quick quotes

    Hadlow builds an immersive and engaging new version of a familiar world; her approach feels at once true to the original.

    Her Mary Bennet is a character of depth and complexity, far removed from the caricature Austen left us with.

    The novel is a testament to Hadlow's skill in capturing the essence of Austen's world while adding her own unique perspective.