bohemianhermit04's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I’ve only watch the movie Pride and Prejudice (2005), but Mary has always been my favorite Bennet sister! This book is for the introverted, the analyzers of social cues, and anyone of the path of learning to love themselves. Mary’s journey is very relatable! Listening to the audiobook gave me so much joy during my cross-stitch sessions. An absolute delight!
Minor: Emotional abuse, Alcohol, Classism, and Death of parent
mariamsaidwhat's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
everything i could have hoped for
Moderate: Death of parent, Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Classism
molly_appleby's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Loved this !! Only criticism was that it could have been far shorter ahaha.
Beautiful characterisation of Mary who is woefully underdeveloped and 2D in canon. She feels sad and human and relatable in a way that many Austen (and other classics authors) heroines do not. Beautifully captures the mundane and trivial yet precarious and concerning position of an unmarried middle/upper class woman at this time. Super interesting to see her freedom/restriction.
Well worth a re read, perhaps in audiobook form ?
Beautiful characterisation of Mary who is woefully underdeveloped and 2D in canon. She feels sad and human and relatable in a way that many Austen (and other classics authors) heroines do not. Beautifully captures the mundane and trivial yet precarious and concerning position of an unmarried middle/upper class woman at this time. Super interesting to see her freedom/restriction.
Well worth a re read, perhaps in audiobook form ?
Graphic: Bullying and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Body shaming, Misogyny, and Mental illness
Minor: Classism
katiemcgregor's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I am so pleased to say that The Other Bennet Sister is far more than simply the promised retelling of Pride & Prejudice. As a matter of fact, it is roughly only the first third of the book that predates and takes place during the events of Austen's famous novel. The remainder of this book is truly Mary's story and takes on a life completely of it's own.
Hadlow does an incredible job of very quickly building Mary into a character the reader can root for. She does the same for several other supporting characters from Pride & Prejudice, giving thoughtful insight to their motivations and actions. For example, I quite enjoyed what she did with Mr. Collins' character. But really all of the characters, both preexisting and created purely for this novel, have depth and feel in character.
Mary herself goes through many phases of development and it is so satisfying to see her learn and grow into her own person. I found the romance to be absolutely charming and the conflict of be comprised of a familiar combination of the traditional issues we see in classic literature of the time. Hadlow exceeds at writing a spinoff novel that smoothly aligns itself with the work it is based upon, both in writing and content.
It has been quite some time since I have honestly been able to enjoy a novel for what it is rather that what I wish it to be. The Other Bennet Sister is a must read for fans of Pride & Prejudice.
Hadlow does an incredible job of very quickly building Mary into a character the reader can root for. She does the same for several other supporting characters from Pride & Prejudice, giving thoughtful insight to their motivations and actions. For example, I quite enjoyed what she did with Mr. Collins' character. But really all of the characters, both preexisting and created purely for this novel, have depth and feel in character.
Mary herself goes through many phases of development and it is so satisfying to see her learn and grow into her own person. I found the romance to be absolutely charming and the conflict of be comprised of a familiar combination of the traditional issues we see in classic literature of the time. Hadlow exceeds at writing a spinoff novel that smoothly aligns itself with the work it is based upon, both in writing and content.
It has been quite some time since I have honestly been able to enjoy a novel for what it is rather that what I wish it to be. The Other Bennet Sister is a must read for fans of Pride & Prejudice.
Graphic: Bullying and Classism
Moderate: Death of parent and Dysphoria
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