printemps_is's review against another edition
4.0
Mary's story told in an impressively Austenesque way, but introducing new elements that extend Austen's world into the professions, London and a Wordsworth inspired philosophy of spirit. Mary's dilemma is to marry for comfort or wait for love and risk becoming an 'old maid'. I'm disappointed that we didn't get to see her experience as a Thornback or a Liberated Painmother. At least Miss Allen could have been drawn out more as a character to show this perspective instead of serving as a scarecrow for bachelorettes. Consequently I interpreted the ending of this book as a tragedy of Freidanian proportions, which is the only way I can read the final line about wallpaper.
rhosynmd's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
gasoline_allie's review against another edition
5.0
A sweet and sensitive reimagining in which neglected Mary Bennet gets her moment in the sun.
larkinplarkin's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
5.0
emmgrace's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
i loved it. part two was just a tad bit too slow for me.
minty's review against another edition
4.0
In some ways, it was foolish of me to even read this book--I've read P&P once, didn't really follow it, and I last saw an adaptation more than 15 years ago and I didn't like it. But maybe it was fine, because I came into it with no preconceived notion of who Mary was, and thus was disposed to like her, even when she came across as acerbic and annoying (even from her own POV!). The content of P&P ends around 40% into this book, and then it is more interesting, for what does happen to the unwed daughter of a man whose estate has gone to someone else? I felt anxiety for Mary and frustration with the whole world she lived in, but as I knew to expect, the ending was happy and all was well.
Before I finished this I actually watched the 1995 TV adaptation with Colin Firth in its entirety (in one day, while recuperating from my 2nd coronavirus vaccine). It wasn't necessary to my understanding of this book but it did help round out all the characters, for sure. The retelling of P&P here is of course entirely faithful.
Before I finished this I actually watched the 1995 TV adaptation with Colin Firth in its entirety (in one day, while recuperating from my 2nd coronavirus vaccine). It wasn't necessary to my understanding of this book but it did help round out all the characters, for sure. The retelling of P&P here is of course entirely faithful.
dragoninwinterfell's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
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
5.0
This is one of my favorite Austen continuations. The way Hadlow stays true to Austen's voice and themes while still giving Mary Bennet a unique and engaging story is incredible.
bibielle's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0