Reviews tagging 'Classism'

The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow

6 reviews

writer_egreene's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective medium-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? Yes

4.75


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wickedgrumpy's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is exactly what I was hoping it would be.  It didn’t dwell too long into the established time frame that was present in pride and prejudice but more so on the lead up, as well as the aftermath with the oft forgot Mary.  It was well done, and even took some turns that I didn’t expect, but appreciated.

The discussion on family ties and sisterly bonds being strained, the desire of your parent to bestow affection upon you, rather than neglect (at best)…. Some hard hits were had and I shed some tears.

I can see myself rereading this sometime in the future.

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bohemianhermit04's review against another edition

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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!

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mariamsaidwhat's review against another edition

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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 

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molly_appleby's review against another edition

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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 ?

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katiemcgregor's review against another edition

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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.

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