A review by outsmartyourshelf
The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch by Melinda Taub

medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Lydia Bennet, a character whose actions are pivotal in Pride & Prejudice & yet we learn relatively little about her character beyond what other characters tell us. This reimaging of P&P sees Lydia relate the events from her point of view through the medium of writing her thoughts down in a book. In this world, Lydia is the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter (three older sisters having died as children) & therefore a witch, whilst Kitty is revealed to be her feline familiar bewitched to appear human in front of others. Lydia's quest to improve & use her magic leads her into all kinds of mischief & dangerous situations.

The narrative is all from Lydia's point of view apart from a few letters at the end which are from another character who appears in the book. It seems like it should be a light retelling with the focus on magic, but the author manages to cover some weightier subjects: racism, sexism/misogyny in society, the confining of women to the domestic sphere & marriage, & a society where a fifteen year old girl would be married off to an older man for the sake of her (& her female relatives') reputation whilst his would eventually carry on as before. Jane & Elizabeth are mentioned but sadly do not appear on the page, although just about every one else does & Georgiana has a bigger role here. Overall it was a nice enough read but it didn't really grab & hold my attention as I thought it would. 

My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Quercus Books/Jo Fletcher Books, for the opportunity to read an ARC. I am voluntarily giving an honest review. 
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