My last read, “Pride and Prejudice in Space“, put me in such a great mood that I was inspired to search for even more books related to “Pride and Prejudice”. Whether modern takes or books written as possible continuations or just fan fiction, I wanted to start reading so I was grateful to stumble upon “The Other Bennet Sister” by Janice Hadlow.
So what is “The Other Bennet Sister” about?
This book gives a much-needed voice to Mary Bennet, the plain, joyless, dull sister. She doesn’t get a happy-ever-after ending in the original “Pride and Prejudice” and her destiny always got me curious.
Thanks to “The Other Bennet Sister”, Mary now has a proper background, helping us empathise with her. I actually can’t imagine rereading “Pride and Prejudice” with the same eyes for her again. She is the most unlikely heroine, yet, she manages to become perfectly lovable.
I can’t tell you how much I truly recommend this book! It was the perfect read, with a wholesome, positive message! I couldn’t keep away from it – start to finish…
The Other Bennet Sister Summary
Mary was always the odd one out: Elizabeth had Jane, Lydia had Kitty, and her parents favoured one of their other daughters – never her, she didn’t have much talent that we can observe and her looks didn’t favour her much.
We see her grow up, and the author points out events in her childhood and adolescence that give her a mousy, bookworm personality. Her most notable interventions in the original work are also presented here, but from her own point of view and they are accompanied by a few more details.
She was always serious and practical growing up, so I was not surprised by her friendship with Charlotte Lucas. In hindsight, they seem perfectly suitable friends and Charlotte’s advice and view on life are reflected in Mary’s behaviour down the line.
When Mr. Bennet dies, Mary and Mrs. Bennet remain without a home (all her other sisters are married). Their house is entailed to Mr. Collins. While Mrs. Bennet is fine living with Jane, Mary can’t really find her place there – Caroline Bingley seems to have made it her mission to torment the poor girl. She attempts to live with Elizabeth, but starts to feel uncomfortable soon – Lizzy already has a sister there to look after: Georgiana Darcy.
Having been close to Charlotte, she thinks visiting her old home would also do her good. She finds the house changed, a lot improved. Surprisingly, she develops a friendship with Mr. Collins as well, based upon their love of studying. When she can’t stay there anymore, Mary finds solace with the Gardiners. It seems that with them, she has actually found a home. With her aunt’s help, she finnally blossoms. Though she can’t become a true beauty, she gains the confidence to shine in every other way.
Of course, that attracts her two suitors (Mr. Hayward and Mr. Ryder) and Mary’s decision on who to marry becomes difficult.
The Other Bennet Sister Characters
I will not address here all the characters we already know from “Pride and Prejudice” as you should definitely not read this book before you finish P&P.
However, here are some characters that are a lot more developed here and worth the mention, plus a few new ones:
- Tom Hayward – a young lawyer, but a poet at heart, relative of Mrs. Gardiner. He and Mary hit it off and love discussing literature and challenge each other to study.
- Will Ryder – friend of Tom’s, eir to Lady Cathrine de Bourgh (Yes, that Lady Cathrine!), doesn’t like working and luckily he won’t have to. He is the one to attract Mary on the wild side, to a life of travel and leisure. He is already pursued by Caroline Bingley.
- Caroline Bingley – not much changes about her, she is still single, in search of a husband. Apparently, again, with not much luck, as Mr. Ryder seems to fancy Mary a bit more.
- Mrs. Bennet – she is not much changed, but seeing her from Mary’s perspective she is very cruel. Along with Mr. Bennet, they are the reason Mary lacks confidence in herself. Having Mary gain her independence, she heals from their relationship and is able to stand up to her mother.
- Mrs. Gardiner – she remains like the fairy godmother from fairytales. without being judgemental, she is able to get close to Mary and love her just as she is. With her help, Mary really discovers herself, her wants and what really pleases her. She becomes the center of attention.
Favourite Quotes
This book has such a wholesome message, that there were many things I found I want to remember about it. These are only some of them:
- Charlotte is raised in a loving environment. Though not a beauty, she never feels it from her family. Mary, on the other hand, is never able to please her mother (she already has a favourite) or her father (who will always prefer Lizzy’s mind and wit over hers):
I have never hidden from you that I am unhappy in my circumstances and planned to do all I could to change them. But it is my situation I dislike, not myself. I’m not sure the same is true of you. It’s hard to persuade anyone, especially a man, that your regard is worth having if you have none for yourself.
“The Other Bennet Sister”, by Janice Hadlow
- Though smart, even she has a hard time remaining rational faced with men’s attention:
There was something very powerful about a man who paid one such particular attention. It was impossible not to thaw a little when asked, with every appearance of sincerity, to venture an opinion or offer up a thought. She laughed inwardly at this idea – would such an invitation flatter any woman or was it only bookish females like herself who would be gratified by it? She supposed a man like Mr. Ryder knew only too well how to please and could tailor his manner to suit a variety of dispositions.
“The Other Bennet Sister”, by Janice Hadlow
- Mary is faced with similar difficulty as Lizzy in “Pride and Prejudice”: it was hard to distinguish between true feelings and the appearance of them. Mrs. Gardiner is there to help:
I wished only to warn you that those who speak with greatest freedom about their emoitions are not always those who feel most deeply.
“The Other Bennet Sister”, by Janice Hadlow
Conclusion
If you liked “Pride and Prejudice”, I have no doubt you will love this book!
Must, must read, it gets 5 stars from me!
You can see the book here (Goodreads link):
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