THE OTHER BENNET SISTER by Janice Hadlow
In 2005 the film “Pride & Prejudice” was released. It starred Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen and it instantly became one of my all time favorite movies. I must have watched it a zillion times. Strangely it never occurred to me to read the book on which the movie was based. Sorry, Jane Austen.
However while watching the film I did notice that of all the Bennet sisters in the book four were attractive to beautiful. It was poor Mary, the third of five, who was portrayed as being a “plain Jane” in more ways than one. Jane (Rosamund Pike), Lizzie (Knightley), Lydia (Gena Malone) and Kitty (Carey Mulligan) were all stars in their own orbits. Mary, who is played by Talulah Riley is the sister who gets the least attention from the film and her character’s family.
All of this information rested in the recesses of my mind until a few weeks ago when a book titled THE OTHER BENNET SISTER floated across my desk. It attracted my attention especially when it promised to tell the full story of Mary Bennet, THE OTHER BENNET SISTER. I wondered if the author of the novel, Janice Hadlow, could stir up some of the magic of the “Pride & Prejudice” film. I was only a few pages into the novel when I realized she had.
What is magical about Hadlow’s book is the amazing way she uses language to recreate a time and place. As her characters speak and as they move from locale to locale you are transported back to England of the early 1800’s. In doing this Hadlow not only gives us a story that dominates our attention but also a style that makes the reading of the book’s words pure enjoyment.
Mary is the central focus and her story brings along a collection of new characters. Still we have a chance to once again see all of the Bennets – mother, father, sisters. Add to them Mr Darcy, Mr. Collins and Mr Bingley. But these are primarily minor characters with whom Mary is involved with at one time or another. New major characters are her aunt and uncle, the Gardiners, as well as Mr. Hayward, Mr. Ryder and the returning Caroline Bingley.
The book completely captured my attention and I was sorry to see the story end. Still in my mind I longed for a movie version to bring Mary and her peers to life. Maybe Talulah Riley could be re-discovered to play the lead role.
If you loved the movie “Pride & Prejudice” you will love this book. If you loved the book by Jane Austen I presume you will love this book. If you just like grand dramatic/romantic stories in general you will love this book. It is well worth discovering and will occupy your time completely as you devote your heart and mind to it.
Sometimes a serendipity falls into our laps. THE OTHER BENNET SISTER is certainly that.
THE OTHER BENNET SISTER is published by Henry Holt Publishing. It contains 463 pages and sells for $27.99.
Jackie K Cooper
www.jackiekcooper.com
