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Illusions and Ignorance: Mary Bennet's Story
written by S. E. Ward
Studio : Outskirts Press
by Outskirts Press
Publisher : Outskirts Press
Released : 2007-05-20
Availability : Usually ships in 24 hours and eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.
Number of Items : 1
EAN : 9781432705404
Avg. Customer Rating: (based on 4 reviews)
List Price : $13.95
Our Price : $12.55
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Product Description |
Meet the Bennet's again...
This book is a romance which revisits the Bennet Family a few years after Pride and Prejudice. In it, Mary Bennet, is the key to all the action, just as Elizabeth was key to the action of Pride and Prejudice. Mary, who is under the impression that Elizabeth was married well only in order to provide for her sisters, relaxes in the happy thought that she will never have to marry. Mrs. Bennet refuses to accept such a future for her, and works to change her mind. Meanwhile, her observation of her older sister Jane's happy situation, even with the unmarried sister (Carolyn Bingley) living with them, convinces Mary that she could just as well live out her life with Elizabeth and Darcy. Carolyn's later marriage to Darcy's cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Jane's rather obvious relief, give her second thoughts. Her study of marriage through her sisters' experiences continues to change her mind, as does her new appreciation of her parents' marriage and that of her Aunt Gardiner. In the end, circumstances settle the whole puzzle for her, quite to her satisfaction. |
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Interesting P&P sequel |
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An interesting P&P sequel. there is a subplot with Lydia that feels a little forced but otherwise a good story that doesn't present Mary as ridiculous. |
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Pleasantly Surprised |
Much to my surprise, I enjoyed the further life of Miss Mary Bennet. The character was well written, although at times it seemed that the author was trying too hard to adhere to the stodginess of the original. But her growth as a person through the interactions with all the other familiar characters was very well done.
This is one of the better "character studies" of post P&P stories and is well worth reading for any Austen fan. Actually, it's worth reading even if you have not read the original basis for it, but some of the references will be hard to understand. |
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I never thought I would like Mary Bennet !? |
But I really did after reading this book. Her character doesn't change from P&P (she is still prim, judgmental and interested only in books and music) but you get an insight into her mind that portrays her as much more sympathetic and believable. It is comforting to know that all her motives are pure and she really does desire to change for the better. When she does get her happy ending I was thrilled for her and felt that she fully deserved it.
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars (I would give it 4.5) is because it was sometimes slow reading....sometimes too much internal reflection, tedious conversation, etc. But overall I would highly recommend for fans of P & P sequels. |
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Austen's voice recaptured |
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A neat evocation of time and place. The language is just right, descriptions put one in the Derbyshire countryside of the late 18th Century, creating a deeper understanding of the mores and values that Jane Austen took for granted we would always understand. Ms Ward creates a sympathy for Mary Bennett that is completely lacking in all the readings and dramatizations of 'Pride and Prejudice'. This would be an excellent selection for book clubs. |
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