The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow

I do love a fresh take on the world of Jane Austen.  The trashy romances, the alternate perspectives, the ladies as detectives.  Give it to me!  The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow is the story of Mary Bennet.  Mary in the Middle.  Jane and Elizabeth have each other.  Kitty and Lydia are besties.  Who’s left? Mary.  The cheese stands alone.  So many sisters and there is not enough attention to go around.  Everyone must be married off or what will happen?  Hadlow tells us.  Four of the five sisters are married, so what is to become of Mary?  She goes on a journey to find herself, to see what little of the world she can, and maybe find her own happiness.  I must admit to feeling a lot of feelings while reading.  Hadlow has such a great tone that reminded me so much of Jane Austen.  She goes slow and really lets you walk a mile in Mary’s shoes.  I certainly have very different feelings about Elizabeth Bennet than when I started.

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