Play Book Tag discussion

Longbourn is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice from the viewpoint of the Bennet family’s servants. Baker used a tone and voice much like Austen’s, but I thought it was more readable –this might be one reason I liked the retelling better than the original. But I also I found the loves and sorrows of the servants more believable and certainly more moving than those of the Bennets and their friends. The stories of the servants, without whom the Bennet family might have had to use their soft plump hands to wash and fuss over the clothes they stained carelessly or – heaven forbid – have to slog through rain to Meryton for some geegaw, bring a richer and more human dimension to Austen’s book. Longbourn does a fine job of painting a picture of what is required for lovelies like the Bennet girls and their beaux to live the romantic lives described in P&P. Jo Baker has done extensive research into the time period to bring out all the details.
The servants don’t resent their lot or complain excessively about the family – they’re grateful to have jobs, although the Bennets might have been surprised by how little the servants really cared about them. Baker invents intriguing background stories for Mr. and Mrs. B. and for the housekeeper and her husband. None of these additions conflict with Austen’s story because Baker has woven the events of Longbourn so cleverly into parallel events in P & P.
I think this story would be a treat for anyone who liked P&P – and probably for many who did not. I gave it 5 stars.

I had this on my TBR for the longest time-and then I slashed it recently.....re-thinking that decision!

Nice review Susan! I think I'll bump this up my list.

Okay ... not really reading your review because one of my F2F book clubs is reading this later in June 2020 ... But I'm gonna bookmark your review so I can come back to it closer to when I read it.

Joanne wrote: "I had this on my TBR for the longest time-and then I slashed it recently.....re-thinking that decision!"

Joanne wrote: "I had this on my TBR for the longest time-and then I slashed it recently.....re-thinking that decision!"

Susan wrote: "Longbourn is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice from the viewpoint of the Bennet family’s servants. Baker used a tone and voice much like Austen’s, but I thought it was more readable –this might be..."

I actually read it four years ago and didn't like it as well as this time. so much depends on our moods I think!

NancyJ wrote: "Nice review Susan! I think I'll bump this up my list."

Thanks. Will be interested in what you think.