by Isabel G., guest reviewer
The main character, Mary Bennet, is not the most interesting person and the story was slow to develop. With that said, I am not sure this book would have mass appeal. The author does not reveal if she chooses to marry until the last fifty pages. What kept me reading, was how well the author managed to capture that time period. A person can find themselves lost in another era while reading this book. I had a real sense of what it was like for women living in that period. The characters seemed to be very careful as to how they behaved, and what they said to one another; in order to maintain propriety.
Mary Bennet feels the pressures of society, as her mother tries to prepare her to take a husband. She’s an honest woman with good morals and a strong faith in God. She’s searching for an opportunity to live without the need of marrying. This, of course, does not sit well with her mother! As time passes, Mary begins to see the happiness her sister Elizabeth has with her husband, and it changes her negative image of marriage. Although she has no interest in the idea of getting married, she begins to feel she may have no choice. Mary is willing to sacrifice her future to help another sister named Lydia.
It was enjoyable to read how loving her family was with Mary. All, except her mother, were very supportive of her wishes. Mary is also very fortunate to make a good acquaintance who offers her a job and a place where she can live on her own. Despite her wishes not to marry, a suitor approaches her and she’s forced to make a decision; that could alter her life forever. It is also interesting to see how Mary changes throughout the story. It is through Mary’s observations of how others live their daily lives and interact with one another that she begins to grow as a person and becomes less introverted.
If you enjoy historical novels, this is the book for you.
Rating: 2.5 Stars
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
ISBN 978-1-4022-2011-1
Copyright 2009
Genre: Historical Romance
Page: 350 pages
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This post was written by...
Isabel G. – who has written 6 posts on Love Romance Passion.
Isabel is guilty of reading books about werewolves or vampires falling in love with a human. They are her guilty pleasures! In her mind, a hero should be secure and exude confidence. He should be able to laugh at things and yet be serious enough to take charge in the bedroom. Rawr! To learn more about Isabel check out her Reader Highlight.
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Isabel that was a beautiful review, you related Mary’s character quite nicely.
I think I’ve been Austened out at this point.
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