Yes, I know it's a series, streaming on Britbox and Amazon Prime, but I haven't watched it. I have, however, just finished the novel and that's what I'm here to talk about.
I am a serious fan of Jane Austen and have read and reread her works many times, especially Pride and Prejudice. And I have had a fling at various Austen pastiches, some more successful than others but none, in my opinion, as well done and satisfying as Hadlow's imagining of poor, pedantic Mary, the ugly duckling amongst the better favored Bennet girls.
In Austen's telling, Mary is a little ridiculous, the victim of the author's sharp wit. Hadlow approaches Mary sympathetically, exploring the causes of her rather off-putting manner.
Hadlow often pulls quotes from P & P, which, for me, increased the enjoyment--like coming unexpectedly upon an old friend. And we learn much more about the smarmy Mr. Collins, his wife Charlotte, and the estimable Gardiners.
Like Austen, Hadlow brings her story and her heroine to a not-unexpected conclusion. No matter, it's the journey there that I enjoyed.
Maybe I'll take a look at the series . . .
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