It greatly helps that, unlike most of the Bennet family members in Pride & Prejudice, Mary’s part in that iconic tale has minimal to say the least. This allows writers to dream up all sorts of engaging plot lines for her(such as Janice Hadlow’s book which is the basis of the new series) that either enhance her character or send her off in a bold new direction.
As it turns out, there are quite a few books featuring Mary Bennet out there and today, I’m here to recommend one that I truly like and two others that sound rather promising to check out:
Melinda Taub’s second novel regarding the Bennet sisters has Mary deciding to take the matter of her unmarried status in her own hands.
If she can’t find a suitable husband, then perhaps her knowledge of the scientific arts can allow her to make one for herself. In setting up this task, she receives assistance from a most unexpected ally; Georgiana Darcy, her sister in law whose troubles in the romance department are somewhat similar to Mary’s.
When their creation goes awry, Mary and Georgiana must work together to solve this problem before a rather deadly turn is taken. Yet, can their mutual passion for science also lead to a more pleasant solution to both of their situations or are they doomed to be authors of their mutual demise?
I have read Taub’s previous novel about another Bennet sister (The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch) and that book became a best of the year read for me. Seeing this writer give Mary a Frankenstein flip sounds like an awful lot of fun indeed:
The Pursuit of Mary Bennet:
Pamela Mingle keeps Mary in the spotlight as the awkward middle daughter tries to be more than just an afterthought amongst her family.
When her wayward sister Lydia flounces back home, flush with a new scandal, Mary and her sister Kitty are sent off to stay with their married sister Jane Bingley in order to avoid being caught up in such a messy situation.
While there, Mary meets Henry Walsh, a friend of her brother in law, who finds her to be quite charming. This opportunity for true acceptance and love is most unexpected but when other circumstances arise, can she find her own way to happiness or must she be set aside for the selfish whims of others?
I’ve read this book twice( and will probably do so this spring as well) and it’s a endearing look at a woman who wants to be more than what her relatives have already decided she should be. Granted, Mary has a few stumbles along the way (including reprising her skills at the piano) but her emotional journey is well worth the trip:
Being Mary Bennet:
This modern day YA take by J.C. Peterson has senior class overachiever Marnie realizing that her roommate’s declaration that she’s that particular P&P character is definitely not a compliment.
As a struggling middle child trying to gain status among her own boisterous siblings, Marnie hopes that her big project to create a program that gives kids the opportunity to read aloud to shelter dogs , will give her a shot at the Hunt Prize, a rare honor given to only one member of the senior class at her prestigious school.
However, her goals now also include being less of a Mary Bennet and with the help of said roommate and a rather handsome new acquaintance(plus a very cute dog), Marnie might be more successful than she had previously imagined. But, should she settle for not just being a Mary Bennet or any other fictional character than just being her real self?
This does sound like a good creative way to reimagine Austen for a new generation, much in the style of the Lizzie Bennet Diaries, and if I came across it, it certainly would be something to enjoy for sure:
While I haven’t seen The Other Bennet Sister(don’t have BritBox sadly) or read the book, I do think it’s great that a fresh take on Jane Austen’s work is being celebrated like this.
Plenty of people are already complaining about the upcoming Pride & Prejudice movie in the works from Netflix and granted, I was not thrilled with their version of Persuasion (they totally rewrote Anne’s character and not in a good way!), let’s give them a chance at getting this one right.
At the very least, that production might lead to more Austen themed projects such as Dear Miss Austen that thankfully went to PBS and will have a second season entitled Miss Austen Returns.
Given the chaotic state of the world these days, having a little bit of Jane Austen adaptation goodness to look forward to is a small treasure of hope to cherish indeed:
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