Thursday, October 24, 2013

Longbourn by Jo Baker

Longbourn by Jo Baker

Another Pride and Prejudice rewrite?  Really?  Do we actually need, or even want, another one?  I would normally scream NO but in this case I have to say YES! 

This is the story of what the servants of the Bennett household at Longbourn are up to while the events of Pride and Prejudice are taking place above stairs.  It’s a fascinating look at the day to day operations of the kitchens and household as well as the personalities of these famous literary personages towards the help.  (One or two interactions will surprise any Austen fan!)  The author does a wonderful job keeping the reader informed of the events in the famous novel that are running concurrently through quotes at the beginning of each chapter and the events the servants must attend to like the visits, the dinners and the balls.

For those who like historical fiction this would appeal.  True, the Bennett household never existed, but it’s a great way to understand how the common folk lived during the time.  We see the toil of laundry, the work behind every casual request and even a glimpse of the war in Spain.  This book really made me appreciate my washing machine and running water.