Lizzy Bennet married Mr. Darcy, Jane Bennet married Mr. Bingley - but what became of the middle daughter, Mary? Readers of Pride and Prejudice will remember that there were five Bennet sisters. Now, twenty years on, Jane has a happy marriage and large family; Lizzy and Mr. Darcy now have a formidable social reputation; Lydia has a reputation of quite another kind; Kitty is much in demand in London's parlors and ballrooms; but what of Mary? Mary is quietly celebrating her independence, having nursed her ailing mother for many years. She decides to write a book to bring the plight of the poor to everyone's attention. But with more resolve than experience, as she sets out to travel around the country, it's not only her family who are concerned about her…
Colleen McCullough's homage to PRIDE AND PREJUDICE is either dastardly or delicious, depending on your Austen loyalty. There should be no argument, however, over Jen Taylor's captivating narration. Her portrayal of Mary is spot-on. In this "sequel," the formerly bookish and shy Bennet sister blossoms twenty years later, throws off the protection of Darcy, and sets out to call attention to the plight of England's poor. The other sisters--Lizzie, Jane, Kitty, and Lydia--end up supporting Mary (or just end up) as she establishes model orphanages. Along the way, Mary falls in love with the deliciously Scottish Angus; encounters a highwayman; and is imprisoned by a crazy prophet--all memorably voiced. This is still upper-class nineteenth-century England, and Taylor's tone reflects it. An altogether entertaining listening experience. J.B.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine
About the Author
Colleen McCullough is the author of seventeen novels. A native of Australia, she lives with her husband on Norfolk Island in the South Pacific.
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The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet
by Colleen McCullough
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