I can’t tell you how much I’m loving this book. It’s so well written and casts a completely different light on Pride and Prejudice; as it’s written from the point of view of the (few) servants who work (very hard) for the family. This line on the back cover made me grin: ‘If Elizabeth Bennet had the washing of her own petticoats,’ Sarah thought, ‘she would be more careful not to tramp through muddy fields.’
If you are familiar with the original you’ll see that the novels match chapter for chapter, though to her credit Jo Baker does not try to imitiate Jane Austin’s style, she has her own voice.
I’d seen Longbourn recommended in a number of newspapers and magazines, then came across a copy on the sale shelf of a charity shop for 50p! I enjoy using my Kindle but there’s great pleasure in knowing I can pass this paperback on to at least five friends who I know will enjoy reading it too.
I’m on the last two inches of the body of the mystery blanket for my cousin and am now thinking about what to make next. I really fancy some knitting and am going to dig out my stash and see what I’ve got later. I’m also keen to finish this baby hexagon piece and turn it into a doll’s blanket.
I’m joining in with Ginny again.
The Little Room of Rachell 
Ooh, sounds good, will see if the library has it! I’m a big Austen fan so am intrigued. Those babies hexies are pretty cute! :) x
Let me know what you think if you get it.
I need to get my fingers on that book! sounds good :)
I realised I’m reading each chapter SO slowly because I’m enjoying it and want to prolong the pleasure!
Sounds a good read. My sympathy was with Mrs. Bennett who faced destitution and homelessness if Mr Bennett died before the girls grew up!
I feel rather more sympathy for the staff at the moment…
I don’t normally read novels but this one sounds intriguing!
I hope you’ll try it.
Aw, I think that’s sweet you’re making a doll’s blanket. Is your daughter a particular brand of doll? American Girl dolls are popular here but so expensive, like $200 a piece. Luckily, my girls are not into dolls. They have their bear bears/teddies. I have this book on my TBR. I keep skimming past it when deciding upon the next book to read. May move it up because of you. I love Pride and Prejudice, although more so the Keira Knightley movie. I heard the Colin Firth mini series is good also. I finished earlier this month the audio of Sense and Sensibility. It was pretty good. I plan to watch the movie soon.
I’ve found that if I want to try a new stitch (like the Catherine wheel stitch this time last year) or – as in this case – I just know I’m not going to complete a bigger blanket then turning crochet into a doll’s blanket seems to be a great solution!
I’m so glad to read comments about others wanting to read this book now. It’s great to share something you’re really enjoying and inspire other readers. Yarn Along is a great link up.
Ps: the Colin Firth series is way better than the Keira Knightley film. It’s him in the white shirt lake scene, plus I prefer the Elizabeth too.
I really like the little hexie.. you have a good eye for color. That book also sounds divine! Thanks for the tip. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Thanks Teresa.
I hope you enjoy it.
Happy New Year! This book sounds amazing, I’ll have to pop it on the list… I’m also coming back to the baby hexies this month… what to do what to do!
Happy New Year Helen! Anything – just to do something with them. I’m not into woolly cushion covers but that’s a possibly if you are?
Wow! The book sounds so intriguing! It would be really interesting to see it from the different point of view! Love your crochet hexagons!