From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:
Big news this week in Austenland! The BBC announced a new ten-part drama series adapted from Janice Hadlow’s bestselling novel, The Other Bennet Sister.
The new period drama is inspired by Mary Bennet, one of Jane Austen’s most unassuming and puzzling characters from Pride and Prejudice. Mary is the third of five Bennet daughters, socially awkward, preachy, pedantic, and a comic relief for readers. She has not been portrayed sympathetically before on the screen and is not quite heroine material. This leaves open big possibilities for her character arc.
Something About Mary
Despite her unappealing personality there has always been something about Mary that readers have connected with, and we have seen multiple Mary Bennet “makeover” novels from contemporary authors. One of the most successful was the witty and uplifting, The Other Bennet Sister, by Janice Hadlow in 2020. Hadlow is very well-connected as a former BBC executive, so there is no surprise that her debut novel was a bestseller and is now being adapted into a TV series. We reviewed it here on Austenprose and gave it 5 Stars.
The Bennet family from the 2005 movie adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Mary, portrayed by Tahlula Riley, is the dark horse in the family seated on the far right.
What Happens in Mary’s Eventful and Unpredictable New Journey?
According to the press release from BBC News, The Other Bennet Sister gives Mary Bennet the epic love story nobody predicted for her, taking her from her family home in Meryton to the soirees of Regency London and the peaks and vales of the Lake District – all in search of independence, romance and, most elusive of all, self-love and acceptance.
The Other Bennet Sister is being produced by the Cardiff-based Bad Wolf (His Dark Materials, Industry) for BBC iPlayer and BBC One with Sarah Quintrell (The Power, Ellen) in her first drama series adapting Janice Hadlow’s bestselling novel.
Marsh Hunt as Mary Bennet in the 1940 MGM theatrical movie adaptaion was a sweet and comical interpretation of the pedantic Austen character.
Who is Your Mary Bennet?
No casting announcements or the official release date yet, so please speculate on who will be cast as Mary, Elizabeth, and of course Mr. Darcy in the new production! Who are you rooting for?
- Haven’t read the book yet! Now is the time to dive in before the new series begins!
Best, Laurel Ann
BOOK INFORMATION
- The Other Bennet Sister: A Novel, by Janice Hadlow
- Henry Holt and Co. (March 31, 2020)
- Hardcover, eBook, Trade Paperback, & audiobook (480) pages
- ISBN: 978-1250129413
- Genre: Austenesque, Regency Romance
AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS
Book cover image courtesy of Henry Holt © 2020; text Laurel Ann Nattress © 2024, austenprose.com, an Amazon affiliate. No AI: material on Austenprose.com may not be used in datasets for, in the development of, or as inputs to generative AI programs.
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This is so exciting! The Other Bennet Sister has been on my to-read list for a few years; I’ll need to get to it soon before the series begins 😃
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I agree, Amanda. I am excited as well. I hope you enjoy the book.
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I have had this book on my TBR for awhile now so I think I will get a copy to read before the series comes out! Very exciting 😊
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Sounds like a great plan, Isabella. I hope you enjoy it.
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