Review: _Longbourn:_ A different angle on Pride and Prejudice

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I tend to stay away from most of the sequels or reworkings of Jane Austen's novels, and only if a book has gotten some favourable reviews will I take a second look. Most of them are pretty much romances, reimagining the story from one of the more secondary characters, or taking a mostly sexual route. In short, they're not that well written or interesting in the long run. But after hearing some positive reviews of Jo Baker's Longbourn, I took a chance with this one. It's pretty much Pride and Prejudice retold, but from the viewpoints of the servants who work for the Bennets, and in particular, Sarah, one of the maids-of-all-work who labours behind the scenes. And it's not a pretty world underneath those wafting gowns and polite manners. There's blood to scrub out of menstural rags, chamberpots to empty and clean, meals to prepare, floors and dishes and numberless chores, all to be done on time. It doesn't matter if it takes all night, every day it must be done. Sarah and her fellow maid, Polly, work hard, sleep less, and both have miserable prospects for the future -- both of them were born orphans, brought from a local workhouse, and both of them are grateful for having a job. But it all isn't drudgery -- both of the maids get glimpses of the genteel life upstairs, and they are genuinely fond of the five Bennet girls, sharing in their excitement and disappointment in love. And it seems that downstairs there is something brewing. A stranger comes to Longbourn, looking for work, and is hired on as a footman and groom -- Mr. Bennet thinks it's a good idea to have someone who can drive the one carriage that the family has, as he prefers to stay in his cozy study with his books. Soon enough, Sarah finds herself rather taken with James Smith, good looking and quite capable with the horses. But there's something that has Mrs. Hill, the housekeeper, rather uneasy about him... Gradually, we get to see the romances involving the Bennet girls unfold, along with the servants who are watching it all. They may remain silent but once the upstairs is away, downstairs is talking it all over. I found the observations that they make on the high society, the rather unsavoury topics of the links between sugar and slavery, and worries about the future. What really struck me about this one was the way that the author managed to create -- and maintain -- the feel of the original novel. The characters all feel right for the period, and the language that they use is the studied, careful ways of Regency England. The descriptions are rich and detailed, but not at all overpowering and it's clear that the author did her research. There's several bumps along the way, but not nearly enough to make me downgrade the book. I suggest this one for anyone who is looking for something that feels like Jane Austen, or is fond of the sequels that have been crafted. The storyline is believable, the characters act right, and the whole of it feels right. There is a brief author's note at the end that explains her methods, and I liked that there is a partial list of some of the sources that Ms. Baker used to give the details. All in all, this one gets five stars and a hearty recommendation from me. This one is staying on my keeper shelves, for do intend to reread it again, and I hope to see more from Ms. Baker in the future. Longbourn Jo Baker 2013; Borzoi Books, Alfred A. Knopf ISBN 978-0-385-35124-9 This review was published elsewhere in slightly different form. Rebecca Huston asserts her rights as the sole owner of this content.