I read the novel when it was published in 2020 and thought it was an excellent sequel to Pride and Prejudice, shining a light on the most unremarked Bennet sister. Daisy Goodwin wrote of the novel when it was published "Janice Hadlow has fashioned Mary Bennet into a heroine that even Jane Austen would approve of. A treat!" If we can imagine Jane Austen watching television, then I think she would approve of this adaptation, too!
In this gorgeous BBC adaptation Mary Bennet really does sparkle and shine. Stepping out of her sisters’ shadows, she becomes a fully rounded character in her own right.
The cast is superb. Emma Bruccoleri is perfect as Mary Bennet, as is Ruth Jones as the neurotic Mrs Bennet. The remaining four Bennet sisters have so far faded into the background. Rightly so!
We have box-setted the first five episodes and can't wait for the next five! It's so good to have such an excellent costume drama to enjoy.
