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When Janice Hadlow wrote The Other Bennet Sister in 2020, she created an affection for Elizabeth’s sister that we didn’t know we needed to be further introduced to or needed to better understand. However, I have a feeling, TSLL community understood her better than most because Mary Bennet speaks to my predilections most easily. Easily, in the way I understand her enjoyment of books, in particular, non-fiction refuge in her books, and in finding a joy of life multiplied upon embracing her true self, regardless of how society defines what is ‘proper’ for a lady.
Not to disagree with Jane Austen’s portrayal, who described Mary in Pride and Prejudice as “the only plain one” of the five sisters, “who worked hard for knowledge and accomplishments, was always impatient for display.” Continuing on to add, “Mary had neither genius nor taste; and though vanity had given her application, it had given her likewise a pedantic air and conceited manner, which would have injured a higher degree of excellence than she had reached”, but I feel I must speak up for Mary, just as Hadlow has and say, you’ve simply misunderstood her this entire time.
Hadlow’s novel quickly became a sensation, becoming the Best Book of 2020 as chosen by Library Journal, NPR, and Christian Science Monitor. And now, of course, we have the adapted television series. In the states, the series is available on BritBox (premiering May 6th) and includes 10 episodes (the series debuted in the UK in February), one available each Tuesday unless you pay for their premiere subscription, which allows you to stream them all at once.
Ella Bruccoleri stars as Mary, who viewers of Call the Midwife will immediately recognize. From Mary’s common-sensical decision to wear glasses (so she can read and see clearly!) to her signature choice of beautiful dresses made for her while being a governess in London to her uncle and aunt’s children, with each episode we see her gradually embracing her true self, her curiosities, her strengths, and learning about the world as she does. Her aunt, played by Indira Varma, is a standout supporting character in the series, and so too is Mr. Hayward, played by Dónal Finn, who, if you watched the most recent Young Sherlock series, you will recognize as Moriarty.
The soundtrack for the series was composed by Anne Chmelewsky, whom I recently discovered while listening to Classic FM, shared that working on the show with the editing crew to compose the soundtrack was a most enjoyable experience. Read this post to discover why she chose the instruments she did for the selections.
~Have a look at the trailer below, and enjoy watching the series now on BritBox.
The Other Bennet Sister was chosen as a Petit Plaisir for episode #426 of The Simple Sophisticate podcast, 10 Things I Miss When I Can’t Visit Britain As Soon As I Would Prefer
~Explore all of the British-Inspired Petits Plaisirs here.
~Explore all other Petits Plaisirs here in TSLL’s Archives
Explore all of the Posts in this Year’s British Week
Look forward to reading and eventually watching this! Funny how characters can sometimes take on a life of their own, breaking out of an author’s mold or intention.
Shannon, have you read it?
You know, I haven’t yet, but I had it on my list to read when it was released as it definitely caught my interest. Now that I am watching and thoroughly enjoying the series, I am eager to read the book soon! 🙂
I read this when it first came out…. but 6 years later have no recollection of it. Not a good sign for me. lol! I have seen many clips on Instagram & can’t wait to watch.
Oh no Cathy! But I have no doubt that in between then and now you’ve read many other books and therefore that can make it difficult to recall what we’ve read in detail! 🙂 You are not alone. 🙂 Enjoy watching the series and I have a feeling it will all come back. 🙂
I’m ordering this book from the library right now and look forward to watching the series! Always a bit out of the conventional appeal myself, I can really relate to this character and how important it is to be yourself.
Kindred spirits! Love it! Enjoy the book and the series Adrienne. 🙂
Oh my yes! I have been thrilled with this adaptation. The odd one out, is a bit of a mirror for me. Very early on my grandfather introduced me to English literature. In some ways, he got ahead of my skills by giving me a Tale of Two Cities when I was 8 years old, but that’s how he inspired. Of his 6 grandchildren, (4 girls) I was the one who spent time with him in his study while perched by the only window while the others were looking at magazines and planning fictional romances. I still have a carry-all I made to carry my books and journals when visiting or just going off by myself with a blanket to set down under a tree and read. Introducing us to this series has motivated me to read the book.
What a wonderful grandfather and I love that you still have the carry-all you created to hold your books and comforts for reading. And now it holds such lovely memories as well. Not as up to snuff as you were, but my mother let me pick out a collection of Poe’s short stories when I was eight. Had to consult the very large, very old big black family dictionary many times, and the set of encyclopedias, but I was entranced. Here’s to celebrating the quirky ones!
Thank you for sharing a glimpse into your childhood Lucy. 🙂 Your grandfather’s study sounds like an ideal space for a bibliophile and thinker as I know you are, and as we have just learned, have always been. 🙂 And your time enjoyed in your own company speaks to my soul as someone who did the same thing. I do hope you enjoy the book.
This has indeed become a petit plaisir enjoyed every Sunday with a good cuppa and an afternoon treat. Something I look forward to every week.
Thank you for sharing Michelle. Your Sunday afternoons sound a treat! Love how you make an intentional ritual and savor it. The episodes really are lovely and her facial expressions, I just adore watching her in every situation she finds herself. This latest episodes (I just watched last night), there are oodles of her facial expressions with quite a few different experiences. Enjoy!
I’ve not read the book but am thoroughly enjoying the series. My husband has been enjoying it as well. One thought is that I am happy to be living today and that the outcome of my life is not dependent on marrying well for money. We are so fortunate to have so many life choices available to us today.
Val, So true, so true. I appreciate that these modern adaptations that still take us back to the period now make sure point out the reality economically for women instead of dressing it up and ignoring the reality. Beyond grateful as you said. Thank you for your comment. 🙂
oh what a witty and wonderful sister she is!
🙂
Hi Shannon,
Thanks for sharing. I plan on checking it out in both book form and on BritBox.
I think you will appreciate her character Jamie. 🙂
Interesting note on the series; Lucy Briers, who plays Hill, portrayed Mary in the 1995 Pride and Prejudice. As Hill she is particularly sensitive to Mary’s frustrations and lack of self confidence. I appreciated the nod to the 1995 series.
How interesting. Not as related, but she was also Mr Knightly’s housekeeper in the newest Emma.
Thank you for sharing Melissa. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this detail. I didn’t realize! Thoughtful and intentional casting. I appreciate the series even more! 🙂
This is next on my list to watch. Can’t wait to start!
Do hope you enjoy! 🙂
In the last few years, I have less time to read… I heard about this book, but I haven’t read it yet. Now, I would like to read “Pride and Prejudice” again, and then “The Other Bennet Sister”, and then hopefully I’ll watch TV series too somewhere 😀 Our Croatian national TV usually has “a good nose” for quality series so they might broadcast this one in a few months or in a year maybe.
That’s a great idea Mateja. 🙂 And you are probably right, the series is likely to be broadcast soon as it is doing well wherever it is aired. Enjoy!
I have not watched the series yet, but it looks uplifting, warming and charming from the trailer, so, now I must. Thank you Shannon, and everyone who commented, for the nudge. xx
I think you will enjoy it Rona. Mary’s smart, not easily swayed and grounded moreso than most period pieces give leading women.
Another book to add to my GoodReads list! Yea!!!!
Happy reading! It looks wonderful.