The heroine of Pride and Prejudice is Elizabeth Bennet, whose wit and cleverness have captivated readers for two centuries. But what about the middle Bennet sister?
Plain, bookish Mary comes across as pedantic and charmless—but some readers can’t help wondering why Jane Austen, a bookish girl herself, portrayed her so harshly. Doesn’t Mary Bennet deserve better?
JASNA-New Jersey’s next meeting will tackle that question, as we drink tea and discuss Janice Hadlow’s 2020 novel The Other Bennet Sister. Hadlow imagines Mary’s emotional journey before, during, and after the events of Pride and Prejudice, offering her a shot at fulfillment, self-acceptance, and, eventually, romance. The BBC recently commissioned a 10-part TV adaptation with screenplay by Sarah Quintrell, although no air date has yet been announced.
Our discussion of The Other Bennet Sister will take place in person on Saturday, April 12, from 12 noon until 2 pm at the Prince Tea House, 4437 Route 27, Princeton, NJ 08540. The conversation is free; attendees will order and pay for their own refreshments.
If you plan to come, please email us at JASNANewJersey@gmail.com before April 4 so we can give the restaurant an accurate headcount.
Jane Austen Society of North America - New Jersey Region 