Longbourn

by Jo Baker

Please note: I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher.

This is the story behind the scenes of Pride and Prejudice. Longbourn, of course, is the name of the Bennets’ home.

Mr. and Mrs. Hill lead the staff. We also meet Sarah, a young housemaid, and Polly, and even younger maid. Sarah’s interest is piqued when the Bennets hire a footman, James Smith. Added to the intrigue is Mr. Bingley’s dark-skinned footman, Ptolemy.

While the Bennet girls hunt for husbands, Sarah is confronted with her own desires. . .

This novel started out so slowly that I almost quit reading it. Once I pushed past the first 50 or so pages, I was rewarded with a decent story. Then, 2/3 of the way through the novel, I faced an absurd plot twist with Hill and James. Ugh.

I don’t think that the plot recovered from that twist. I really cannot recommend this to anyone.

10/27/13