Mary B: A Novel
An Untold Story of Pride and Prejudice
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Mary B: A Novel
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Narrated by:
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Marisa Calin
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Written by:
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Katherine J. Chen
About this listen
“A new, wholly original perspective on [Pride and Prejudice]...the ultimate Austen adaptation for our time.” [Real Simple, “Best Books of 2018 (So Far)]”
Named a best summer read by Newsday, Bustle, and Family Circle
The overlooked middle sister in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice casts off her prim exterior and takes center stage in this fresh retelling of the classic novel.
What is to be done with Mary Bennet? She possesses neither the beauty of her eldest sister, Jane, nor the high-spirited wit of second-born Lizzy. Even compared to her frivolous younger siblings, Kitty and Lydia, Mary knows she is lacking in the ways that matter for single, not-so-well-to-do women in 19th-century England who must secure their futures through the finding of a husband. As her sisters wed one by one, Mary pictures herself growing old, a spinster with no estate to run or children to mind, dependent on the charity of others. At least she has the silent rebellion and secret pleasures of reading and writing to keep her company. But even her fictional creations are no match for the scandal, tragedy, and romance that eventually visit Mary’s own life.
In Mary B, listeners are transported beyond the center of the ballroom to discover that wallflowers are sometimes the most intriguing guests at the party. Beneath Mary’s plain appearance and bookish demeanor simmers an inner life brimming with passion, humor, and imagination - and a voice that demands to be heard. Set before, during, and after the events of Pride and Prejudice, Katherine J. Chen’s vividly original debut novel pays homage to a beloved classic while envisioning a life that is difficult to achieve in any era: that of a truly independent woman.
Praise for Mary B:
“The best part about Mary’s star turn is that it bears little relation to the fates of her sisters. She’s a simmering, churning, smart woman determined to concoct an independent life.”(The Washington Post)
“Pride and Prejudice’s beloved story is re-spun through the eyes of mousy, overlooked - and now feminist - middle child, Mary.” (Family Circle)
©2018 Katherine J. Chen (P)2018 Random House AudioWhat the critics say
“Mary is an adventurer, a lover, and a heroine with far more gumption and grit than meets the eye.” (Bustle)
“Perhaps not even a newly discovered Austen manuscript could exceed the delicious pleasure of Mary B. From an unswept corner of literature, Katherine J. Chen has conjured a heroine whose story is heartbreaking, hilarious, and, finally, thrilling. Mary B is a delight.” (Susan Choi, Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of American Woman and My Education)
“Katherine J. Chen has dipped into Pride and Prejudice to pluck out and celebrate the seemingly most unpromising of the Bennet sisters. In giving Mary Bennet a resonant voice of her own, Chen has fashioned a luminous and enlightening novel that will entrance even, or especially, those who have not read Jane Austen’s masterpiece.” (John Banville, Man Booker Prize-winning author of The Sea and Mrs. Osmond)
What listeners say about Mary B: A Novel
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Michelle E. J. Knowles
- 2022-06-29
I Have Strongly Mixed Feelings About This Tale
I was intrigued by the premise since Mary Bennett is the most overlooked of all the Bennett sisters, which has been said countless times before. So I was interested to see what a story from her point of view might be like.
While I liked the story for its own sake, I would've liked it much better if I wasn't at all familiar with the original Pride & Prejudice story by Jane Austen. I found this take on the lives of the Bennett family post P&P not to my liking when it came to how some of the other characters were portrayed.
I was happy for Mary finding love and asserting her own independence, especially at a time when it was practically unheard of for a woman to do so, &, sadly, I have to say that I wasn't surprised at Lydia's fate as it was portrayed here.
What really got me upset was how the author turned Lizzie into someone Jane Austen wouldn't recognise. I don't buy for one moment that this beloved character would've turned out as she did, & I don't think that Mr. Darcy, especially being the man he was, especially being as in love with Lizzie that he was, I don't think that he would've responded to "the incident" the way that he did.
In this story, from the time that Mary went to visit Elizabeth at Pemberley onwards, I just found the events of the story, for the most part too different from the way that things in Pride And Prejudice happened, or how I think that they would've gone on, to really enjoy the story. I kept listening to see if anything would go back to where it should, but, alas, it did not.
I was happy at the end that Mary was able to make her own way in the world, to some degree.
I did enjoy the narration a lot.
While I wasn't happy with the way this novel went overall, I did enjoy the writing & would consider reading more by this author, as long as it's not a speculation on how events unfolded after another story I know and love.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- K. Bellinger
- 2020-09-07
Just a taste of Jane Austen
The character development and plot was very interesting as well as the skill in the writing of this book.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- MRS.V
- 2019-05-04
Delicious!
As an avid fan of all things Austin this was a treat! I listened with delight on my long 8 hour car ride and yearned for more as each chapter passed. The talented narrator brings the story to life and it was a pleasure to hear each character come alive through her voice. Loved it!
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1 person found this helpful