Mary B: A Novel
An untold story of Pride and Prejudice
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Mary B: A Novel
Narrated by:
Marisa Calin
Buy Now for £12.99
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Narrated by:
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Marisa Calin
About this listen
The overlooked middle sister in Pride and Prejudice casts off her prim exterior and takes center stage in this fresh retelling of the classic novel.
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY REAL SIMPLE
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 nineteenth-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, readers 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
“Charming and smart . . . a heedless downhill pleasure—plush, ironic and illuminating.”—Newsday
“Watching [Mary] come into her own is a delight.”—People
“A new, wholly original perspective on the classic . . . This is the ultimate Austen adaptation for our time.”—Real Simple
“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
Listeners also enjoyed...
Mary Bennet tells her story
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Darcy falls in love with Mary - and the love she had with the colonel comes to naught - I skipped to the end - and I am glad to have spared myself the tragedy of my most beloved characters being slaughtered out of their wit, morality and overall character.
As I have the unfortunate need to complete any book - I will go back to read the missed chapters but honestly - I have little hope that there is anything to redeem this train wreck of a story.
Shockingly bad
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