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Longbourn Math: A Pride and Prejudice Mathematical Odyssey
What if Elizabeth Bennet did the math?
When Mr. Collins arrives at Longbourn with his proposal, a financially clear-eyed Elizabeth does the unexpected: she examines it seriously. Weighing the advantages and disadvantages with the precision of a natural philosopher and the wit of the woman we know, she sets in motion a chain of events that will alter the course of every Bennet life—in ways none of them could have predicted.
This is Pride and Prejudice as it might have been had Elizabeth's intelligence been paired with a gift for mathematics, science, and philosophy. Set at the height of the Age of Enlightenment, and the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, Elizabeth navigates Austen's world armed with tools her creator might have envied.
The story follows this most unusual young lady through a series of extraordinary challenges to multiple hard-won happy endings. The mathematics and science are authentic to 1812, but nothing beyond basic arithmetic is required to enjoy the journey.
A novel for everyone who always suspected Elizabeth Bennet was capable of far more than her world allowed her to show.
When Mr. Collins arrives at Longbourn with his proposal, a financially clear-eyed Elizabeth does the unexpected: she examines it seriously. Weighing the advantages and disadvantages with the precision of a natural philosopher and the wit of the woman we know, she sets in motion a chain of events that will alter the course of every Bennet life—in ways none of them could have predicted.
This is Pride and Prejudice as it might have been had Elizabeth's intelligence been paired with a gift for mathematics, science, and philosophy. Set at the height of the Age of Enlightenment, and the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, Elizabeth navigates Austen's world armed with tools her creator might have envied.
The story follows this most unusual young lady through a series of extraordinary challenges to multiple hard-won happy endings. The mathematics and science are authentic to 1812, but nothing beyond basic arithmetic is required to enjoy the journey.
A novel for everyone who always suspected Elizabeth Bennet was capable of far more than her world allowed her to show.
489 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 21, 2026
Fabulous
Warning: this book requires you to THINK! Elizabeth is born with what the author explains as "neurodivergance", which manifests in her case like ADHD, OCD, autism, and temper tantrums, all at the same time, as she's growing up. Luckily, her father, Mary, and Charlotte Lucas discover that mathematical drills and patterning help to calm her. Therefore, Elizabeth approaches almost every situation using mathematics and analysis. The story begins with Mr Collins' ill fated proposal, but through her usual analytical efforts, she steers him to Mary, and a felicitous marriage. As the book summary indicates, Elizabeth will proceed to affect everyone of importance in the story in a similar way, including herself.
I like this author, and hope he'll continue to create JAFF. Fair warning: if you're looking for light, fluffy, or silly nothings, this is not your book. It took me extra time to mull over many of the dialogues, but it was worth it. The romance is lovely. I enjoyed the more important role given to Mary Bennett. The book is well written and well edited. It was great fun to read, and I recommend it highly.
Warning: this book requires you to THINK! Elizabeth is born with what the author explains as "neurodivergance", which manifests in her case like ADHD, OCD, autism, and temper tantrums, all at the same time, as she's growing up. Luckily, her father, Mary, and Charlotte Lucas discover that mathematical drills and patterning help to calm her. Therefore, Elizabeth approaches almost every situation using mathematics and analysis. The story begins with Mr Collins' ill fated proposal, but through her usual analytical efforts, she steers him to Mary, and a felicitous marriage. As the book summary indicates, Elizabeth will proceed to affect everyone of importance in the story in a similar way, including herself.
I like this author, and hope he'll continue to create JAFF. Fair warning: if you're looking for light, fluffy, or silly nothings, this is not your book. It took me extra time to mull over many of the dialogues, but it was worth it. The romance is lovely. I enjoyed the more important role given to Mary Bennett. The book is well written and well edited. It was great fun to read, and I recommend it highly.
July 18, 2026
I loved it!
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. This is a Pride and Prejudice variation. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is part of the ‘Pride and Prejudice Variations’ series. All books are standalone reads and can be read in any order. This is Pride and Prejudice as it might have been had Elizabeth's intelligence been paired with a gift for mathematics, science, and philosophy.
Set at the height of the Age of Enlightenment, and the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, Elizabeth navigates Austen's world armed with tools her creator might have envied. The story follows this most unusual young lady through a series of extraordinary challenges to multiple hard-won happy endings. The mathematics and science are authentic to 1812, but nothing beyond basic arithmetic is required to enjoy the journey. A novel for everyone who always suspected Elizabeth Bennet was capable of far more than her world allowed her to show.
What if Elizabeth Bennet did the math? When Mr. Collins arrives at Longbourn with his proposal, a financially clear-eyed Elizabeth does the unexpected, she examines it seriously, weighing the advantages and disadvantages with the precision of a natural philosopher and the wit of the woman we know. She sets in motion a chain of events that will alter the course of every Bennet life, in ways none of them could have predicted. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. This is a Pride and Prejudice variation. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is part of the ‘Pride and Prejudice Variations’ series. All books are standalone reads and can be read in any order. This is Pride and Prejudice as it might have been had Elizabeth's intelligence been paired with a gift for mathematics, science, and philosophy.
Set at the height of the Age of Enlightenment, and the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, Elizabeth navigates Austen's world armed with tools her creator might have envied. The story follows this most unusual young lady through a series of extraordinary challenges to multiple hard-won happy endings. The mathematics and science are authentic to 1812, but nothing beyond basic arithmetic is required to enjoy the journey. A novel for everyone who always suspected Elizabeth Bennet was capable of far more than her world allowed her to show.
What if Elizabeth Bennet did the math? When Mr. Collins arrives at Longbourn with his proposal, a financially clear-eyed Elizabeth does the unexpected, she examines it seriously, weighing the advantages and disadvantages with the precision of a natural philosopher and the wit of the woman we know. She sets in motion a chain of events that will alter the course of every Bennet life, in ways none of them could have predicted. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
May 31, 2026
a bit of overkill
Personally, it was a bit too much for my taste. P & P variations are supposed to be romantic. This was just over the top heavy on theory and very low on romance. I respect the author for the amount of work involved but would rather not have to work so hard myself to get to the crux of a story. Just my opinion.
Personally, it was a bit too much for my taste. P & P variations are supposed to be romantic. This was just over the top heavy on theory and very low on romance. I respect the author for the amount of work involved but would rather not have to work so hard myself to get to the crux of a story. Just my opinion.
June 8, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I absolutely loved this book! A mathematical neurospicy Elizabeth is an amazing person to witness!! I say neurospicy, because divergent implies that there is a right and a wrong way for brains to function. Spicy implies that brains come in different flavors of functionality.
I laughed often during all of the interactions she had with others. I loved how her way of dealing with the world and other's issues was never a one trick pony.
Honestly the full story is much better than the alternative ending that was offered.
I absolutely loved this book! A mathematical neurospicy Elizabeth is an amazing person to witness!! I say neurospicy, because divergent implies that there is a right and a wrong way for brains to function. Spicy implies that brains come in different flavors of functionality.
I laughed often during all of the interactions she had with others. I loved how her way of dealing with the world and other's issues was never a one trick pony.
Honestly the full story is much better than the alternative ending that was offered.
July 21, 2026
What an impressive variation! It takes some patience to follow along the computational sections, but they're totally worth it. Not only because they advance the plot and reflect Lizzie's character, but they also provide an interesting commentary on the nature of creating fiction (the mapping of Jane's reaction to Bingley is a good example). There are parts that are heart-wrenching (Ann's diary).
I didn't read the alternative ending because it would have dislodged my recollection of the preferred (and wonderful) conclusion of the book. I may look at it when I read Longbourn Math again, as I will surely do.
I didn't read the alternative ending because it would have dislodged my recollection of the preferred (and wonderful) conclusion of the book. I may look at it when I read Longbourn Math again, as I will surely do.
June 16, 2026
Educational!!!!!
I truly can relate to this book. Being related to nephews (2), with ADHD and Autism ( mild). I never thought that I would learn more about these conditions through a Pride and prejudice variation. Mr. Mann you are an amazing author. I applaud you ,Sir! I initially borrowed the book , but ended up buying it to share this beautiful story.
This is definitely a keeper. Highly recommend.
I truly can relate to this book. Being related to nephews (2), with ADHD and Autism ( mild). I never thought that I would learn more about these conditions through a Pride and prejudice variation. Mr. Mann you are an amazing author. I applaud you ,Sir! I initially borrowed the book , but ended up buying it to share this beautiful story.
This is definitely a keeper. Highly recommend.
July 21, 2026
Perfect Jane reaction.
I've read this author a few times and appreciated the work, this one is a little too wordy for me though and I had to skim read in a few places. I loved the initial intervention with Mr Collins, Lady Catherine surprised me in a very good way, Miss Bingley up to her usual tricks and Wickham there but only a small part. Jane's reaction was exceptional and her reaction to Bingley was perfect. Recommended
I've read this author a few times and appreciated the work, this one is a little too wordy for me though and I had to skim read in a few places. I loved the initial intervention with Mr Collins, Lady Catherine surprised me in a very good way, Miss Bingley up to her usual tricks and Wickham there but only a small part. Jane's reaction was exceptional and her reaction to Bingley was perfect. Recommended
June 16, 2026
Interesting
Another well-written but tough read from this author. Not my favourite P&P variation but one that stimulates intellectually. For me, I was slightly confused why nearly every character seems to be as well-versed in Mathematics as Elizabeth is. The intelligent, mildly entertaining discussions would not have been so possible were they not, but it just struck me as odd.
Another well-written but tough read from this author. Not my favourite P&P variation but one that stimulates intellectually. For me, I was slightly confused why nearly every character seems to be as well-versed in Mathematics as Elizabeth is. The intelligent, mildly entertaining discussions would not have been so possible were they not, but it just struck me as odd.
June 17, 2026
did not finish, but may pick it back up…
The story has in interesting premise, but unfortunately, it became a tedious read. though I do like reading different takes on the life of the Bennet’s, primarily Elizabeth, and Darcy’s world, I had to toss in the towel for the moment and call it.
The story has in interesting premise, but unfortunately, it became a tedious read. though I do like reading different takes on the life of the Bennet’s, primarily Elizabeth, and Darcy’s world, I had to toss in the towel for the moment and call it.
May 30, 2026
A wonderfully talented Lizzy.
Fascinating plot, as always with a Wade Mann story, and joyful combinations of wit, romance, self-knowledge, Regency finances, parenting problems, morality, philosophy, and even basic science. Fun to read over and over again!
Fascinating plot, as always with a Wade Mann story, and joyful combinations of wit, romance, self-knowledge, Regency finances, parenting problems, morality, philosophy, and even basic science. Fun to read over and over again!
May 31, 2026
Fabulous
If I could give 10 stars I would. Mr Mann's P&P novels are unique, challenging, surprising, moving, well-researched and utterly addictive. I have read. 100s of variations and these are the best by far.
If I could give 10 stars I would. Mr Mann's P&P novels are unique, challenging, surprising, moving, well-researched and utterly addictive. I have read. 100s of variations and these are the best by far.
June 2, 2026
too much math
The math and continual math references at times made this book harder to read. But there were also very many times that I caught myself smiling or laughing with different references made in the book not one of my favorites by this author, but it was interesting.
The math and continual math references at times made this book harder to read. But there were also very many times that I caught myself smiling or laughing with different references made in the book not one of my favorites by this author, but it was interesting.
June 4, 2026
What a delightful romp!
I have never been more entertained by a story with so many mathematical, scientific and literary devices in my life! And I am a long time fan of "Pride and Prejudice" forms and have a BA in English Literature! Wwoooah!!!
I have never been more entertained by a story with so many mathematical, scientific and literary devices in my life! And I am a long time fan of "Pride and Prejudice" forms and have a BA in English Literature! Wwoooah!!!
June 18, 2026
Fibinacci numbers incorrect
Overall, the book is clever and sometimes very witty. I was only distressed by the number sequence. I am used to it starting 1,1,2,3,5,8,13 ... not 0,1,2,3,5,18,21, 144
Overall, the book is clever and sometimes very witty. I was only distressed by the number sequence. I am used to it starting 1,1,2,3,5,8,13 ... not 0,1,2,3,5,18,21, 144
June 22, 2026
Another great book
This is another great book by Wade H Mann! He has a talent for unique tales that draw the reader in. I am not the best at math and I enjoyed this book. So no experience needed for reading.
This is another great book by Wade H Mann! He has a talent for unique tales that draw the reader in. I am not the best at math and I enjoyed this book. So no experience needed for reading.
June 25, 2026
Not my cuppa
If you are neurodivergent you may enjoy this book. I am the fartherest from a math geek there is, so this book just had me turning the pages and wishing it would end. Good luck, you might like it.
If you are neurodivergent you may enjoy this book. I am the fartherest from a math geek there is, so this book just had me turning the pages and wishing it would end. Good luck, you might like it.
June 5, 2026
Good but a little strange
I loved how Elizabeth outmaneuvered Mr. Collins. But the whole story was a little strange. There is no other word for it.
I loved how Elizabeth outmaneuvered Mr. Collins. But the whole story was a little strange. There is no other word for it.
June 12, 2026
Long but fun read.
June 14, 2026
Wonderfully different
Perhaps everyone won't find every use of math and logic fascinating but I did. And as usual with Mr. Mann the plot and the people will twist beautifully.
Perhaps everyone won't find every use of math and logic fascinating but I did. And as usual with Mr. Mann the plot and the people will twist beautifully.
June 14, 2026
Longbourn Math
I loved the story. I was happily surprised by the characters. I was confused at first by the extra short at the end, but I get it now. Excellent work!
I loved the story. I was happily surprised by the characters. I was confused at first by the extra short at the end, but I get it now. Excellent work!
July 13, 2026
My opinion
Well written but not to my taste in the story line. Too much detail about subjects I know nothing about.
Well written but not to my taste in the story line. Too much detail about subjects I know nothing about.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews