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The Secret Diary of Lydia Bennet
In the tradition of Longbourn, Mr. Darcy's Diary, and Prom and Prejudice...
Lydia is the youngest of the five Bennet girls. She's stubborn, never listens, and can't seem to keep her mouth shut--not that she would want to anyway. She's bored with her country life and wishes her older sisters would pay her attention . . . for once!
Luckily, the handsome Wickham arrives at Longbourn to sweep her off her feet. Lydia's not going to let him know THAT, of course, especially since he only seems to be interested in friendship. But when they both decide to summer in the fasionable seaside town of Brighton, their paths become entangled again.
At the seaside, Lydia also finds exciting new ways of life and a pair of friends who offer her a future she never dreamed of. Lydia finally understands what she really wants. But can she get it?
A fresh, funny, and spirited reimagining of Jane Austen's beloved Pride and Prejudice, The Secret Diary of Lydia Bennet brings the voice of the wildest Bennet sister alive and center stage like never before.
Lydia is the youngest of the five Bennet girls. She's stubborn, never listens, and can't seem to keep her mouth shut--not that she would want to anyway. She's bored with her country life and wishes her older sisters would pay her attention . . . for once!
Luckily, the handsome Wickham arrives at Longbourn to sweep her off her feet. Lydia's not going to let him know THAT, of course, especially since he only seems to be interested in friendship. But when they both decide to summer in the fasionable seaside town of Brighton, their paths become entangled again.
At the seaside, Lydia also finds exciting new ways of life and a pair of friends who offer her a future she never dreamed of. Lydia finally understands what she really wants. But can she get it?
A fresh, funny, and spirited reimagining of Jane Austen's beloved Pride and Prejudice, The Secret Diary of Lydia Bennet brings the voice of the wildest Bennet sister alive and center stage like never before.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published October 25, 2016
25 people are currently reading
2027 people want to read
About the author
Natasha Farrant
26 books116 followersNatasha Farrant grew up in the heart of London's French community, and currently combines writing with her career as a Literary Scout. She is the author of two successful novels for adults, Diving Into Light and Some Other Eden, both published by Transworld. She lives in West London with her husband, two daughters and a large tortoiseshell cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
November 30, 2016
5 Words: Love, family, adventure, disappointment, learning.
So, here's the thing...
I don't like Pride and Prejudice.
I did like this story immensely.
I loved how Lydia's passion and impulsiveness came across - in the pages of this story she was very different from the character we see a little of in P&P, but still so faithful to Austen's creation.
Full review to come.
So, here's the thing...
I don't like Pride and Prejudice.
I did like this story immensely.
I loved how Lydia's passion and impulsiveness came across - in the pages of this story she was very different from the character we see a little of in P&P, but still so faithful to Austen's creation.
Full review to come.
October 25, 2016
3.75 stars
A unique take on Lydia's version of Pride and Prejudice and the motives behind her actions.
This is written in diary form from Lydia Bennet’s perspective, the youngest Bennet sister in Pride and Prejudice and the author takes it for granted that the reader will have a good working knowledge of the plot of Pride and Prejudice. The diary format allows the reader to see Lydia’s surprisingly sympathetic feelings about the things that are happening to both her family and herself and still manages to tie them into her sometimes morally dubious actions.
There was no attempt to put a Jane Austen spin on the writing style of this diary which has both its positive and negative aspects. It’s positive because had the author attempted Jan Austen’s style she would have inevitably failed as authors before her have done. However the fact that there was no attempt at all of Lydia writing things as a women in the 1800s would have done was occasionally jarring, such as describing Jane’s age as twenty-three instead of three and twenty. That kind of thing is just too modern a style of writing.
Lydia was portrayed in a very sympathetic way. She displays more sisterly feelings than is evident in Pride and Prejudice and she has an awareness that some of her actions aren’t really the correct thing to do (even though she normally does it anyway). Well the author was constricted by Lydia’s actual actions in P&P so I supposed her hands were tied.
Lydia definitely gave the impression of being a girl born in the wrong era. It would be easy to imagine her as a young women in the 1960s where her “radical” thoughts on women rights would have made her fit right in and maybe would have made her feel less isolated.
This is only the second P&P variation I have read from Lydia’s perspective and the first that shows her doing the things she does for logical and less selfish reasons. And even though those actions are often immature and misguided it is a lot easier to like her.
The thing that surprised me most was Lydia and Wickham’s relationship. Despite what you know about both characters in P&P, it could almost be described as a love story – almost.
Despite it being aimed at a young adult audience, the plot is so unique I would recommend it for any Pride and Prejudice fan. When I re-read Pride and Prejudice I think this is going to be canon for me in regards to Lydia’s role in the novel.
A unique take on Lydia's version of Pride and Prejudice and the motives behind her actions.
This is written in diary form from Lydia Bennet’s perspective, the youngest Bennet sister in Pride and Prejudice and the author takes it for granted that the reader will have a good working knowledge of the plot of Pride and Prejudice. The diary format allows the reader to see Lydia’s surprisingly sympathetic feelings about the things that are happening to both her family and herself and still manages to tie them into her sometimes morally dubious actions.
There was no attempt to put a Jane Austen spin on the writing style of this diary which has both its positive and negative aspects. It’s positive because had the author attempted Jan Austen’s style she would have inevitably failed as authors before her have done. However the fact that there was no attempt at all of Lydia writing things as a women in the 1800s would have done was occasionally jarring, such as describing Jane’s age as twenty-three instead of three and twenty. That kind of thing is just too modern a style of writing.
Lydia was portrayed in a very sympathetic way. She displays more sisterly feelings than is evident in Pride and Prejudice and she has an awareness that some of her actions aren’t really the correct thing to do (even though she normally does it anyway). Well the author was constricted by Lydia’s actual actions in P&P so I supposed her hands were tied.
Lydia definitely gave the impression of being a girl born in the wrong era. It would be easy to imagine her as a young women in the 1960s where her “radical” thoughts on women rights would have made her fit right in and maybe would have made her feel less isolated.
This is only the second P&P variation I have read from Lydia’s perspective and the first that shows her doing the things she does for logical and less selfish reasons. And even though those actions are often immature and misguided it is a lot easier to like her.
The thing that surprised me most was Lydia and Wickham’s relationship. Despite what you know about both characters in P&P, it could almost be described as a love story – almost.
Despite it being aimed at a young adult audience, the plot is so unique I would recommend it for any Pride and Prejudice fan. When I re-read Pride and Prejudice I think this is going to be canon for me in regards to Lydia’s role in the novel.
April 3, 2018
4.5 stars
I loved this!
Lydia becomes a three dimensional character with thoughts and feelings and I loved the twist to her story. The writing perfectly represents her without becoming annoying.
I loved this!
Lydia becomes a three dimensional character with thoughts and feelings and I loved the twist to her story. The writing perfectly represents her without becoming annoying.
December 22, 2019
My Review
Lydia Bennet the youngest Bennet sister finally gets to tell her side of the story in this Young Adult Pride and Prejudice retelling.
I have read Pride and Prejudice at least 16 times most likely more. It is one of my all-time favorite books. I was super excited to read Lydia’s side of the story. I have read a lot of Jane Austen retellings but never any told from Lydia’s PoV. The beginning starts out promising but it was only downhill for there. I do have to say that Lydia was a fully developed character. Farrant breathed life into her character even though I felt most of the time she was completely untrue to Lydia’s character. Lydia is reckless, rude, wild, fearless, ignorant, and naive. The author got the naive part and some of the reckless part but nothing else. I felt that the author tried to justify a lot of Lydia’s rudeness and saying anything she wants. The justification doesn’t make sense about 75 percent of the time. I hated how this had such a modern feel(I know they are trying to get more teenagers to read the original book but it just didn’t fit). I also felt her relationship with her best friend and sister Kitty should have been a bigger part of the book. Writing a Jane Austen retelling is a tough thing for the best of writers and Farrant just wasn’t up to the task.
Rating: 2 Stars
Lydia Bennet the youngest Bennet sister finally gets to tell her side of the story in this Young Adult Pride and Prejudice retelling.
I have read Pride and Prejudice at least 16 times most likely more. It is one of my all-time favorite books. I was super excited to read Lydia’s side of the story. I have read a lot of Jane Austen retellings but never any told from Lydia’s PoV. The beginning starts out promising but it was only downhill for there. I do have to say that Lydia was a fully developed character. Farrant breathed life into her character even though I felt most of the time she was completely untrue to Lydia’s character. Lydia is reckless, rude, wild, fearless, ignorant, and naive. The author got the naive part and some of the reckless part but nothing else. I felt that the author tried to justify a lot of Lydia’s rudeness and saying anything she wants. The justification doesn’t make sense about 75 percent of the time. I hated how this had such a modern feel(I know they are trying to get more teenagers to read the original book but it just didn’t fit). I also felt her relationship with her best friend and sister Kitty should have been a bigger part of the book. Writing a Jane Austen retelling is a tough thing for the best of writers and Farrant just wasn’t up to the task.
Rating: 2 Stars
November 13, 2016
This was a book I didn't know that I needed until I read it. Very clever and fresh and funny, Natasha isn't trying to be Jane at all - she's just telling a great story from her world. I loved this! 12+ (because you probably should have read Pride and Prejudice first)
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*
July 6, 2016
"Mature" is not a word one would usually apply to Lydia Bennet, but this was a surprisingly mature and imaginative take on Lydia's part of Pride and Prejudice. That Farrant manages to accomplish this while staying true to the original story and creating her own lively, engaging narrative voice is truly impressive -- I picked this up while ordering, intending to do my due diligence by reading a few pages, and found I couldn't stop. Farrant finds depth in Lydia while still acknowledging her childishness and silliness. It helps to be a modern reader, aware that Lydia is a teenage girl who's likely extremely bored, but I don't think Farrant hammers in that point, or any other, too harshly. This book doesn't exactly provide Lydia with the happy ending one might want, nor does it . But this is a more positive spin on her fate, and her character. Plus: it's fun.
April 9, 2018
Es hat soo viel Spaß gemacht :D Es war spannend und interessant, romantisch und abenteuerlich. Nur das Ende hat mich ein klitzekleines Bisschen gestört. Es ging mir dann einfach zu schnell.
Alles in allem ein tolles Buch für jeden, der die Welt von Stolz und Vorurteil noch einmal besuchen möchte :)
Alles in allem ein tolles Buch für jeden, der die Welt von Stolz und Vorurteil noch einmal besuchen möchte :)
October 30, 2016
This novel starts out well but the Brighton sections are all wrong. I would like to have seen the writer attempt to create the Lydia/Wickham relationship as it appears in P&P and not introduce a redundant subplot in an attempt to make a character more sympathetic. Once Lydia finds out about Wickham's past and falls in love with someone else the whole story disintegrates into an unbelievable mess that actually insults Austen's characterisation rather than illuminating it. Disappointing.
September 14, 2018
more of a 3.5?
October 25, 2016
To see full review click here.
Another Jane Austen retelling?
Insert disappointment.
I know, I know. I should know better. I have been through so many of these retellings at this point I should be able to know instantly that 9/10 times I’m not going to like them The Secret Diary of Lydia Bennett was no exception.
Full disclosure, I bought this book thinking it was somehow related to the web series that everyone has bemoaning about for the past few years with a slight recover design. It’s not though. I don’t know why I thought it was. Lydia is wearing full on regency regalia on the cover and that series is a modern retelling.
It’s not. Pretty much it’s one of those retellings where the only thing that is different is that this book takes place in Lydia’s POV. Sure, I bet it deviates once she runs off with Wickham but the seventy pages that I read pretty much regurgitated the story. And that’s the sort of thing that annoys me
Plus, it didn’t help that Lydia’s tone read really, really, young and even though I know she was young in the original and that partly made the ickiness with Wickham it was still ick. And I was hoping that well, there would be some twist with how Lydia’s story worked out but I flipped to the end and—
Nope. Nope. Nope. From what it read like it was like if in Princess Diaries if Mia would’ve stayed with Creepy Josh. Just ew. And that’s how young Lydia seemed like first book Mia. That’s way too young for Wickham who has to be like at least in his mid twenties but whatever.
Look, if you want to read Pride and Prejudice I suggest you read the real things. If you want to read a retelling, you need to find one with a better twist than this. Switching view points, is a notorious fan fic trope. While it is true that there have been retellings done in alternative view points that have been awesome, this is not one of them. It didn’t add anything to Jane Austen’s story and the fact that Lydia read so young just made the Lydia/Wickham ship even ickier.
Another Jane Austen retelling?
Insert disappointment.
I know, I know. I should know better. I have been through so many of these retellings at this point I should be able to know instantly that 9/10 times I’m not going to like them The Secret Diary of Lydia Bennett was no exception.
Full disclosure, I bought this book thinking it was somehow related to the web series that everyone has bemoaning about for the past few years with a slight recover design. It’s not though. I don’t know why I thought it was. Lydia is wearing full on regency regalia on the cover and that series is a modern retelling.
It’s not. Pretty much it’s one of those retellings where the only thing that is different is that this book takes place in Lydia’s POV. Sure, I bet it deviates once she runs off with Wickham but the seventy pages that I read pretty much regurgitated the story. And that’s the sort of thing that annoys me
Plus, it didn’t help that Lydia’s tone read really, really, young and even though I know she was young in the original and that partly made the ickiness with Wickham it was still ick. And I was hoping that well, there would be some twist with how Lydia’s story worked out but I flipped to the end and—
Nope. Nope. Nope. From what it read like it was like if in Princess Diaries if Mia would’ve stayed with Creepy Josh. Just ew. And that’s how young Lydia seemed like first book Mia. That’s way too young for Wickham who has to be like at least in his mid twenties but whatever.
Look, if you want to read Pride and Prejudice I suggest you read the real things. If you want to read a retelling, you need to find one with a better twist than this. Switching view points, is a notorious fan fic trope. While it is true that there have been retellings done in alternative view points that have been awesome, this is not one of them. It didn’t add anything to Jane Austen’s story and the fact that Lydia read so young just made the Lydia/Wickham ship even ickier.
February 7, 2017
Well, if you've read any of my reviews about other P&P retellings, then in order to catch my interest they must be high quality, believable and unique, but still keep that infinite feel of P&P. This hooked me from the very beginning! This was not the Lydia I thought I knew, but rather a twist on a character that oddly enough worked well for the book. Coming from someone who drinks her tea from a "I'd rather be at Pemberley" mug, you know how dear I hold the original book. This is a worthy homage.
There is a new story here, as well as faithfully following the events of P&P. I think it was a lovely surprise, things not happening the way I thought. It even (as if that's a thing!) redeemed Wickham for me a little. Shocker! I really hope this author writes more, even if she did a wrap on Kitty and Mary after P&P. She really has a writing style that appeals to me, especially since this was all letters and diary entries(something I normally hate)
For fans of P&P looking for some light fun, without taking it too seriously. Five stars for me!
There is a new story here, as well as faithfully following the events of P&P. I think it was a lovely surprise, things not happening the way I thought. It even (as if that's a thing!) redeemed Wickham for me a little. Shocker! I really hope this author writes more, even if she did a wrap on Kitty and Mary after P&P. She really has a writing style that appeals to me, especially since this was all letters and diary entries(something I normally hate)
For fans of P&P looking for some light fun, without taking it too seriously. Five stars for me!
May 28, 2021
This was pretty good, a take on what might have happened in Brighton. The characters of Lydia and Wickham stayed true to the original, I didn't come away thinking too much better of them.
Could have been shorter.
A clean read.
Could have been shorter.
A clean read.
October 5, 2018
Review to follow soon!
July 3, 2022
As alternative POV it is interesting and fills in where Austen didn't focus on the youngest Bennett sister but did fall a little flat.
October 20, 2016
Lydia is one of the most annoying and hated characters in Pride and Prejudice. When she marries George Wickham, we are happy that she is sent to live a life of unhappiness. Yet, in The Secret Diary of Lydia Bennet, we are given a look from Lydia’s perspective during her romance with George Wickham. Thus, we the reader not only get to hear her side of the story, but we get a glimpse of Lydia’s character.
Lydia is still childish and silly. However, she is still a teenager. She makes mistakes. She is very naive and idealistic. She is bored with her life in the country and wants to go to the city and experience the world. She dreams of marrying a handsome rich man. Yet, she falls for Mr. Wickham because he seems to understand her. Thus, Lydia is often misunderstood. She is a woman who does not want to live strictly within a society. She wants society to conform to her ideals. Because of this, Lydia is represented as a victim. However, because Lydia is very romantic and stubborn, she is determined to get her way.
Overall, this book is about choices, responsibility, and love. I found the characters to be believable. I also thought that this book fits well with not only, Pride and Prejudice, but also as a Jane Austen novel. I did find the writing to be a little too modern, but I thought that it suited Lydia’s voice. After reading this book, I found that I like Lydia a bit better than I originally did. The Secret Diary of Lydia Bennet is a light and fast-paced read. This novel is also perfect while eating dessert or sipping coffee. I recommend this story not only to fans of Pride and Prejudice and Jane Austen, but those who want to see Lydia Bennet in a different light.
(Note: This book was given to me as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.)
Lydia is still childish and silly. However, she is still a teenager. She makes mistakes. She is very naive and idealistic. She is bored with her life in the country and wants to go to the city and experience the world. She dreams of marrying a handsome rich man. Yet, she falls for Mr. Wickham because he seems to understand her. Thus, Lydia is often misunderstood. She is a woman who does not want to live strictly within a society. She wants society to conform to her ideals. Because of this, Lydia is represented as a victim. However, because Lydia is very romantic and stubborn, she is determined to get her way.
Overall, this book is about choices, responsibility, and love. I found the characters to be believable. I also thought that this book fits well with not only, Pride and Prejudice, but also as a Jane Austen novel. I did find the writing to be a little too modern, but I thought that it suited Lydia’s voice. After reading this book, I found that I like Lydia a bit better than I originally did. The Secret Diary of Lydia Bennet is a light and fast-paced read. This novel is also perfect while eating dessert or sipping coffee. I recommend this story not only to fans of Pride and Prejudice and Jane Austen, but those who want to see Lydia Bennet in a different light.
(Note: This book was given to me as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.)
June 9, 2017
3.5 stars. It was interesting to get someone else's thoughts about Lydia Bennet, and I did come out liking her a bit more. (Although she's still immensely annoying.) There were a few MINOR SPOILER too many kisses for my taste, but I was grateful that was all content-wise. There are also several uses of "Lord" and "God" in ways I wouldn't prefer, but it was accurate to the original. It was definitely not written in the same style as Pride and Prejudice, which I honestly appreciated, but stuck to the original story for the most part.
Read
May 4, 2019It fills in pages that we never get in Pride and Prejudice, but what is truly amazing is that it brings to life a character that we all thought of as silly before and now gives her a strong personality. Ambitions, goals, and growth that we wouldn't have witnessed otherwise.
April 26, 2017
I really enjoyed this!! A bit (a lot) of artistic licence, but it was nice to hear the nice side of Lydia. Recommend!
June 7, 2017
-POTENTIAL SPOILERS-
This was really cute! I've read Pride and Prejudice parts of it, and despite finding Lydia kinda impulsive and annoying, I always felt sorry for her ultimate fate of running off with a man who didn't love her, then being made to marry him to protect her reputation.
However, I still found her interesting in spite of all that, and wanted to know what was going through her head when she said and did everything she....well said and did.
I will now consider this book canon as to what really happened to Lydia throughout the course of the actual classic. I genuinely found her amusing and hilarious in this book-her snarky one-liners reminded me of myself! And I felt her longing for adventure, to leave her simple country home.
Of course, most of this book takes place at Brighton, which is on the sea, and Lydia's various adventures there. To my disappointment, the relationship she had with the soldier from the actual book, Wickham; she mainly just gets annoyed by his actions and wants to be more than just friends. Most of her romantic feelings are given to a French count, who ultimately abandons her instead of Wickham.
I did like seeing Lydia trying to improve her intelligence for the count, and becoming a braver person in spite of that. I wasn't too bothered by her modern dialogue, I understand why the author chose to write it in such a way. Austen's actual writing style would've alienated a lot of younger readers.
This book also takes place in my favorite time period for fashion, the Regency era! Seeing the cover and all the descriptions of the gorgeous Regency gowns made my fashionable heart soar. I do wish more books took place during this period, and not just the 'bodice-ripper' romances where the dresses aren't very historically accurate.
Overall, this was really cute!
This was really cute! I've read Pride and Prejudice
However, I still found her interesting in spite of all that, and wanted to know what was going through her head when she said and did everything she....well said and did.
I will now consider this book canon as to what really happened to Lydia throughout the course of the actual classic. I genuinely found her amusing and hilarious in this book-her snarky one-liners reminded me of myself! And I felt her longing for adventure, to leave her simple country home.
Of course, most of this book takes place at Brighton, which is on the sea, and Lydia's various adventures there. To my disappointment, the relationship she had with the soldier from the actual book, Wickham; she mainly just gets annoyed by his actions and wants to be more than just friends. Most of her romantic feelings are given to a French count, who ultimately abandons her instead of Wickham.
I did like seeing Lydia trying to improve her intelligence for the count, and becoming a braver person in spite of that. I wasn't too bothered by her modern dialogue, I understand why the author chose to write it in such a way. Austen's actual writing style would've alienated a lot of younger readers.
This book also takes place in my favorite time period for fashion, the Regency era! Seeing the cover and all the descriptions of the gorgeous Regency gowns made my fashionable heart soar. I do wish more books took place during this period, and not just the 'bodice-ripper' romances where the dresses aren't very historically accurate.
Overall, this was really cute!
October 22, 2024
Interesting take on Lydia Bennet's story. The first half of the book covered many of the main plot points of Pride and Prejudice from Lydia's perspective until she went to Brighton. Then, we get into a mostly original plot of Lydia's adventures in Brighton. We get introduced to some completely new characters who play a big role in the rest of the story.
I'm not sure if I like how Lydia's trip to Brighton played out. Lydia was characterized much more sympathetically here. I felt like she should have been far more irritating, but then again, I suppose we were hearing the story from her own perspective.
Lydia and Wickham's relationship was not at all what I was expecting, and I'm not sure if I liked it. I suppose I have my own ideas of how things played out, and while this book doesn't really contradict anything told in P+P, it just wasn't anything I ever imagined happening.
I'm not sure if I like how Lydia's trip to Brighton played out. Lydia was characterized much more sympathetically here. I felt like she should have been far more irritating, but then again, I suppose we were hearing the story from her own perspective.
Lydia and Wickham's relationship was not at all what I was expecting, and I'm not sure if I liked it. I suppose I have my own ideas of how things played out, and while this book doesn't really contradict anything told in P+P, it just wasn't anything I ever imagined happening.
May 2, 2017
In the tradition of Longbourn, Mr. Darcy's Diary, and Prom and Prejudice...
Lydia is the youngest of the five Bennet girls. She's stubborn, never listens, and can't seem to keep her mouth shut--not that she would want to anyway. She's bored with her country life and wishes her older sisters would pay her attention . . . for once!
Luckily, the handsome Wickham arrives at Longbourn to sweep her off her feet. Lydia's not going to let him know THAT, of course, especially since he only seems to be interested in friendship. But when they both decide to summer in the fasionable seaside town of Brighton, their paths become entangled again.
At the seaside, Lydia also finds exciting new ways of life and a pair of friends who offer her a future she never dreamed of. Lydia finally understands what she really wants. But can she get it?
A fresh, funny, and spirited reimagining of Jane Austen's beloved Pride and Prejudice, The Secret Diary of Lydia Bennet brings the voice of the wildest Bennet sister alive and center stage like never before.
Rating: 4.5/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: I just...Wickham, you're a scoundrel, but somehow I love you in this version?; this adaptation/companion/retelling helped to breathe a different life into characters I wasn't so sure about or fond of before; also, we get Lydia's story!; great characters, humorous and entertaining read; yet another perspective on a well-known and much-beloved story
Huge thanks to Natasha Farrant, The Chicken House Publishers, Edelweiss, and Rockstar Book Tours for sending me a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review! This in no way altered my read of or opinion on this book.
"I wish I were a man," I said. "Instead of a girl, obliged to sit around waiting for no-good suitors to decide if I am fancy enough, or to throw myself at idiot clergymen. If I were a man, I could do something."
If you've been following my reviews for ANY amount of time, you'll probably already know that I am head-over-heels in love with Pride and Prejudice. I own an entire bookshelf of retellings, adaptations, and companion novels. I have watched The Lizzie Bennet Diaries upwards of seven times since discovering it last year. If I could live inside the world of a book for a day, I'd pick Jane Austen's beloved classic...and I'd enjoy every moment of it. It should be no surprise, therefore, that when I saw this book in a book tour email... I immediately jumped at the chance to read and review it. I HAD to. There was no other choice.
I did NOT, however, expect to have my feelings about one character in particular swayed so very much by a single book. So this is what I'm going to start with: Wickham, you're a scoundrel....but somehow, you made me love you?! How?! How did you even MANAGE that, when before I was so set against you and everything you stood for? Seriously, penguins--if you're of the same mind I was before this read, and loathe Wickham entirely... Maybe you shouldn't read this book. Because by the end of things, you will be so, SO conflicted and confused. Wickham especially is one of those characters that surprises you, and this book was written in just such a way as to make readers view him as complex, flawed...and entirely human. I bow down to Natasha Farrant, actually--it is difficult, once my mind is so set against a character, to make me change it, and she managed that in just over 300 pages.
"Do purple and yellow make a person look older?" I asked.
Wickham said no, they made a person look like a particularly dangerous mushroom, and made me snort with laughter.
This is SUCH a lovely and well-written nod to Jane Austen's classic, guys. Lydia's story is allowed to breathe and shine through, LYDIA! is allowed to breathe and shine through these pages...but the original story is still there, woven throughout, shifted and molded to match the appropriate perspective. In fact, through Lydia's eyes, we are able to see a much different story occur--and able to make a more fully formed opinion of the situation as a whole. Natasha Farrant tipped her head to Jane Austen, while still maintaining enough distance to make this wholly and individually her own.
And her voice! Oh my penguins, guys, Lydia's a uniquely individual and AWESOME character, and I am so so glad we are finally able to see her in all her glory. She is adventurous at heart, but always tied down by societal opinions and judgments on what proper "females" should or should not do. She, like most women I know today, longs to strike out on her own, do something for herself--find her place with like-minded and understanding individuals. I just... there is SO much growth and emotion behind Lydia's story. I adored every moment spent within her head, hearing about the world from her own words--it was an entertaining, often laugh-out-loud experience.
Love, in our household at least, seems to cause an awful lot of misery.
This is an entertaining, hilarious nod to Jane Austen's much-beloved classic, and I am so so happy I was given the chance to read this for review. Lydia shines in this story, allowing us to see the world--and her!--from a new and intriguing perspective. Wickham, also, caught me by surprise--and is rather endearing in this version of events. I recommend to those obsessed with Pride and Prejudice, historical fiction, and characters just trying to find their place in the world. Natasha Farrant, you did Jane Austen good--and I can't wait to see what you do next!
January 26, 2019
Oh well, I did not love this book, but I did not hate it either, however annoyed I was with Lydia.
But just "meh"... I kinda knew even before starting that I would find it shallow, and it was a great deal shallow - therefore a great book for metro rides and lazy Saturday afternoons.
It was nice to see how the author tried to make Lydia a sort of feminist and strong character, but it nevertheless failed because Lydia is just so shallow and, well, not the brightest, however strong she was sometimes depicted. It's kind of frustrating, even more so when you know how everything will end (if you've read Pride and Prejudice of course, but who hasn't?).
It was a nice read, but not a great one.
But just "meh"... I kinda knew even before starting that I would find it shallow, and it was a great deal shallow - therefore a great book for metro rides and lazy Saturday afternoons.
It was nice to see how the author tried to make Lydia a sort of feminist and strong character, but it nevertheless failed because Lydia is just so shallow and, well, not the brightest, however strong she was sometimes depicted. It's kind of frustrating, even more so when you know how everything will end (if you've read Pride and Prejudice of course, but who hasn't?).
It was a nice read, but not a great one.
January 27, 2019
Lydia Bennet is the famously 'wild' sister in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. I suspected this book would attempt to 'explain' her behaviour and while in parts it does in other ways it is simply another story which centres on her.
I should say this is not, as I initially thought, solely a book that tells Pride and Prejudice from a different angle, there is new aspects of story to make it new and not repetitive.
While I did enjoy it, I wouldn't say it's something I'd consider a 'must read'.
I should say this is not, as I initially thought, solely a book that tells Pride and Prejudice from a different angle, there is new aspects of story to make it new and not repetitive.
While I did enjoy it, I wouldn't say it's something I'd consider a 'must read'.
December 1, 2019
Okay so I REALLY loved THE romance in the book. With you-know-who (not Voldemort but the actual guy we all hoped she’d get with). I really thought that it would end differently to the book. I was SO hopeful.
And then I got to the end. And it happened. And especially knowing the circumstances of Lydia’s marriage, it made me so sad!
The actual writing was pretty dull but I did really like this take on PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and the Comte and Comtesse were interesting characters.
Enjoyable, not anything special.
And then I got to the end. And it happened. And especially knowing the circumstances of Lydia’s marriage, it made me so sad!
The actual writing was pretty dull but I did really like this take on PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and the Comte and Comtesse were interesting characters.
Enjoyable, not anything special.
November 19, 2017
I think that Lydia is a fantastic book, showing the much loved personality and exasperating thoughts of a young teenaged girl set rouge in Brighton in the late 18th century/ early 19th century. It explores further into the youngest Bennet daughter from Pride and Prejudice and gives her the leading role as she has been longing for. Separated from her somewhat reserved sisters seems to unleash a whole new light for the youngest Bennet daughter and she is encouraged by her 'snobby' sister Mary to take note of it in a diary (to her utter disgust). In search of an adventure, she finds herself mixing with the highest classes of England at balls, meeting exotic travellers from places such as India and a young flaming redhead with an unheard of profession for dressmaking. But when some people don't turn out to be who they say they are, there's no way that Lydia is going to let them off that easily. In the words of Lydia, it is monstrous fun and I would recommend it to anyone, especially lovers of the well-known classic, Pride and Prejudice, although it is not essential to have read it.
February 23, 2020
A fun take on Lydia’s story and the antics she gets up to in a diary form.
January 2, 2022
Really enjoyed this take on P&P from Lydia's pov. I did not see the twist at the end coming with Wickham and the other man she wanted to marry...
This book almost paints Wickham in a good light??
This book almost paints Wickham in a good light??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2017
i really enjoyed this, easy writing and making lydia come alive and being seen from a new angle.
January 11, 2023
A fun different perspective on a classic story. It took a couple of chapters for me to get into it but then I really enjoyed it
February 18, 2017
Dans le roman originel de Jane Austen "Orgueil et préjugés", ainsi que dans les différentes adaptations télévisuelles ou cinématographiques, Lydia, la jeune soeur Bennet, passe toujours pour -si ce n’est la plus stupide- au moins pour la plus frivole et la plus inconséquente. C’est par elle que le malheur arrive, c’est elle qui fait courir une grave disgrâce à toute sa famille, et il nous semble que peu lui importent les conséquences.
Dans ce roman, Lydia tient, sur une année, un journal intime, que lui a offert sa soeur Mary pour son anniversaire. Elle vient d’avoir quinze ans, la vie lui tend les bras, même si ses perspectives d’avenir restent limitées. Jeune fille de bonne famille de la gentry campagnarde, elle ne manque de rien, même si ses parents n’ont pas trop d’argent. Frappée d’entail, une disposition testamentaire qui favorise un héritier mâle, même si c’est un parent éloigné, la propriété paternelle ne reviendra à aucune des filles Bennet. L’enjeu pour elles est donc de faire un avantageux mariage.
C’est une tout autre Lydia que nous présente la plume de Natasha Farrant (dont on avait tellement aimé le roman "Les Amants de Samaroux"). Tout en restant proche du texte et à l’histoire de Jane Austen, elle nous offre le point de vue d’une jeune fille bien moins sotte qu’on pourrait le croire, une jeune fille qui aime rire et vivre, qui se moque des convenances et qui aspire à plus de liberté.
Son personnage est résolument moderne, elle se révolte sans cesse contre la condition féminine qui est celle de son époque, celle qui ne lui permet de strictement rien faire, si ce n’est de trouver un bon parti pour se marier, et le plus tôt est le mieux. Natasha Farrant en fait une héroïne très attachante, une jeune personne proche de ses soeurs, très admirative d’Elizabeth, qu’elle considère comme un modèle bien supérieur à elle. C’est un aspect de ce personnage qu’on n’aurait pu soupçonner, et c’est bien vu et bien pensé, car c’est toujours cohérent.
Dès le premier regard pour ainsi dire, Lydia tombe amoureuse de celui qui sera son mari. Malgré tous ses défauts, elle l’aime, elle le comprend, et le plus important, elle lui pardonne. On retrouve avec plaisir tous les personnages du livre de Jane Austen, mais aussi quelques uns inventés pour la circonstance. Natasha Farrant s’est visiblement régalée pour cette réécriture, cela se sent à chaque page. Pour le moment, le livre n’est, malheureusement, pas encore disponible en français.
Dans ce roman, Lydia tient, sur une année, un journal intime, que lui a offert sa soeur Mary pour son anniversaire. Elle vient d’avoir quinze ans, la vie lui tend les bras, même si ses perspectives d’avenir restent limitées. Jeune fille de bonne famille de la gentry campagnarde, elle ne manque de rien, même si ses parents n’ont pas trop d’argent. Frappée d’entail, une disposition testamentaire qui favorise un héritier mâle, même si c’est un parent éloigné, la propriété paternelle ne reviendra à aucune des filles Bennet. L’enjeu pour elles est donc de faire un avantageux mariage.
C’est une tout autre Lydia que nous présente la plume de Natasha Farrant (dont on avait tellement aimé le roman "Les Amants de Samaroux"). Tout en restant proche du texte et à l’histoire de Jane Austen, elle nous offre le point de vue d’une jeune fille bien moins sotte qu’on pourrait le croire, une jeune fille qui aime rire et vivre, qui se moque des convenances et qui aspire à plus de liberté.
Son personnage est résolument moderne, elle se révolte sans cesse contre la condition féminine qui est celle de son époque, celle qui ne lui permet de strictement rien faire, si ce n’est de trouver un bon parti pour se marier, et le plus tôt est le mieux. Natasha Farrant en fait une héroïne très attachante, une jeune personne proche de ses soeurs, très admirative d’Elizabeth, qu’elle considère comme un modèle bien supérieur à elle. C’est un aspect de ce personnage qu’on n’aurait pu soupçonner, et c’est bien vu et bien pensé, car c’est toujours cohérent.
Dès le premier regard pour ainsi dire, Lydia tombe amoureuse de celui qui sera son mari. Malgré tous ses défauts, elle l’aime, elle le comprend, et le plus important, elle lui pardonne. On retrouve avec plaisir tous les personnages du livre de Jane Austen, mais aussi quelques uns inventés pour la circonstance. Natasha Farrant s’est visiblement régalée pour cette réécriture, cela se sent à chaque page. Pour le moment, le livre n’est, malheureusement, pas encore disponible en français.
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