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The Bennet Wardrobe #3
The Exile: Kitty Bennet and the Belle Epoque
Longbourn, December 1811.
The day after Jane and Lizzy marry dawns especially cold for young Kitty Bennet. Called to Papa’s bookroom, she is faced with a resolute Mr. Bennet who intends to punish her complicity in her sister’s elopement. She will be sent packing to a seminary in far-off Cornwall.
She reacts like any teenager chafing under the “burden” of parental rules—she throws a tantrum. In her fury, she slams her hands against the doors of The Bennet Wardrobe.
Her heart’s desire?
"I wish they were dead! Anywhere but Cornwall! Anywhere but here!"
As Lydia later said, “The Wardrobe has a unique sense of humor.”
London, May 1886.
Seventeen-year-old Catherine Marie Bennet tumbles out of The Wardrobe at Matlock House to come face-to-face with the austere Viscount Henry Fitzwilliam, a scion of the Five Families and one of the wealthiest men in the world. However, while their paths may have crossed that May morning, Henry still fights his feelings for another woman, lost to him nearly thirty years in his future. And Miss Bennet must now decide between exile to the remote wastelands of Cornwall or making a new life for herself in Victorian Britain and Belle Époque France.
The Exile follows the story of Kitty Bennet as she grows from the coughing follower of her younger sister, Lydia, into a bright and engaging young woman living in the exciting world of the late 19th Century. However, she must pass through many trials before she can fully understand why the Wardrobe sent her 75 years into the future—and for her to become one of the most important fixtures in the Bennet Wardrobe Universe.
"The Exile: Kitty Bennet and the Belle Époque" is Volume 2, Part 1 of The Bennet Wardrobe Series. "The Keeper: Mary Bennet’s Extraordinary Journey" is Volume 1. "Henry Fitzwilliam’s War" is a prequel novella for "The Exile."
The day after Jane and Lizzy marry dawns especially cold for young Kitty Bennet. Called to Papa’s bookroom, she is faced with a resolute Mr. Bennet who intends to punish her complicity in her sister’s elopement. She will be sent packing to a seminary in far-off Cornwall.
She reacts like any teenager chafing under the “burden” of parental rules—she throws a tantrum. In her fury, she slams her hands against the doors of The Bennet Wardrobe.
Her heart’s desire?
"I wish they were dead! Anywhere but Cornwall! Anywhere but here!"
As Lydia later said, “The Wardrobe has a unique sense of humor.”
London, May 1886.
Seventeen-year-old Catherine Marie Bennet tumbles out of The Wardrobe at Matlock House to come face-to-face with the austere Viscount Henry Fitzwilliam, a scion of the Five Families and one of the wealthiest men in the world. However, while their paths may have crossed that May morning, Henry still fights his feelings for another woman, lost to him nearly thirty years in his future. And Miss Bennet must now decide between exile to the remote wastelands of Cornwall or making a new life for herself in Victorian Britain and Belle Époque France.
The Exile follows the story of Kitty Bennet as she grows from the coughing follower of her younger sister, Lydia, into a bright and engaging young woman living in the exciting world of the late 19th Century. However, she must pass through many trials before she can fully understand why the Wardrobe sent her 75 years into the future—and for her to become one of the most important fixtures in the Bennet Wardrobe Universe.
"The Exile: Kitty Bennet and the Belle Époque" is Volume 2, Part 1 of The Bennet Wardrobe Series. "The Keeper: Mary Bennet’s Extraordinary Journey" is Volume 1. "Henry Fitzwilliam’s War" is a prequel novella for "The Exile."
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2017
28 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Don Jacobson
22 books111 followersDon Jacobson has written professionally for forty years. His output has ranged from news and features to advertising, television, and radio. His work has been nominated for Emmys and other awards. He has previously published five books, all non-fiction.
He now exclusively writes Austenesque fiction. In 2016, he published The Keeper: Mary Bennet’s Extraordinary Journey which began the Bennet Wardrobe saga.
Subsequent books in the series include:
Henry Fitzwilliam's War (e-novelette) (2016)
The Exile: Kitty Bennet and the Belle Epoch (2017)
Lizzy Bennet Meets the Countess (2017)
The Exile: The countess Visits Longbourn (2018)
The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father's Lament (2018)
The Pilgrim: Lydia Bennet and a Soldier's Portion (2019)
The Grail: The Saving of Elizabeth Darcy (2022)
His entry in the North and South Anthology...Falling for Mr. Thornton entitled Cinders and Smokewas released in November 2019.
In 2018, he also published Lessers and Betters a novel-length Pride and Prejudice variation which contains the paired novellas Of Fortune's Reversal and The Maid and The Footman. These two works examine the same event (the mysterious attack on Kitty Bennet in Hyde Park on Guy Fawkes Day 1815) from two different perspectives: that of the gentry and that of the servants.
Meryton Press published two of his books in 2020--In Plain Sight (June) and The Longbourn Quarantine (August). Meryton Press also agreed to republish his entire self-published catalog (The Bennet Wardrobe series and Lessers and Betters) throughout 2021.
Meryton Press has published new editions of all of the Bennet Wardrobe books.
Jacobson holds an advanced degree in History with a specialty in American Foreign Relations. As a college instructor, Don taught United States History, World History, the History of Western Civilization and Research Writing.
He is a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. He is also a member of the Regency Romance writers' collective Austen Authors.
He lives in Las Vegas, NV with his wife and co-author, Pam ( Roadcookin': A long-haul driver's guide to healthy eating), a woman Ms. Austen would have been hard-pressed to categorize, and their rather assertive four-and-twenty pound cat, Bear. Besides thoroughly immersing himself in the JAFF world, Don also enjoys cooking (Poulet au vinaigre is a particular favorite), dining out, fine wine, and well-aged scotch whiskey (Glenmorangie 18-Year-Old single malt--the water of life).
His other passion is cycling. Most days from April through October will find him “putting in the miles”. He has ridden several “centuries” (100 mile days). Don is especially proud that he successfully completed the AIDS Ride—Midwest (500 miles from Minneapolis to Chicago) and the Make-A-Wish Miracle Ride (300 miles from Traverse City, MI to Brooklyn, MI).
He now exclusively writes Austenesque fiction. In 2016, he published The Keeper: Mary Bennet’s Extraordinary Journey which began the Bennet Wardrobe saga.
Subsequent books in the series include:
Henry Fitzwilliam's War (e-novelette) (2016)
The Exile: Kitty Bennet and the Belle Epoch (2017)
Lizzy Bennet Meets the Countess (2017)
The Exile: The countess Visits Longbourn (2018)
The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father's Lament (2018)
The Pilgrim: Lydia Bennet and a Soldier's Portion (2019)
The Grail: The Saving of Elizabeth Darcy (2022)
His entry in the North and South Anthology...Falling for Mr. Thornton entitled Cinders and Smokewas released in November 2019.
In 2018, he also published Lessers and Betters a novel-length Pride and Prejudice variation which contains the paired novellas Of Fortune's Reversal and The Maid and The Footman. These two works examine the same event (the mysterious attack on Kitty Bennet in Hyde Park on Guy Fawkes Day 1815) from two different perspectives: that of the gentry and that of the servants.
Meryton Press published two of his books in 2020--In Plain Sight (June) and The Longbourn Quarantine (August). Meryton Press also agreed to republish his entire self-published catalog (The Bennet Wardrobe series and Lessers and Betters) throughout 2021.
Meryton Press has published new editions of all of the Bennet Wardrobe books.
Jacobson holds an advanced degree in History with a specialty in American Foreign Relations. As a college instructor, Don taught United States History, World History, the History of Western Civilization and Research Writing.
He is a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. He is also a member of the Regency Romance writers' collective Austen Authors.
He lives in Las Vegas, NV with his wife and co-author, Pam ( Roadcookin': A long-haul driver's guide to healthy eating), a woman Ms. Austen would have been hard-pressed to categorize, and their rather assertive four-and-twenty pound cat, Bear. Besides thoroughly immersing himself in the JAFF world, Don also enjoys cooking (Poulet au vinaigre is a particular favorite), dining out, fine wine, and well-aged scotch whiskey (Glenmorangie 18-Year-Old single malt--the water of life).
His other passion is cycling. Most days from April through October will find him “putting in the miles”. He has ridden several “centuries” (100 mile days). Don is especially proud that he successfully completed the AIDS Ride—Midwest (500 miles from Minneapolis to Chicago) and the Make-A-Wish Miracle Ride (300 miles from Traverse City, MI to Brooklyn, MI).
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 6, 2017
I was privileged to read this prior to release, and what a delight it was! If you think you were getting a short sweet story about Kitty Bennet, think again. Don has woven an intricate universe layering Jane Austen's world with that of a dozen other authors and real historical events. The result is a mind-spinning vortex of time travel and good manners. You will not be able to stop at just one book, because you will be left wanting answers! This makes a great summer reading series, and I highly recommend it! Looking forward to the next one, Don!
June 24, 2017
https://myvicesandweaknesses.wordpres...
I would like to start stating that I have loved everything that happens in this book and to its characters. Maybe a few of you are thinking something like “but Darcy and Elizabeth are not the protagonists” or maybe something like “Kitty is not my favourite Bennet sister” but I can promise that The Exile goes beyond those thoughts. Obviously Kitty is the main character but there is so much more. As you have read above, it is the last years of the 19th century and Kitty Bennet is on the story, she has travelled on time until the decade of the 1880s and you can imagine how difficult it can be. However, with help from family, every obstacle can be overcome.
The Five Families, although it looks more like a mafia title, shows all the traits, strengths and personalities of the people that we know so well from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The Five Families being: Fitzwilliams, Darcys, Bennets, Gardiners and Bingleys.
Don Jacobson creates like a parallel world, at least for me it has been something like that. I was reading about new characters or I was reading them but due to Don’s descriptions or the character’s words, I could see some of Austen’s characters reflected one way or another.
Kitty’s life in her new now has a bit of everything: self-discovery, friendship, misery, suffering, isolation, recovery and much more. I have really like the way she reflects in her life after some trauma that she experiences and how she matures. How she saw herself during her childhood, how her relationship with her sisters and parents was, etc.
I will not go on more detail about the events on Kitty’s life but I would like to mention some names: Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Sherlock Holmes, Sigmund Freud, Winston Churchill…
As every good P&P JAFF book, we have a “Wickham”!! and semi-quoting Terminator: “he’ll be back”. He is a very dark and vengeful man.
I would like to start stating that I have loved everything that happens in this book and to its characters. Maybe a few of you are thinking something like “but Darcy and Elizabeth are not the protagonists” or maybe something like “Kitty is not my favourite Bennet sister” but I can promise that The Exile goes beyond those thoughts. Obviously Kitty is the main character but there is so much more. As you have read above, it is the last years of the 19th century and Kitty Bennet is on the story, she has travelled on time until the decade of the 1880s and you can imagine how difficult it can be. However, with help from family, every obstacle can be overcome.
The Five Families, although it looks more like a mafia title, shows all the traits, strengths and personalities of the people that we know so well from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The Five Families being: Fitzwilliams, Darcys, Bennets, Gardiners and Bingleys.
Don Jacobson creates like a parallel world, at least for me it has been something like that. I was reading about new characters or I was reading them but due to Don’s descriptions or the character’s words, I could see some of Austen’s characters reflected one way or another.
Kitty’s life in her new now has a bit of everything: self-discovery, friendship, misery, suffering, isolation, recovery and much more. I have really like the way she reflects in her life after some trauma that she experiences and how she matures. How she saw herself during her childhood, how her relationship with her sisters and parents was, etc.
I will not go on more detail about the events on Kitty’s life but I would like to mention some names: Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Sherlock Holmes, Sigmund Freud, Winston Churchill…
As every good P&P JAFF book, we have a “Wickham”!! and semi-quoting Terminator: “he’ll be back”. He is a very dark and vengeful man.
June 2, 2017
The saga continues in this second novel of the Bennet Wardrobe series regarding one of my favourite secondary characters from Pride and Prejudice, Kitty Bennet. We are learning the fate of Kitty after she takes her anger out on the Wardrobe, when Mr. Bennet tells her she is being sent to school in Cornwall. As we all have been teenagers, we tend to say things we may come to regret or never really meant. However, as Lydia once mentioned, the Wardrobe has a peculiar sense of humour. It may not give you want you want, but it gives you what you need. Being thrust from 1811 into 1886, for a young, rather sheltered seventeen year old is daunting. How she handles the transition and the restrictions imposed by the Bennet Family Trust, with offices worldwide and controlled by the Five Families (Bennet, Darcy, Bingley, Gardiner, and Fitzwilliam), are realistic and needed. However, she has more than just the Board members to deal with...she has the Director, Viscount Henry Fitzwilliam.
"When I first met him after my journey...he was polite, but friendly, and he seemed to be very concerned about my wellbeing. He was the perfect gentleman. Then, as if he was one of Mr. Edison's light bulbs, he went dark as if someone had cut the circuit between his head and his heart."
Henry has his own journey as well. To better understand his issues, and his reasons for keeping Miss Kitty at a distance, I highly recommend you first read "Henry Fitzwilliam's War". All the pieces will slowly fall in to place.
We have familiar characters from Pride & Prejudice as well as new characters that you come to love (Maggie, Aline and Jacques to name a few). The villains, Lord Junius Winter being one of them, are diabolical and wreak such havoc. Their actions and intents towards Kitty make one's blood run cold.
"Suddenly a presence imposed itself upon her contemplation. Heralded by a cloying perfume combining vanilla's sweetness with the balsam stickiness of pine, the being approached to cast darkness behind her left side. She could only sense something looming..."
The inclusion of historical individuals from the Belle Epoque period adds a sense of realism to the story. Plus, there are two characters from a famous Victorian author that add yet another layer.
As a weaver knows their craft of interlacing the threads/yarns to create a strong and beautiful textile, Mr. Jacobson has woven a coming of age story with history, betrayal, greed, villainy and the healing power of love. Love, not only given by others, but the love of one's self. His characters are so three dimensional that they come alive in front you. At times, we are deep in their psyche. For me, this book was deeply moving...achingly so. It had me in tears many times. As in Book 1, "The Keeper", my senses and emotions were deeply engaged as Kitty embarks into a new world. Vivid descriptions of the portraits capturing those she loved...the letters she reads, all bring a poignancy to the story. The scent of roses over freshly mowed grass flows throughout. Her journey becomes your journey and your heart will break for her. Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, Kitty too will rise again!
I highly recommend this powerful and haunting epic saga to all!
Note: Some mature audience content
I received an ARC of this book for a fair and honest review.
"When I first met him after my journey...he was polite, but friendly, and he seemed to be very concerned about my wellbeing. He was the perfect gentleman. Then, as if he was one of Mr. Edison's light bulbs, he went dark as if someone had cut the circuit between his head and his heart."
Henry has his own journey as well. To better understand his issues, and his reasons for keeping Miss Kitty at a distance, I highly recommend you first read "Henry Fitzwilliam's War". All the pieces will slowly fall in to place.
We have familiar characters from Pride & Prejudice as well as new characters that you come to love (Maggie, Aline and Jacques to name a few). The villains, Lord Junius Winter being one of them, are diabolical and wreak such havoc. Their actions and intents towards Kitty make one's blood run cold.
"Suddenly a presence imposed itself upon her contemplation. Heralded by a cloying perfume combining vanilla's sweetness with the balsam stickiness of pine, the being approached to cast darkness behind her left side. She could only sense something looming..."
The inclusion of historical individuals from the Belle Epoque period adds a sense of realism to the story. Plus, there are two characters from a famous Victorian author that add yet another layer.
As a weaver knows their craft of interlacing the threads/yarns to create a strong and beautiful textile, Mr. Jacobson has woven a coming of age story with history, betrayal, greed, villainy and the healing power of love. Love, not only given by others, but the love of one's self. His characters are so three dimensional that they come alive in front you. At times, we are deep in their psyche. For me, this book was deeply moving...achingly so. It had me in tears many times. As in Book 1, "The Keeper", my senses and emotions were deeply engaged as Kitty embarks into a new world. Vivid descriptions of the portraits capturing those she loved...the letters she reads, all bring a poignancy to the story. The scent of roses over freshly mowed grass flows throughout. Her journey becomes your journey and your heart will break for her. Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, Kitty too will rise again!
I highly recommend this powerful and haunting epic saga to all!
Note: Some mature audience content
I received an ARC of this book for a fair and honest review.
June 4, 2017
Bymaryannon June 4, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
What a wonderful novel to read and understand what is happening with the power of the wardrobe that Christopher Bennet had commissioned years ago. This is a story that is complex in nature involving many of Jane Austen's characters and the dynamics of the families involved. New characters are added and adds more suspense to the plot.
This is the second in a series and will keep you enthralled with the mystery of the wardrobe. This story is complex on many levels, interesting travels, history lessons along the way, suspense, romance and very interesting that you won't want to put the novel down.
Interesting and historical characters are included in the plot ie, Sigmund Freud, Poe, Van Gogh and Renoir. It was great to see how the author included these people that we recognize into the plot.
It was wonderful to see how the author had used Kitty Bennet and Henry Fitzwilliam as characters to grow to their potential and learn to understand who they were in multi dimensional phases of their lives. They also learned that they were meant to be together but before they could be together they had to know themselves first.
There were times during reading I almost felt part of the plot as to the sadness I felt for Kitty and then again for Henry!
I won't go into the plot but I think this was a wonderful novel to read and look forward to reading the third in this series. I highly recommend this novel to all who love the characters of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
Thank you Don Jacobson for a great novel and if I could give it 10 stars I would!
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
What a wonderful novel to read and understand what is happening with the power of the wardrobe that Christopher Bennet had commissioned years ago. This is a story that is complex in nature involving many of Jane Austen's characters and the dynamics of the families involved. New characters are added and adds more suspense to the plot.
This is the second in a series and will keep you enthralled with the mystery of the wardrobe. This story is complex on many levels, interesting travels, history lessons along the way, suspense, romance and very interesting that you won't want to put the novel down.
Interesting and historical characters are included in the plot ie, Sigmund Freud, Poe, Van Gogh and Renoir. It was great to see how the author included these people that we recognize into the plot.
It was wonderful to see how the author had used Kitty Bennet and Henry Fitzwilliam as characters to grow to their potential and learn to understand who they were in multi dimensional phases of their lives. They also learned that they were meant to be together but before they could be together they had to know themselves first.
There were times during reading I almost felt part of the plot as to the sadness I felt for Kitty and then again for Henry!
I won't go into the plot but I think this was a wonderful novel to read and look forward to reading the third in this series. I highly recommend this novel to all who love the characters of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
Thank you Don Jacobson for a great novel and if I could give it 10 stars I would!
July 28, 2017
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
I have very mixed feelings about this book. The author obviously put a lot of research into this, providing many links to explain or give background or even photos as characters inhabit the age of Impressionism and travel into France, specifically Paris.
I enjoyed the inclusion of some favorite fictional men, i.e., Sherlock Holmes, Moriarty and figures from history, i.e., Freud. I hated what he put Kitty through. There have been many times in the past when I have decided against reading a book if I know it includes that type of assault. Then the fact that is happened multiple times just turned my stomach. In addition, I was weeping while reading of three of the Bennet sisters sitting on Elizabeth's bed as she is dying (Not a spoiler as we learned this in Mary's story.) But reading the details and learning Darcy lived on for 20 years without her is now, again, bringing me to tears.
This is the third in the series I have read and it is a must that you read the two previous ones. The mystery of the connection between Henry and Kitty and "his unrequited" love when he traveled to make his mark on history by participating in The Great War have moments of frustration when the reader wants to shake that man and say...look at the eyes, pay attention to the scent or even the spark you feel. But that part of this tale was the best part.
There are no guarantees of happiness for the Five Families, even with all the wealth, all the power from that and from their place in society and in government, with all their connections and with all the documents set in place to protect family members, their wealth and to guard against those who would marry into or attempt to use those same people for their own means. More than one person suffers great harm within this saga.
Kitty has traveled with no knowledge of just how it all happens. So in finding herself in Henry Fitzwilliam's bedroom where The Wardrobe is positioned she has to be gently introduced to where and when she now resides and the how it happened and the rules. The author provides another copy of the rules concerning The Wardrobe and its use as well as a family tree which is better positioned on the page for reading than what I found in the story about Mary.
While this Kitty goes off to school and learns much better behavior she still finds herself at the mercy of a man. Lydia's story is known to her and she is a better judge of character but there are no guarantees that her better judgments will keep her out of harm's way. I did like some of the new persons we met: Jacques, Maggie, Renoir and Aline, Ellie, etc.
The story is a fascinating one and I understand why it has been told in this manner: the growth of a woman even in an age with fewer restrictions has its meaning in all ages. I worked with abused women and children and know that it is very difficult now to allow things done to a person to forever make a mark on one's life. This story has the best treatment and rehabilitation for a person so scarred.
This book became a page turner for me about half way through. I didn't know what to expect and then HAD to find out how things would work out. I am not happy with Winters and The Child being "out there" and know we have a great deal more angst to come.
I have very mixed feelings about this book. The author obviously put a lot of research into this, providing many links to explain or give background or even photos as characters inhabit the age of Impressionism and travel into France, specifically Paris.
I enjoyed the inclusion of some favorite fictional men, i.e., Sherlock Holmes, Moriarty and figures from history, i.e., Freud. I hated what he put Kitty through. There have been many times in the past when I have decided against reading a book if I know it includes that type of assault. Then the fact that is happened multiple times just turned my stomach. In addition, I was weeping while reading of three of the Bennet sisters sitting on Elizabeth's bed as she is dying (Not a spoiler as we learned this in Mary's story.) But reading the details and learning Darcy lived on for 20 years without her is now, again, bringing me to tears.
This is the third in the series I have read and it is a must that you read the two previous ones. The mystery of the connection between Henry and Kitty and "his unrequited" love when he traveled to make his mark on history by participating in The Great War have moments of frustration when the reader wants to shake that man and say...look at the eyes, pay attention to the scent or even the spark you feel. But that part of this tale was the best part.
There are no guarantees of happiness for the Five Families, even with all the wealth, all the power from that and from their place in society and in government, with all their connections and with all the documents set in place to protect family members, their wealth and to guard against those who would marry into or attempt to use those same people for their own means. More than one person suffers great harm within this saga.
Kitty has traveled with no knowledge of just how it all happens. So in finding herself in Henry Fitzwilliam's bedroom where The Wardrobe is positioned she has to be gently introduced to where and when she now resides and the how it happened and the rules. The author provides another copy of the rules concerning The Wardrobe and its use as well as a family tree which is better positioned on the page for reading than what I found in the story about Mary.
While this Kitty goes off to school and learns much better behavior she still finds herself at the mercy of a man. Lydia's story is known to her and she is a better judge of character but there are no guarantees that her better judgments will keep her out of harm's way. I did like some of the new persons we met: Jacques, Maggie, Renoir and Aline, Ellie, etc.
The story is a fascinating one and I understand why it has been told in this manner: the growth of a woman even in an age with fewer restrictions has its meaning in all ages. I worked with abused women and children and know that it is very difficult now to allow things done to a person to forever make a mark on one's life. This story has the best treatment and rehabilitation for a person so scarred.
This book became a page turner for me about half way through. I didn't know what to expect and then HAD to find out how things would work out. I am not happy with Winters and The Child being "out there" and know we have a great deal more angst to come.
June 8, 2017
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
The Wardrobe Series has turned into quite the epic. This is the fifth book in the series, the second of two full-length books, with three companion novellas that focus more distinctly on one character or background story for these two. As #1 told the story of Mary Bennet and the Wardrobe, #2 now relates Kitty's experiences.
Unlike her sister Mary, moving ahead in time via the Wardrobe is an accident for Kitty. In the midst of a temper tantrum in her father's study at Longbourn in 1811, the 17-year-old girl punches the doors of the Wardrobe and suddenly finds herself in Matlock House in London in the year 1886. The Wardrobe is now located in the London home of Henry Fitzwilliam, who is technically her great-grandnephew. He continues to mourn the loss of a woman he fell in love with but never actually saw during his own Wardrobe experience (related in Henry Fitzwilliam's War: A Bennet Wardrobe Novella), and his behavior toward Kitty vacillates between distant and welcoming.
There is a chart provided showing the relationships among the Five Families that are linked together through the descendants of Thomas Bennet: Bennet, Bingley, Darcy, Fitzwilliam and Gardiner. We learn the fates of all four of Kitty's sisters and their spouses. Only one of her sisters is still alive in 1886 to greet Kitty when she lands there, and there is only the briefest of reunions before this last sister, too, goes the way of all flesh.
Much of Kitty’s adventure is dark and depressing. Things start out well enough, as she learns she is quite wealthy, thanks to investments made on her behalf, but she has a lot to learn. She receives an education, and she is raised in the household of the current Earl and Countess of Matlock with their daughter, Eleanor, who is the same age as Kitty. What follows is a tale that includes kidnapping and repeated molestation engineered by those who wish a close connection to the very wealthy and very influential Five Families.
Fortunately, things don’t end there, and Kitty’s experiences improve dramatically as she is swept into the beginnings of the impressionist painting era in France.
I truly enjoyed the basic story. While it is heartrending in places, it’s a joy to see how Kitty survives and matures. It’s impressive that she is given several opportunities to use the Wardrobe to return but decides against it, believing that she has been sent there for some purpose that she is determined to fulfill.
Mr. Jacobson does write beautifully without glaring spelling or grammar mistakes. However, I struggled with the large volume of historical information crammed into the story. Some of it is integral to the plot, but quite a bit seems forced and not relevant. I’m a reader far less interested in history than I am in story, so others may not have the same difficulty I did in trying keep track of which names were characters important to the story and which were historical figures whose names I just didn’t recognize. The writing stays more on-topic in the author's novellas than in his full-length books, in my experience.
Those who love to delve into history and exactly how a story fits into the events of an era will enjoy this far more than I did, and it is a creative spin on the life of the fourth Bennet sister.
The Wardrobe Series has turned into quite the epic. This is the fifth book in the series, the second of two full-length books, with three companion novellas that focus more distinctly on one character or background story for these two. As #1 told the story of Mary Bennet and the Wardrobe, #2 now relates Kitty's experiences.
Unlike her sister Mary, moving ahead in time via the Wardrobe is an accident for Kitty. In the midst of a temper tantrum in her father's study at Longbourn in 1811, the 17-year-old girl punches the doors of the Wardrobe and suddenly finds herself in Matlock House in London in the year 1886. The Wardrobe is now located in the London home of Henry Fitzwilliam, who is technically her great-grandnephew. He continues to mourn the loss of a woman he fell in love with but never actually saw during his own Wardrobe experience (related in Henry Fitzwilliam's War: A Bennet Wardrobe Novella), and his behavior toward Kitty vacillates between distant and welcoming.
There is a chart provided showing the relationships among the Five Families that are linked together through the descendants of Thomas Bennet: Bennet, Bingley, Darcy, Fitzwilliam and Gardiner. We learn the fates of all four of Kitty's sisters and their spouses. Only one of her sisters is still alive in 1886 to greet Kitty when she lands there, and there is only the briefest of reunions before this last sister, too, goes the way of all flesh.
Much of Kitty’s adventure is dark and depressing. Things start out well enough, as she learns she is quite wealthy, thanks to investments made on her behalf, but she has a lot to learn. She receives an education, and she is raised in the household of the current Earl and Countess of Matlock with their daughter, Eleanor, who is the same age as Kitty. What follows is a tale that includes kidnapping and repeated molestation engineered by those who wish a close connection to the very wealthy and very influential Five Families.
Fortunately, things don’t end there, and Kitty’s experiences improve dramatically as she is swept into the beginnings of the impressionist painting era in France.
I truly enjoyed the basic story. While it is heartrending in places, it’s a joy to see how Kitty survives and matures. It’s impressive that she is given several opportunities to use the Wardrobe to return but decides against it, believing that she has been sent there for some purpose that she is determined to fulfill.
Mr. Jacobson does write beautifully without glaring spelling or grammar mistakes. However, I struggled with the large volume of historical information crammed into the story. Some of it is integral to the plot, but quite a bit seems forced and not relevant. I’m a reader far less interested in history than I am in story, so others may not have the same difficulty I did in trying keep track of which names were characters important to the story and which were historical figures whose names I just didn’t recognize. The writing stays more on-topic in the author's novellas than in his full-length books, in my experience.
Those who love to delve into history and exactly how a story fits into the events of an era will enjoy this far more than I did, and it is a creative spin on the life of the fourth Bennet sister.
March 21, 2018
It started with the making of a magical wardrobe and turned into a family legacy. Keepers of the wardrobe have stepped up in their turn to show their worth and this time its Kitty and Henry's turn.
I am so glad I was able to read the novella Henry Fitzwilliam's War before embarking on The Exile, here. It definitely helped to shape my understanding and deeper interest in this first volume of Kitty's story. Ah yes, this is indeed part one. I'm glad of that or I'd feel consternation about requiring more.
Though, that said, this one started slow with the laying down of the foundation of the story that takes place predominately in the 1880's before it catapults the reader into an intense, darker, grittier path than expected. I'll issue a trigger warning here for those who are unable to read about abuse at this time. Kitty must go through the fires of hell before coming out on the other side and I was moved deeply over her plight. I wished Henry could have been fleshed out more during all this which is why I made the comment earlier that it was good to get that earlier story that lets the reader in on why he's so reticent.
I do not wish to spoil for other readers the shocking events in store for Kitty so I won't detail out the events. I will say that she goes from petulant teenager to deeply introspective woman who is ready to take her place as a mover and shaker in the world.
On a side note, I got a kick out of the cameos from Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Renoir, and Freud. What could be better when one is getting a Time Travel Family Saga than to see the characters rubbing shoulders with great literary and real famous figures.
The ending was gravely ominous without ending on a dreaded cliffie and set things up for the next part of Kitty's story. My only disappointment was wanting a longer denouement before the epilogue for Kitty and Henry after all they experienced in this one. Perhaps it comes later.
I continued to be quite captivated by this riveting series and am eager to press forward for what is to come. Again, I am nudging this series toward Austen lovers particularly if they enjoy a strong ration of magical time travel with their variations and sequels.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am so glad I was able to read the novella Henry Fitzwilliam's War before embarking on The Exile, here. It definitely helped to shape my understanding and deeper interest in this first volume of Kitty's story. Ah yes, this is indeed part one. I'm glad of that or I'd feel consternation about requiring more.
Though, that said, this one started slow with the laying down of the foundation of the story that takes place predominately in the 1880's before it catapults the reader into an intense, darker, grittier path than expected. I'll issue a trigger warning here for those who are unable to read about abuse at this time. Kitty must go through the fires of hell before coming out on the other side and I was moved deeply over her plight. I wished Henry could have been fleshed out more during all this which is why I made the comment earlier that it was good to get that earlier story that lets the reader in on why he's so reticent.
I do not wish to spoil for other readers the shocking events in store for Kitty so I won't detail out the events. I will say that she goes from petulant teenager to deeply introspective woman who is ready to take her place as a mover and shaker in the world.
On a side note, I got a kick out of the cameos from Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Renoir, and Freud. What could be better when one is getting a Time Travel Family Saga than to see the characters rubbing shoulders with great literary and real famous figures.
The ending was gravely ominous without ending on a dreaded cliffie and set things up for the next part of Kitty's story. My only disappointment was wanting a longer denouement before the epilogue for Kitty and Henry after all they experienced in this one. Perhaps it comes later.
I continued to be quite captivated by this riveting series and am eager to press forward for what is to come. Again, I am nudging this series toward Austen lovers particularly if they enjoy a strong ration of magical time travel with their variations and sequels.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2021
The Bennet Wardrobe universe has provided some of my best audiobook listening experiences so there was only eagerness when I plugged in my earbuds to experience The Exile. Time travel, the Jane Austen world extended beyond her stories, engaging characters, emotional and harrowing experiences in turn, and a wonderful sense of magic provided by that mysterious wardrobe awaited me once again, as yes, this is my second time through after reading the print version earlier.
The Exile is preceded by a prequel, a novel, and a novella, and I would encourage new readers/listeners to take this series strictly in order. In the case of The Exile, Henry Fitzwilliam's War is a don't miss as it pertains directly to a better understanding of what is going on with the Henry Fitzwilliam character of this book.
The Exile focuses on the fourth of the Bennet sisters originally written of in Austen's Pride & Prejudice. Kitty's story begins after the events of the original P&P story when three of her sisters are married and she faces the dreary prospect of being sent off to school in distant Cornwall. In a fit of pique that she is being unjustly punished while Lydia, her co-conspirator, got exactly what she wanted, Kitty rushes to kick her father's wardrobe and, instead, takes a time journey into the future to 1880's where she encounters Lydia as an old woman and a tale that fills her with amazement at her secret family legacy.
The Exile proceeds to share Kitty's adventures that go from content and happiness to dark and horrific. Kitty matures and learns she has an inner strength forged in the fires of adversity. She is remade from the experiences and comes through in the end, but does it lead to the deep love and happiness her sisters experienced?
Some books do not stand the test of time and re-read, but The Exile is not one of them. I knew what was coming and was still buffeted by all the emotions and thoughts I experienced the first time. I smiled, sighed, cried- oh, I cried, and had several heartwarming moments of connection. As I noted before, the familial, fraternal, and romantic relationships and connections are astounding and a big strength to the series. I love how shared experiences brought not just trouble, but showed the strength of the loyalty and love among them all. It was fun encountering the famous fictional and real life easter egg figures sprinkled through out. But, it was also impressive to have true dastardly villains and have the villains score and score deep which kept the listener-reader from complacency and put some strong nuances in the story.
I only had one niggle and it was that sometimes the details- or should I say some of those fascinating historical details that filled the book, since I didn't mind altogether as I love rich, historical background and setting- could slow the pace of the story and side track from the forward movement of the plot.
One caution: There is a capture and rape situation, for those who are not prepared to listen to such a scene at this time.
Amanda Berry narrates and she is the absolutely fabulous voice of the series that I hear even when I have picked up my print versions of this series. She captures characters, emotion, and the world of the stories in a pitch perfect way. The already solid tales are told so that they are even more brilliant.
All in all, this book that ends on an ominous note setting up for what is to come with part two of Kitty's story and the rest of the series was a riveting experience. I didn't want to stop listening and when I did, my mind lingered with The Exile. I can recommend the series to those who enjoy time travel romance, a magical wardrobe, and a clever story with engaging characters.
My thanks to the author for providing an audiobook copy to be listened to in exchange for an honest review.
The Exile is preceded by a prequel, a novel, and a novella, and I would encourage new readers/listeners to take this series strictly in order. In the case of The Exile, Henry Fitzwilliam's War is a don't miss as it pertains directly to a better understanding of what is going on with the Henry Fitzwilliam character of this book.
The Exile focuses on the fourth of the Bennet sisters originally written of in Austen's Pride & Prejudice. Kitty's story begins after the events of the original P&P story when three of her sisters are married and she faces the dreary prospect of being sent off to school in distant Cornwall. In a fit of pique that she is being unjustly punished while Lydia, her co-conspirator, got exactly what she wanted, Kitty rushes to kick her father's wardrobe and, instead, takes a time journey into the future to 1880's where she encounters Lydia as an old woman and a tale that fills her with amazement at her secret family legacy.
The Exile proceeds to share Kitty's adventures that go from content and happiness to dark and horrific. Kitty matures and learns she has an inner strength forged in the fires of adversity. She is remade from the experiences and comes through in the end, but does it lead to the deep love and happiness her sisters experienced?
Some books do not stand the test of time and re-read, but The Exile is not one of them. I knew what was coming and was still buffeted by all the emotions and thoughts I experienced the first time. I smiled, sighed, cried- oh, I cried, and had several heartwarming moments of connection. As I noted before, the familial, fraternal, and romantic relationships and connections are astounding and a big strength to the series. I love how shared experiences brought not just trouble, but showed the strength of the loyalty and love among them all. It was fun encountering the famous fictional and real life easter egg figures sprinkled through out. But, it was also impressive to have true dastardly villains and have the villains score and score deep which kept the listener-reader from complacency and put some strong nuances in the story.
I only had one niggle and it was that sometimes the details- or should I say some of those fascinating historical details that filled the book, since I didn't mind altogether as I love rich, historical background and setting- could slow the pace of the story and side track from the forward movement of the plot.
One caution: There is a capture and rape situation, for those who are not prepared to listen to such a scene at this time.
Amanda Berry narrates and she is the absolutely fabulous voice of the series that I hear even when I have picked up my print versions of this series. She captures characters, emotion, and the world of the stories in a pitch perfect way. The already solid tales are told so that they are even more brilliant.
All in all, this book that ends on an ominous note setting up for what is to come with part two of Kitty's story and the rest of the series was a riveting experience. I didn't want to stop listening and when I did, my mind lingered with The Exile. I can recommend the series to those who enjoy time travel romance, a magical wardrobe, and a clever story with engaging characters.
My thanks to the author for providing an audiobook copy to be listened to in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2019
Kitty Bennet Finds Her Way Into the Future
Note: While the Author’s Preface and Prologue impart some important details of the events that proceed this story, it is recommended that readers read The Keeper: Mary Bennet’s Extraordinary Adventure and Henry Fitzwilliam’s War prior to reading The Exile: Kitty Bennet and the Belle Époque.
In his wonderfully creative series, where magic and history intertwine, Don Jacobson reveals what becomes of many of Jane Austen’s secondary characters from Pride and Prejudice after the happy double wedding takes place. Mr. Jacobson seeks to find new potential and purpose for these characters, and thanks to The Bennet Wardrobe – a special and mystical time-travel device that allows only those with the Bennet bloodline to travel into the future – Jane Austen’s characters could discover their destinies in future times and possibilities.
That is what happens to Kitty Bennet – often overlooked and possessing the distinguishing characteristic of being a frequent cougher, Kitty finds her destiny in a future time period. Quite unexpectedly she makes accidental use of The Bennet Wardrobe and it takes her to the year 1886. An overwhelming and startling change for sure, especially when poor Kitty didn’t even know time travel was possible!
This installment in the series follows the course of Kitty’s life from when she arrives in 1886 through the year 1892. The sequence of events Kitty faces are challenging, illuminating, and at times horrendously appalling. My heart broke and wept for Kitty during these darker points in this story, and my sympathies were fully engaged when we learn about Kitty’s buried anxieties and mental views. But then there were other moments where I found myself amazed by and applauding Kitty’s resiliency and strength. I’ve read a few sequels that flesh out Kitty’s character, but it is in this story that see the greatest transformation take place. While the new time period broadens her horizons and increases her wealth and options, Kitty undergoes am internal metamorphosis of sorts that is shows immeasurable growth and new understanding.
There are many historical figures and interesting cross-overs to explore in this book – such as encounters with Sherlock Holmes, Sigmund Freud, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. I especially enjoyed seeing Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s characters interact with Don Jacobson’s (his Sherlock was spot on!) However, my most favorite parts of the story-line were those that concerned Kitty and Henry Fitzwilliam. Knowing a little bit of their history (or should I say future?), I enjoyed seeing the development of their interactions together. I liked Henry a lot and found him everything admirable and honorable, and I loved how forthright and sincere Kitty was towards Henry. I also appreciated how Kitty wasn’t interested in flirting or marriage any time soon. Both these characters experience impossible hardships and tragic losses in this story, but their journey through these circumstances is wonderfully rewarding to witness.
And while I do appreciate all the interesting tie-ins to historical events and figures included in this epic adventure, I found myself wanting more time with just Kitty and Henry and exploring their individual thoughts and reflections. But I understand that when combined with the other elements of the the story – the setting, the family background, the historical tie-ins, the new characters – there is only so much page time available allotted for each component.
The Exile: Kitty Bennet and the Belle Époque is a compelling and captivating continuation of The Bennet Wardrobe series. Don Jacobson is not afraid to show some darker and grimmer realities of life (which departs a little from Jane Austen’s style, of course), and I appreciate how sensitively yet truthfully he treats these realities. I am very much looking forward to seeing more of adventures of The Five Families in the rest of this series, and I cannot wait to see where (or when) the Bennet Wardrobe takes us next!
Warning: There are a few mentions of sexual assault and violence, and a few brief scenes where they are described (briefly and not graphically).
Austenesque Reviews
Note: While the Author’s Preface and Prologue impart some important details of the events that proceed this story, it is recommended that readers read The Keeper: Mary Bennet’s Extraordinary Adventure and Henry Fitzwilliam’s War prior to reading The Exile: Kitty Bennet and the Belle Époque.
In his wonderfully creative series, where magic and history intertwine, Don Jacobson reveals what becomes of many of Jane Austen’s secondary characters from Pride and Prejudice after the happy double wedding takes place. Mr. Jacobson seeks to find new potential and purpose for these characters, and thanks to The Bennet Wardrobe – a special and mystical time-travel device that allows only those with the Bennet bloodline to travel into the future – Jane Austen’s characters could discover their destinies in future times and possibilities.
That is what happens to Kitty Bennet – often overlooked and possessing the distinguishing characteristic of being a frequent cougher, Kitty finds her destiny in a future time period. Quite unexpectedly she makes accidental use of The Bennet Wardrobe and it takes her to the year 1886. An overwhelming and startling change for sure, especially when poor Kitty didn’t even know time travel was possible!
This installment in the series follows the course of Kitty’s life from when she arrives in 1886 through the year 1892. The sequence of events Kitty faces are challenging, illuminating, and at times horrendously appalling. My heart broke and wept for Kitty during these darker points in this story, and my sympathies were fully engaged when we learn about Kitty’s buried anxieties and mental views. But then there were other moments where I found myself amazed by and applauding Kitty’s resiliency and strength. I’ve read a few sequels that flesh out Kitty’s character, but it is in this story that see the greatest transformation take place. While the new time period broadens her horizons and increases her wealth and options, Kitty undergoes am internal metamorphosis of sorts that is shows immeasurable growth and new understanding.
There are many historical figures and interesting cross-overs to explore in this book – such as encounters with Sherlock Holmes, Sigmund Freud, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. I especially enjoyed seeing Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s characters interact with Don Jacobson’s (his Sherlock was spot on!) However, my most favorite parts of the story-line were those that concerned Kitty and Henry Fitzwilliam. Knowing a little bit of their history (or should I say future?), I enjoyed seeing the development of their interactions together. I liked Henry a lot and found him everything admirable and honorable, and I loved how forthright and sincere Kitty was towards Henry. I also appreciated how Kitty wasn’t interested in flirting or marriage any time soon. Both these characters experience impossible hardships and tragic losses in this story, but their journey through these circumstances is wonderfully rewarding to witness.
And while I do appreciate all the interesting tie-ins to historical events and figures included in this epic adventure, I found myself wanting more time with just Kitty and Henry and exploring their individual thoughts and reflections. But I understand that when combined with the other elements of the the story – the setting, the family background, the historical tie-ins, the new characters – there is only so much page time available allotted for each component.
The Exile: Kitty Bennet and the Belle Époque is a compelling and captivating continuation of The Bennet Wardrobe series. Don Jacobson is not afraid to show some darker and grimmer realities of life (which departs a little from Jane Austen’s style, of course), and I appreciate how sensitively yet truthfully he treats these realities. I am very much looking forward to seeing more of adventures of The Five Families in the rest of this series, and I cannot wait to see where (or when) the Bennet Wardrobe takes us next!
Warning: There are a few mentions of sexual assault and violence, and a few brief scenes where they are described (briefly and not graphically).
Austenesque Reviews
October 29, 2021
The saga continues in the third novel of the Bennet Wardrobe series regarding one of my favourite secondary characters from Pride and Prejudice, Kitty Bennet. We are learning the fate of Kitty, after she takes her anger out on the Wardrobe when Mr. Bennet tells her she is being sent to school in Cornwall. As we all have been teenagers, we tend to say things we may come to regret or never really meant. However, as Lydia once mentioned, the Wardrobe has a peculiar sense of humour. It may not give you want you want, but it gives you what you need.
Being thrust from 1811 into 1886, for a young, rather sheltered seventeen year old is daunting. How she handles the transition and the restrictions imposed by the Bennet Family Trust, with offices worldwide and controlled by the Five Families (Bennet, Darcy, Bingley, Gardiner, and Fitzwilliam), are realistic and needed. However, she has more than just the Board members to deal with...she has the Director, Viscount Henry Fitzwilliam.
"When I first met him after my journey...he was polite, but friendly, and he seemed to be very concerned about my well-being. He was the perfect gentleman. Then, as if he was one of Mr. Edison's light bulbs, he went dark as if someone had cut the circuit between his head and his heart."
Henry has his own journey as well. To better understand his issues, and his reasons for keeping Miss Kitty at a distance, I highly recommend you first read "Henry Fitzwilliam's War". All the pieces will slowly fall in to place.
We have familiar characters from Pride & Prejudice as well as new characters that you come to love (Maggie, Aline and Jacques to name a few). The villains, Lord Junius Winter being one of them, are diabolical and wreak such havoc. Their actions and intents towards Kitty make one's blood run cold.
"Suddenly a presence imposed itself upon her contemplation. Heralded by a cloying perfume combining vanilla's sweetness with the balsam stickiness of pine, the being approached to cast darkness behind her left side. She could only sense something looming..."
The inclusion of historical individuals from the Belle Epoque period adds a sense of realism to the story. Plus, there are two characters from a famous Victorian author that add yet another layer.
As a weaver knows their craft of interlacing the threads/yarns to create a strong and beautiful textile, Mr. Jacobson has woven a coming of age story with history, betrayal, greed, villainy and the healing power of love. Love, not only given by others, but the love of one's self. His characters are so three dimensional that they come alive in front you. At times, we are deep in their psyche. For me, this book was deeply moving...achingly so. It had me in tears many times. As in Book 1, "The Keeper", my senses and emotions were deeply engaged as Kitty embarks into a new world. Vivid descriptions of the portraits capturing those she loved...the letters she reads all bring a poignancy to the story. The scent of roses over freshly mowed grass flows throughout. Her journey becomes your journey and your heart will break for her. Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, Kitty too will rise again!
I highly recommend this powerful and haunting epic saga to all!
Note: Some mature audience content
I received an updated version of this book, but I do own the original paperback.
February 23, 2018
The Exile: Kitty Bennet and the Belle Époque is another excellent book in The Bennet Wardrobe series by Don Jacobson. It is a fascinating adventure. I was amazed at the depth and intricacies of the story. There is so much to it; history, romance, abduction and adventure. Don Jacobson puts it all together in a way that is believable and intriguing. I loved the appearance of characters from novels of another time. That was the icing on the cake.
Kitty has a lot to learn before she can become the woman that The Wardrobe knows she is to be. Much of her path on this long road is not easy but the making of the lady is inspiring. We learn much about her life as the young Kitty following in the footsteps of her younger and flighty sister, Lydia. Her constant cough, her lack of confidence, her almost epic desire to shadow, all are explained within the words of this story.
Henry Fitzwilliam is a person of much interest and complexity. He has a lot resting on his shoulders and has been through much for his young years. He even has his own novella, Henry Fitzwilliam’s War.
The writing is excellent, and the plot is awesome. It held my interest from beginning to end. Again, Don Jacobson inspires with the research he obviously did for this novel. It was evident from the blending of the story into the Victorian times of the Belle Époque. As I said in my review of The Keeper, the first book in The Bennet Wardrobe series, the author is brilliant. His mind in developing this theme, his writing style, the hours of research, all are evident in the fluidity of the novel.
The elements of The Bennet Wardrobe, the Bennets and other characters of Pride & Prejudice, the fantasies of time travel allowing for the introduction of characters from other novels, as well as real people, all are intricately blended together in one dazzling/vivid collage of scenes and actual events making up this marvelous series of novels. I can’t wait for more! Don Jacobson is a marvelous story-teller! I highly recommend his books.
Kitty has a lot to learn before she can become the woman that The Wardrobe knows she is to be. Much of her path on this long road is not easy but the making of the lady is inspiring. We learn much about her life as the young Kitty following in the footsteps of her younger and flighty sister, Lydia. Her constant cough, her lack of confidence, her almost epic desire to shadow, all are explained within the words of this story.
Henry Fitzwilliam is a person of much interest and complexity. He has a lot resting on his shoulders and has been through much for his young years. He even has his own novella, Henry Fitzwilliam’s War.
The writing is excellent, and the plot is awesome. It held my interest from beginning to end. Again, Don Jacobson inspires with the research he obviously did for this novel. It was evident from the blending of the story into the Victorian times of the Belle Époque. As I said in my review of The Keeper, the first book in The Bennet Wardrobe series, the author is brilliant. His mind in developing this theme, his writing style, the hours of research, all are evident in the fluidity of the novel.
The elements of The Bennet Wardrobe, the Bennets and other characters of Pride & Prejudice, the fantasies of time travel allowing for the introduction of characters from other novels, as well as real people, all are intricately blended together in one dazzling/vivid collage of scenes and actual events making up this marvelous series of novels. I can’t wait for more! Don Jacobson is a marvelous story-teller! I highly recommend his books.
March 13, 2025
I would like to write a long review but I'm utterly speechless.
We start at Longbourn 1811 with Kitty being well Kitty like in canon and then when her should we say 'Journey' or 'Adventure' begins in 1886, our dear Kitty develops quickly into a young lady while still having some of her canon character traits. I love her so much, so you can imagine I felt with her at every event what happened in her life. Honestly, I never thought I would love Kitty because she's such an insignificant character and a follower of a spoiled brat in canon, but Mr Jacobson proved me wrong!!
Now to Henry Fitzwilliam, it's as Kitty thought.. 'He's like Lizzy's Darcy' (Proud etc..) but such a Dear clever man in my opinion. Frankly, with such a secret like the Wardrobe and only Bennet bloodline can travel he needs to be clever. It's a lot to take in but well explained.
A little side note, the author included some fictional and 'non fictional' characters in his work which was refreshing to read of any non P&P Characters in a Jaff but I won't spoil you any further.
- As I listened to the audiobook I will say something on that score, Amanda Berry did a very good job though I think her German accent from Junius Winters and Astrid Winters rather sounded French. But otherwise when she sometimes used French or German words, I really wondered if she speaks those languages because it sounded really good.
-------
Warning and Spoiler ahead:
There is violence and assault and Mature Content. So please don't say I didn't warn you..
We start at Longbourn 1811 with Kitty being well Kitty like in canon and then when her should we say 'Journey' or 'Adventure' begins in 1886, our dear Kitty develops quickly into a young lady while still having some of her canon character traits. I love her so much, so you can imagine I felt with her at every event what happened in her life. Honestly, I never thought I would love Kitty because she's such an insignificant character and a follower of a spoiled brat in canon, but Mr Jacobson proved me wrong!!
Now to Henry Fitzwilliam, it's as Kitty thought.. 'He's like Lizzy's Darcy' (Proud etc..) but such a Dear clever man in my opinion. Frankly, with such a secret like the Wardrobe and only Bennet bloodline can travel he needs to be clever. It's a lot to take in but well explained.
A little side note, the author included some fictional and 'non fictional' characters in his work which was refreshing to read of any non P&P Characters in a Jaff but I won't spoil you any further.
- As I listened to the audiobook I will say something on that score, Amanda Berry did a very good job though I think her German accent from Junius Winters and Astrid Winters rather sounded French. But otherwise when she sometimes used French or German words, I really wondered if she speaks those languages because it sounded really good.
-------
Warning and Spoiler ahead:
There is violence and assault and Mature Content. So please don't say I didn't warn you..
October 3, 2017
Having a tantrum the day after the marriage of her two eldest sisters 17 year old Catherine 'Kitty' Bennet is transported through The Wardrobe to the place she needs to be - London in 1886, where she meets a dying Lydia, and the Five families. Now is Kitty's time, her adventure, her growing up.
Enjoyable read about one of the lesser characters of Pride and Prejudice. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Enjoyable read about one of the lesser characters of Pride and Prejudice. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
March 18, 2018
Gripping
This story is not for the faint hearted. It is a very interesting tale of the changing times, but it is also a story of trial by fire. This series are proving to be a truly unique narrative that entails a good knowledge of several eras.
This story is not for the faint hearted. It is a very interesting tale of the changing times, but it is also a story of trial by fire. This series are proving to be a truly unique narrative that entails a good knowledge of several eras.
August 3, 2020
So much happens in the story, and so many characters show up to help establish the time frame and add dimension. I loved the surprise guest characters, and the layers of this story that seem to hint and lead into a more layered overarching story to come.
October 21, 2020
Kitty’s was another amazing journey but more heartbreaking than Mary’s... but to have Sherlock Holmes and Freud in your story, how awesome is that? Love the inclusion of famous characters and real people as part of the story!
Back to the heartbreak, I didn’t expect so much drama but it made the story more interesting and unforgettable... I still cannot get over Lizzy dying so soon and was overwhelmed by Kitty’s and Henry’s ordeals!
And the evil people... not just Moriarty so I expect Junius appearance for part two
Back to the heartbreak, I didn’t expect so much drama but it made the story more interesting and unforgettable... I still cannot get over Lizzy dying so soon and was overwhelmed by Kitty’s and Henry’s ordeals!
And the evil people... not just Moriarty so I expect Junius appearance for part two
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2022
This was the toughest PP variation I have read so far. There are a lot of trigger warnings for those who need to know, rape and abuse. Be warned.
Kitty goes through the wardrobe and ends up in the 1880s. She decides to stay as she did not really feel welcome in her own time. Her we get to see the neglect of her parents and why Kitty wanted to strike out on her own.
She meets a relation by the name Henry Fitzwilliam of Matlock. And having read book 2, I know that in the end these two will end up together and be happy. But before that a lot happens. Henry pines for the lady in book 2 (which is Kitty, long story.) He finds this Kitty fascinating but cares not. And he is to marry someone else.
There are many trials before them before they can be happy, and Kitty must learn to live with her past to embrace her future.
A good book, but the bad people are so evil, and there is an evil brewing that i guess will follow into later books.
Great narration. I was there in the good and bad. It put my heart through a wringer.
Kitty goes through the wardrobe and ends up in the 1880s. She decides to stay as she did not really feel welcome in her own time. Her we get to see the neglect of her parents and why Kitty wanted to strike out on her own.
She meets a relation by the name Henry Fitzwilliam of Matlock. And having read book 2, I know that in the end these two will end up together and be happy. But before that a lot happens. Henry pines for the lady in book 2 (which is Kitty, long story.) He finds this Kitty fascinating but cares not. And he is to marry someone else.
There are many trials before them before they can be happy, and Kitty must learn to live with her past to embrace her future.
A good book, but the bad people are so evil, and there is an evil brewing that i guess will follow into later books.
Great narration. I was there in the good and bad. It put my heart through a wringer.
July 30, 2018
Avid Reader
This book answered my question concerning the Winters, but I was still confused as to how Sir Thomas Gardenier ended up with Bennett blood because the child that he fathered against his will is described as having Bennett eyes on the last volume. What happened to Kitty at the hands of Lord Winter was horrible, but Moran makes him pay for what he did to her. The inclusion of Sherlock Holmes and Watson made the book more dynamic. Also, Dr. Freud really helped Kitty make sense of her abandonment issues which started at the age of six. Her father gave her little solace while her mother abused her. Thanks to Maggie, Jacques, and the Renoirs she survives.
This book answered my question concerning the Winters, but I was still confused as to how Sir Thomas Gardenier ended up with Bennett blood because the child that he fathered against his will is described as having Bennett eyes on the last volume. What happened to Kitty at the hands of Lord Winter was horrible, but Moran makes him pay for what he did to her. The inclusion of Sherlock Holmes and Watson made the book more dynamic. Also, Dr. Freud really helped Kitty make sense of her abandonment issues which started at the age of six. Her father gave her little solace while her mother abused her. Thanks to Maggie, Jacques, and the Renoirs she survives.
April 5, 2022
Poor Kitty
I feel so sad for Kitty. Oh my what she goes through.
Don has really created a wonderful series. Must read!
I feel so sad for Kitty. Oh my what she goes through.
Don has really created a wonderful series. Must read!
February 16, 2022
The moment of these series so far which stays with my heart is the moment where Kitty and Lydia have a conversation as Kitty steps into her future. Many scenes stay in our heads, but I felt so much for them both that it imprinted on my heart. I disliked the hurt she had to suffer when she was waiting for Henry to get done with his showing off, but I loved that it felt like there was real love in her story, as so many series and books pass over her as a coatrack...so to speak.
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