What do you think?
Rate this book
The Last Miss Bennet: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
As all five Bennet sisters pursue their dreams, hopes are formed and dashed and then revived. One at a time, Elizabeth’s sisters marry until she is the last Miss Bennet. The round of weddings begins with an unexpected union for Mary, which changes her outlook on life. Jane’s happiness is reclaimed, and Kitty finds love along with some much-needed good sense.
No family is without its troubles though, and Lydia can be counted on to provide those. Her foolishness threatens to stand in the way of Elizabeth’s matrimonial happiness, but it also serves to create new bonds between sisters who have not always been close.
No family is without its troubles though, and Lydia can be counted on to provide those. Her foolishness threatens to stand in the way of Elizabeth’s matrimonial happiness, but it also serves to create new bonds between sisters who have not always been close.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2018
26 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 6, 2018
This is just a really neat story. It starts out a bit slow and at first seems as though it's very similar to canon, but it gradually veers off and forges a very unique path. Darcy and Elizabeth are just one of the five couples whose stories are nicely interwoven.
The book begins with Mr. Collins' arrival. All the preceding events of Pride and Prejudice have occurred. If you're a Mary Bennet fan, you will love her story arc here. She sees Mr. Collins with hope that he'll recognize she's perfect for him and is sorely disappointed when he doesn't pay any attention to her. I love that she has a surprise suitor and is the first to marry. This changes her view of herself and the rest of her family.
Although Mr. Bingley's sisters try to talk him into abandoning Jane, it's Mr. Darcy who has the strongest influence on him to stay away from Netherfield and give her up when they go to London. Interestingly, all his objections have to do with her family's embarrassing behavior and lack of important connections without any mention of Jane's heart seeming untouched by Mr. Bingley. Darcy also is eager to get away from Elizabeth, recognizing that his own heart is at risk if he stays in Hertfordshire too long.
Mr. Wickham is unaware of the entail and is under the assumption that Mrs. Bennet will inherit. He expects to be able to live comfortably at Longbourn if he marries one of the Bennet daughters. Elizabeth is the most attractive option, but Lydia proves to be a much easier mark.
Kitty has a particular favorite among the officers, too. She and Lydia begin as a flirty, silly team who, foolishly, only confide in each other when others should be made aware of their biggest secret.
The most impressive thing about this book is the way Elizabeth, Mary and Kitty gradually bond together even though they have never been particularly close in the past. Mary and Elizabeth start drifting closer together first, and then Kitty realizes perhaps her older sisters would be better to emulate than Lydia. As they cope with family crises, they demonstrate increased maturity. The plot knits tightly together, with decisions by each sister affecting the others. Mr. Darcy is a significant presence throughout the book, and his initial proposal (yes, there are two!) goes much differently than in the original.
There are places in the book where the author over-explains. Many things that are evident to the reader are spoon-fed, so the writing sometimes has a somewhat juvenile quality. There are also a number of small editing-type errors. However, it's a solid story that's mostly told well.
The book begins with Mr. Collins' arrival. All the preceding events of Pride and Prejudice have occurred. If you're a Mary Bennet fan, you will love her story arc here. She sees Mr. Collins with hope that he'll recognize she's perfect for him and is sorely disappointed when he doesn't pay any attention to her. I love that she has a surprise suitor and is the first to marry. This changes her view of herself and the rest of her family.
Although Mr. Bingley's sisters try to talk him into abandoning Jane, it's Mr. Darcy who has the strongest influence on him to stay away from Netherfield and give her up when they go to London. Interestingly, all his objections have to do with her family's embarrassing behavior and lack of important connections without any mention of Jane's heart seeming untouched by Mr. Bingley. Darcy also is eager to get away from Elizabeth, recognizing that his own heart is at risk if he stays in Hertfordshire too long.
Mr. Wickham is unaware of the entail and is under the assumption that Mrs. Bennet will inherit. He expects to be able to live comfortably at Longbourn if he marries one of the Bennet daughters. Elizabeth is the most attractive option, but Lydia proves to be a much easier mark.
Kitty has a particular favorite among the officers, too. She and Lydia begin as a flirty, silly team who, foolishly, only confide in each other when others should be made aware of their biggest secret.
The most impressive thing about this book is the way Elizabeth, Mary and Kitty gradually bond together even though they have never been particularly close in the past. Mary and Elizabeth start drifting closer together first, and then Kitty realizes perhaps her older sisters would be better to emulate than Lydia. As they cope with family crises, they demonstrate increased maturity. The plot knits tightly together, with decisions by each sister affecting the others. Mr. Darcy is a significant presence throughout the book, and his initial proposal (yes, there are two!) goes much differently than in the original.
There are places in the book where the author over-explains. Many things that are evident to the reader are spoon-fed, so the writing sometimes has a somewhat juvenile quality. There are also a number of small editing-type errors. However, it's a solid story that's mostly told well.
May 27, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
This story has no big surprises nor suspense for that matter. The story description tells us that Elizabeth is the last Bennet sister to marry and it is not because she didn't have her chances as we know from canon.
I was happy to read of Mary being the first to marry and of the wisdom she shows as she steps in to give advice and/or help to her sisters. She forms a close relationship with Elizabeth as she is much more practical in her outlook than Jane who continued to look on the sunny side always in this story.
Kitty learns from observations of not only Lydia but also her other sisters and also as she sees the acts of the men in their circle. She suffers a disappointment and in that seeks solace with Elizabeth as they believe their fate is to remain spinsters.
Mr. Bennet does not have much part in the action as he falls ill. At the same time Mrs. Bennet is kept in the dark about behaviors and consequences which her daughters know she is incapable of keeping to herself.
I also appreciated how four of the men who married into the family came to be close and how they worked together to become a close family.
Darcy is even more part of the action behind the scenes than in canon. Much of it has to do with his goal of marrying Elizabeth. But in this story it is not as much a secret that he wants kept from Elizabeth in not wanting her gratitude for his generosity but more that she refuses to bring disgrace to his name even as she knows she loves him.
This was not a long read and it was also a pleasant read with the type of happy endings we like for four of the sisters. In saying that I will hint that the fifth sister was happy for herself even if we do not look with approval upon how she got there.
This story has no big surprises nor suspense for that matter. The story description tells us that Elizabeth is the last Bennet sister to marry and it is not because she didn't have her chances as we know from canon.
I was happy to read of Mary being the first to marry and of the wisdom she shows as she steps in to give advice and/or help to her sisters. She forms a close relationship with Elizabeth as she is much more practical in her outlook than Jane who continued to look on the sunny side always in this story.
Kitty learns from observations of not only Lydia but also her other sisters and also as she sees the acts of the men in their circle. She suffers a disappointment and in that seeks solace with Elizabeth as they believe their fate is to remain spinsters.
Mr. Bennet does not have much part in the action as he falls ill. At the same time Mrs. Bennet is kept in the dark about behaviors and consequences which her daughters know she is incapable of keeping to herself.
I also appreciated how four of the men who married into the family came to be close and how they worked together to become a close family.
Darcy is even more part of the action behind the scenes than in canon. Much of it has to do with his goal of marrying Elizabeth. But in this story it is not as much a secret that he wants kept from Elizabeth in not wanting her gratitude for his generosity but more that she refuses to bring disgrace to his name even as she knows she loves him.
This was not a long read and it was also a pleasant read with the type of happy endings we like for four of the sisters. In saying that I will hint that the fifth sister was happy for herself even if we do not look with approval upon how she got there.
August 5, 2018
This is a very enjoyable read! It starts with the arrival of Mr Collins and from this point the variation starts. We get some quite insightful comments from Mary about his behaviour. Then we meet Mr Wickham, scoundrel. He has his sights set upon Lydia until he realises she has no money and then directs his attention elsewhere but there are going to be consequences.
This story follows the relationships of all the Bennet sisters and the changes in their relationships over time. Although we see plenty of Darcy and Elizabeth, theirs is not the only story. Darcy's interest in Elizabeth is far more obvious than he thinks but accepts it when he's asked and really wears his heart on his sleeve, I really liked him. Mr Bingley is lovely too and I also liked Mr Purvis. Mary turns out an interesting character and it was really nice to see her relationship developing.
It's difficult to sum this book without spoiling it... it's a relatively light read, low angst for most of the characters. It's not too long and the characters are lovely, except the ones who are supposed to be awful... and they really are!! A firm 4 stars and very enjoyable read.
This story follows the relationships of all the Bennet sisters and the changes in their relationships over time. Although we see plenty of Darcy and Elizabeth, theirs is not the only story. Darcy's interest in Elizabeth is far more obvious than he thinks but accepts it when he's asked and really wears his heart on his sleeve, I really liked him. Mr Bingley is lovely too and I also liked Mr Purvis. Mary turns out an interesting character and it was really nice to see her relationship developing.
It's difficult to sum this book without spoiling it... it's a relatively light read, low angst for most of the characters. It's not too long and the characters are lovely, except the ones who are supposed to be awful... and they really are!! A firm 4 stars and very enjoyable read.
March 13, 2021
Make this into a Netflix series
There are enough stories and plot twists to make this a credible series on Netflix or on the BBC Masterpiece Theater on PBS.
Best writing ever? No, but good enough to enjoy. Very original. In some ways no but in most ways yes.
This is not a must read book but is an excellent potboiler and makes a fine Kindle Unlimited read.
There are enough stories and plot twists to make this a credible series on Netflix or on the BBC Masterpiece Theater on PBS.
Best writing ever? No, but good enough to enjoy. Very original. In some ways no but in most ways yes.
This is not a must read book but is an excellent potboiler and makes a fine Kindle Unlimited read.
June 3, 2024
Too much Lydia
For Elizabeth being the last Bennet we get very little romantic airplay for her.
It's an interesting take on marrying off the Bennet daughters.
I just we got more interaction between our dear couple.
For Elizabeth being the last Bennet we get very little romantic airplay for her.
It's an interesting take on marrying off the Bennet daughters.
I just we got more interaction between our dear couple.
May 15, 2018
This Pride and Prejudice variation features a larger role for all of the Bennet sisters. Mary finds a place that makes her comfortable. When she is not trying to impress, she begins to show a much better side of herself. This trait is needed because Lydia is an extreme version of herself. That has the pleasant effect of helping Kitty see the error of her ways. All of this in the backdrop of Elizabeth dealing with Darcy and Jane's love of Bingley.
I really enjoyed the sisterhood represented in the story and how the author wrapped everything up. No character seemed to take to much on themselves or was larger than others. I felt it was very well rounded.
I really enjoyed the sisterhood represented in the story and how the author wrapped everything up. No character seemed to take to much on themselves or was larger than others. I felt it was very well rounded.
May 31, 2018
Beginning rehash
At the onset, I quickly became frustrated with the fairly familiar rehash of the original. I persevered and the tale got better. Lydia's "problem", bonds Mary, Kitty and Lizzy as they attempt to keep her secret. As the problem solving progresses, romances and marriages occur. The sisters, except Lydia, find loving respectful husbands. There is a detailed epilogue which gives all but Lydia a happy ending. Okay for a few hours of gentle reading. Bland and almost angst free.
At the onset, I quickly became frustrated with the fairly familiar rehash of the original. I persevered and the tale got better. Lydia's "problem", bonds Mary, Kitty and Lizzy as they attempt to keep her secret. As the problem solving progresses, romances and marriages occur. The sisters, except Lydia, find loving respectful husbands. There is a detailed epilogue which gives all but Lydia a happy ending. Okay for a few hours of gentle reading. Bland and almost angst free.
August 6, 2018
A nice book
Four stars because I was entertained. This a what if P&P. Mr. Bennet is I’ll and Elizabeth is called home by her sister Mary. Mary is married to a nice man. Jane is reunited with Bingley with Darcy’s help. Lydia is in trouble because of Wickham. Mary, Elizabeth and Kitty work together to hide the situation from their parents and get Wickham to marry Lydia. Darcy steps in and helps. Elizabeth is the last sister to marry, it’s Darcy of course. This was a cute story.
Four stars because I was entertained. This a what if P&P. Mr. Bennet is I’ll and Elizabeth is called home by her sister Mary. Mary is married to a nice man. Jane is reunited with Bingley with Darcy’s help. Lydia is in trouble because of Wickham. Mary, Elizabeth and Kitty work together to hide the situation from their parents and get Wickham to marry Lydia. Darcy steps in and helps. Elizabeth is the last sister to marry, it’s Darcy of course. This was a cute story.
June 7, 2019
Fair
The story is a very original and interesting variation, giving almost equal attention to each Bennett sister's individual journey to marriage. The central focus is still, of course, ODC, but they are the last to attain their resolution, and it is an arduous and convoluted road to happiness. Mr. Darcy figures prominently in getting all of the Bennett sisters married, except Mary, who is the first to go and does so before he even decides to court Elizabeth. Once he makes up his mind to win her, he goes to great lengths and expense to smooth the way for their own HEA, even enduring scandal and vulgarity to achieve it.
I like the idea for the story, however, there isn't much actual dialogue. It's told almost like a documentary, or a recap of a story with some speaking thrown in here and there. It was difficult to become engaged in any emotions when the story is told so clinically. It has the potential to be very romantic, but the romantic scenes are stated in a matter-of-fact way rather than full of speeches and adjectives.
It's well written and well edited. I recommend it as something out of the ordinary and pleasant.
The story is a very original and interesting variation, giving almost equal attention to each Bennett sister's individual journey to marriage. The central focus is still, of course, ODC, but they are the last to attain their resolution, and it is an arduous and convoluted road to happiness. Mr. Darcy figures prominently in getting all of the Bennett sisters married, except Mary, who is the first to go and does so before he even decides to court Elizabeth. Once he makes up his mind to win her, he goes to great lengths and expense to smooth the way for their own HEA, even enduring scandal and vulgarity to achieve it.
I like the idea for the story, however, there isn't much actual dialogue. It's told almost like a documentary, or a recap of a story with some speaking thrown in here and there. It was difficult to become engaged in any emotions when the story is told so clinically. It has the potential to be very romantic, but the romantic scenes are stated in a matter-of-fact way rather than full of speeches and adjectives.
It's well written and well edited. I recommend it as something out of the ordinary and pleasant.
May 28, 2018
Lots of "What If..." fun!
Love, love, love Mary's fate in this story. That poor girl deserves happiness! Kitty really turns out well, too. Add an often-exasperated Elizabeth and an oh-so-generous Darcy, and you get a very satisfying tale.
Love, love, love Mary's fate in this story. That poor girl deserves happiness! Kitty really turns out well, too. Add an often-exasperated Elizabeth and an oh-so-generous Darcy, and you get a very satisfying tale.
June 9, 2018
Overall I enjoyed this a lot. I love the direction the plot took, and it carried the tone of the original well.
The first third lacked dialogue and felt like a condensed summary of the original novel in places, but it really picked up after that. Recommended for P&P fans.
The first third lacked dialogue and felt like a condensed summary of the original novel in places, but it really picked up after that. Recommended for P&P fans.
September 3, 2018
Good Variation
This is a good variation on Pride and Prejudice, though it follows the original plot so closely that I started to wonder when som differences would emerge. They finally did, and though the pace is a bit slow, it’s an enjoyable story.
This is a good variation on Pride and Prejudice, though it follows the original plot so closely that I started to wonder when som differences would emerge. They finally did, and though the pace is a bit slow, it’s an enjoyable story.
October 16, 2019
3.5
A slow start that seemed very close to cannon, but then changes in some interesting ways. I really enjoyed the closer relationships of the Bennet girls, and the friendship between Darcy and Lizzy.
Half a point off for Americanisms/general anachronistic language.
A slow start that seemed very close to cannon, but then changes in some interesting ways. I really enjoyed the closer relationships of the Bennet girls, and the friendship between Darcy and Lizzy.
Half a point off for Americanisms/general anachronistic language.
June 26, 2018
Wondeful
A wonderful read! I could barely put it down! A great retelling of how it could have been with enough twists to keep you intrigued.
A wonderful read! I could barely put it down! A great retelling of how it could have been with enough twists to keep you intrigued.
July 21, 2018
I really loved the involvement of the whole Bennett family. A truly unique variation of P&P.
dnf
May 15, 2021Gave up when Mary accepted the proposal from Mr Purvis.
August 4, 2022
Okay
Pleasant story, marred by way too much explanation of emotions, and not enough action or dialogue showing how such feelings came about.
Pleasant story, marred by way too much explanation of emotions, and not enough action or dialogue showing how such feelings came about.
March 1, 2022
This Pride and Prejudice variation skillfully and gradually sets the stage and unveils a different challenge to create the arc of the story than the more frequently used challenge of misunderstanding between the usual two main protagonists. In this variation their relationship, as well as that of others, unfolds as that different challenge is tackled by various individuals working in concert to address it. In turn, that makes the process of development of greater humility and mutual respect (which the original aims at as well) come as a result of dialogue and consideration and problem solving, instead of through surprising revelation and self-reflection.
That process is particularly well written.
For that reason this is one of the few variations I have gone back and read a second time. Which makes it five stars in my rating system.
That process is particularly well written.
For that reason this is one of the few variations I have gone back and read a second time. Which makes it five stars in my rating system.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews