The Longbourn Letters: The Correspondence between Mr Collins & Mr Bennet

by Rose Servitova

Where Pride and Prejudice ends, a new relationship begins.
Good-humoured but detached and taciturn, Mr Bennet is not given to intimacy. Largely content with his life at Longbourn, he spends his evenings in the solitude of his library, accompanied only by a glass of port and a good book. But when his cousin, the pompous clergyman Mr Collins, announces his intention to visit, Mr Bennet is curious to meet and appraise the heir to his estate.
Despite Mr Bennet's initial discouragement, Mr Collins quickly becomes a frequent presence in his life. They correspond regularly, with Mr Collins recounting tales of his follies and scrapes and Mr Bennet taking great pleasure from teasing his unsuspecting friend.
When a rift develops between the men, Mr Bennet is faced with a he must withdraw into isolation once again or acknowledge that Mr Collins has brought something new and rich to his life.
Tender, heart-warming and peppered with disarming humour, The Longbourn Letters reimagines the characters of Pride and Prejudice and perfectly captures the subtleties of human relationships and the power of friendship.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Regency

190 pages, Paperback

Published May 2, 2017

Reviews

[wosedwew · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lot we lost when we stopped writing letters. You can't reread a phone call. ~Liz Carpenter

Remember Mr. Bennet’s words to Elizabeth, “I would not give up Mr. Collins’s correspondence for any consideration.”

Beginning with the meeting between the distant cousins in Pride and Prejudice, and continuing to the end of Mr. Bennet’s time on Earth, their correspondence reveals all. Rose Servitova has “simply handed them two quills and let them get on with it”. The language is very consistent with Austen and is delightfully witty and even warm.

Mr. Bennet on the newborn heir to the Collins fortunes: Thomas is indeed a fine fellow. I look forward with eagerness to his growth and development to discover whether he inherits the Collins intelligence and eloquence or the Lucas practicality and chins.

Mr. Bennet again, on his granddaughter: We had a delightful time at Clarinda Park with Jane, Bingley and the lovely Martha. She has inherited her parents’ temperament, her aunt Miss Bingley’s fondness for items that sparkle and her grandmother’s habit of babbling to herself.

Mr. Collins on Mr. Bennet’s suspicions of Mary joining a convent: I do hope you are utterly mistaken in your opinion of Mary … such suspicions should be investigated at once, and no leniency shown, for it is a grave sin no lesser than that committed by her sister, Lydia.

Mr. Collins again: This will enable me to redeem myself in the eyes of my noble patroness and re-establish my standing at Rosings. My vegetable patch is sadly neglected.

Letters are among the most significant memorial a person can leave behind them. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mr. Bennet and Mr. Collins Bromance!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Epistolary Novel

TIME FRAME: 1791 through early 1798

MAIN CHARACTERS: Mr. Collins and Mr. Bennet

SYNOPSIS:

In Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Bennet says “I would not give up Mr. Collins’s correspondence for any consideration.” What if that were true? It is quite conceivable to imagine they would continue to correspond, isn’t it? After all, Mr. Collins did initially have the desire to “heal the breach” and extend an olive branch to Mr. Bennet. Even though they didn’t become in-laws to each other, Rose Servitova shows readers that Mr. Bennet and Mr. Collins did indeed continue to correspond for many years, and that their relationship would develop, grow, and evolve in unexpected ways!

WHAT I LOVED:

- A Spotlight Secondary Characters: How clever to take two minor characters and tell a whole story about them! Other secondary characters such as Georgiana Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Charlotte Lucas, Kitty and Mary Bennet all have several novels about them, but for Mr. Bennet and Mr. Collins there is a scarcity! It was a unique experience to see certain events through the eyes of these two characters, and to witness the budding relationship between them. While the Darcys and Bingleys are mentioned and readers are given updates on their lives, this story centers upon those who live in Hunsford, Rosings, and Longbourn.

- The Letters: Having read and loved several Austenesque epistolary novels (A Visit to Highbury, Dear Mr. Darcy) I was so happy to see that this book was fully comprised of letters between Mr. Bennet and Mr. Collins! I appreciated how the letters for each year were divided by a brief summary of what took place that year, and how easy it was to tell Mr. Collins’s correspondence from Mr. Bennet’s (Mr. Collins’s letters were in all italics, Mr. Bennet’s were not).

- The Humor: With Mr. Bennet’s sardonic wit and Mr. Collins’s absurd pomposity, these exchanges will certainly make you chuckle, smirk, and roll your eyes! I especially thought the funniest bits were when Mr. Collins would gently reprimand Mr. Bennet in his way “I know you to be a gentleman of excellent etiquette and therefore, I will assume that you are quite ill and have been so indisposed as to make the writing of a letter impossible…” (page 32) and when Mr. Bennet would have his little jests at Mr. Collins’s expense “But your own nose, Mr. Collins, being bulbous, adds plenty of character to your face and suits you perfectly for if a person takes on look at your face, cousin, they have your character in an instant…” (page 102)

- The Tidbits: Through the correspondence of these gentleman we learn the fates of other P&P characters such as Anne de Bourgh, Kitty Bennet, and Mary Bennet. It was interesting to see what become of them and the new characters introduced to these story-lines. There was more than one surprising development. 😉

- The Evolution: It was heartwarming and touching to see how both Mr. Bennet and Mr. Collins matured and evolved. Mr. Bennet’s letters went from ironically stating “We none of use would rob Charlotte Lucas or any of the Lucases one moment of pleasure in your company…” (page 22) to “Come at once, if you please, my heir and friend.” (page 182) I loved seeing how both men softened with time, how they would bond over gardening, how Mr. Bennet took a special interest in Mr. Collins’s children, and how Mr. Collins would share his concerns and fears with Mr. Bennet like a son would. It was a splendidly satisfying evolution and Ms. Servitova skillfully and gradually brought these two characters closer together than ever before.

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

If anything, I wanted more. 🙂

WHAT I WISHED WAS EXPLAINED: I was curious as to why the author chose 1791 as the year Pride and Prejudice events began. Most often P&P stories are set between 1797 and 1813.

CONCLUSION:

With great perception and ingenuity Rose Servitova delivers an excellent debut novel filled with humor and heart! I love that Ms. Servitova went where no one has gone before, and I sincerely hope we will see more from her in the near future!

Austenesque Reviews

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two of the most hilarious characters in Pride & Prejudice were undoubtedly Mr. Bennet and Mr. Collins. I loved that the scenes in the original involving a couple of letters between the two gentlemen were expounded on into a full epistolary story making for a delightful P&P sequel.

The Longbourn Letters is a sequel story told entirely in letters over the course of several years and only letters exchanged between Mr. Collins and Mr. Bennet at the latter's urging. Mr. Bennet has a droll humor that appreciates his cousin for sheer entertainment value particularly when said cousin is at a distance in Kent. Somewhere along the way, the exchanges grow to mean a lot to the two men and serve to build an unlikely friendship as they exchange the events in their lives, their families, and neighborhood acquaintanceship that forms a story along the way.

I love writing letters and have exchanged letters with some friends and family for years so I can appreciate this gently-paced, heartwarming tale. Some find it difficult to bring the feelings across in epistolary writing form, but I felt the author did a fab job of this. Characters were developed and there was much to entertain in the events and conversations described.

So, a new to me author left me with laughter and a little teary-eyed, but also with a desire to pursue more of her books after utterly enjoying this one. Those who enjoy the sometimes absurd, but often entertaining viewpoints of Mr. Collins and Mr. Bennet should definitely avail themselves of this witty P&P sequel.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it's a very creative way of telling more about what happens in the Bennet and Collins families both during the time of Pride and Prejudice and in the years after it. On the other hand, I don't find the correspondence between these particular two characters believable.

There are some really interesting anecdotes shared back and forth. Anne de Bourgh finally gets married, but not without Lady Catherine having to step in and take drastic action. Kitty and Mary each have romance, in both cases with Mr. Collins strongly urging Mr. Bennet to intervene and with Mr. Bennet completely disregarding him. A celebrated author, Reverend Smellie, arrives at Rosings amid great anticipation by Mr. Collins, who is a big admirer and former schoolmate, but the Reverend's presence proves to be more disruptive than delightful. News about Mr. Collins' children and Mr. Bennet's grandchildren are shared. Mr. Collins' disdain for a particular thorn in his side, Mr. Bradford, is a continued source of amusement. Mr. Bennet and Mr. Collins become competitive regarding their gardening prizes, which is cute. The best letters are when Mr. Bennet is in his cups, causing him to ramble on the page almost incoherently.

The fonts used for the respective correspondents are different so you can immediately identify the writer even without reading the words. While Mr. Collins does indeed prove how oblivious he can be, I find his letters are far less flowery and most of the topics he writes about far less inconsequential than I would have expected. He does demonstrate excessive devotion to Lady Catherine but, in general, Mr. Collins' writing gets to the point more quickly and with less unnecessary phrasing than I think he'd be capable of.

Mr. Bennet's letters are even more confusing. There are times when it's apparent that he's poking fun at Mr. Collins, knowing his dimwitted cousin won't recognize the sarcastic humor, but there are many other times when I just can't tell whether he's making fun or being sincere. Mr. Bennet seems genuinely distressed when Mr. Collins cuts off their correspondence over a perceived insult, and he persists in trying to reestablish the flow of letters back and forth.

I understand it's a fine line for the author to tread, trying to keep Mr. Bennet's and Mr. Collins' characters consistent with Ms. Austen's creations and still show the cousins developing a true relationship through their correspondence. I'm not sure it's even possible, and perhaps the entire premise is the problem.

This is a worthy attempt, though, and parts of it are very entertaining.

[Carole (in Canada) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute delight this book was! I have read other epistolary novels, so I knew I would enjoy the style, but this one truly touched a cord within me. To take the letter that Mr. Collins first wrote to Mr. Bennet and then expand their correspondence over an eight year period was not only beautifully written, but written with such humour, realism, and that bond of love and friendship that grows as you become entwined in each others lives. I felt I had come across a treasure trove!

I loved Ms. Servitova's line in the preface: "Mr. Collins, a comical, pompous anti-hero with as much self-awareness as a chamber pot..."

Oh, the absurdities of Mr. Collins and the sarcastic witticisms of Mr. Bennet had me shaking my head and laughing all at the same time! The range of topics they discussed and the enjoyment of port and cognac made for some interesting reveals! Who knew puffins and tuning forks would make their way into their correspondence!

I so enjoyed getting a glimpse of what happened, from the perspective of these gentlemen, regarding the rest of the family members and all their close acquaintances. Your Granny, Ms. Servitova would be proud!

I highly recommend this charming novel and I look forward to the next book!

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just a wonderful heart warming and fabulous book sharing the historic record between the Messrs. Collins & Bennet the heir and owner of Longbourn house Meryton, Hertfordshire England.

I have opined before that I really enjoy books of the era based upon letters because the language of letters is more intimate than the language of the drawing room. These letter reveal much about their authors and give us a glimpse of what happened to the characters of Pride and Prejudice after the eldest Bennet girls' wedding.

You will love Mr. Bennet and Mr. Collins becomes significantly less silly.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Reader,

Have you ever wondered about the precise contents of the correspondence between our beloved Mr Bennet and Mr Collins?

Well,fear not,as this delightful,humorous and quite compelling book will satisfy your curiosity,making you privy to the myriad changes in their intricate family structure,the various births,deaths and marriages of the Bennet and Collins clan,and provide you with an insight into the shenagins at Rosings!!!

What befell Anne de Bourgh,who did she marry,what of our beloved Colonel?

Who is Rev.Smellie and what of his recent renewal of acquaintance with Mr C?

I loved this book,and found I read it with a big smile on my face!!
Treat yourself to this one! You won't regret it!!

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read. As the title tells us we are reading the letters between Mr. Collins and Mr. Bennet. Now that in and of itself is hard to believe. For one: we know Mr. Bennet was not a good correspondent, even with his own daughters, including his favorite, Elizabeth. And then, secondly, these two very different men seem to reach an understanding which they never reached in canon. They are able to actually talk to each other as friends.

I kept thinking that maybe I had to read Mr. Bennet's letters as if they were written with the thought of pulling Mr. Collins' leg, with sarcasms. The fact that some of the letter were long also didn't seem like it would fit the description of Mr. Bennet in P&P.

If you disregard previous opinions about the relationship between the two men this can be read with more appreciation. I have to say that as the years passed and we came to the end of that correspondence I did have tears in my eyes.

Mr. Collins does use scripture to back up some of his opinions and/or advice and he never loses his worship of Lady Catherine in his remarks. However, Mr. Bennet also at times backs up his own thoughts, even when he disagrees with his cousin, with some Biblical quotations. Not all the letter are cheerful and agreeable and there are times when they allow some space between when letters are sent. There are even some amusing moments, i.e., Collins discovers a naked couple in the barn.

[Mark Brownlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author transforms an imagined friendship between two of Pride & Prejudice's minor characters into a series of letters across the years.

The book captures the subtle wit of Mr Bennet, and the moralising and obsessions of Mr Collins, perfectly and the letters are full of humour and creativity. It was an absolute delight to read and proved an ideal way to pass a warm spring afternoon in the company of a few cups of tea (regrettably not "a glass or two or four of port"). I was sad to reach the end.

[Madenna U · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to start by saying I approached this book with a lot of uncertainty, but at its end I could not put it down and found it to be very well done. In short, it is correspondence between Mr. Bennet and Mr. Collins which provides and alternate view of the events during the traditional telling of Pride & Prejudice and then years after. The writing style of each is true to form based on the original story and I have say I grew to really like Mr. Collins. I was actually laughing out loud during some pages. Needless to say, Mr. Collins can not hold his liquor!

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author works in her story from the original date of First Impressions to Mr. Bennet's death several years later. The letters are written before, during and after the events of Pride and Prejudice.

I really liked some of the letters. This book got off to a slow start. I felt Mr. Bennet was a bit too serious and his quoting from the Bible seemed a bit out of character for him. Maybe I lack the sense of humor to see his snarky tone? The middle letters were really good, especially when expanding on the text of the original novel. (Jane Austen had the wittiest pen and no one can compare) Towards the end of the novel, the plot fell down for me. The letters were long and filled with details that no man would ever write to each other at that time. Men of that time, at least in New England, took little interest in babies and young children. Also, the author departs from what Jane Austen intended for Kitty and Mary. I found Kitty's match highly improbable and Mary's completely silly.

This was overall not a bad effort at Austen paraliterature. If you like Mr. Bennet and love to laugh at Mr. Collins, do read this book.

[Mary Pagones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much like Shakespeare, Jane Austen is one of those authors of whom everyone has their own unique conception of her most beloved characters--two people can be equally passionate about Mr. Darcy, yet see the elusive hero in completely different ways. This is in contrast to say, the Brontes or Dickens, whose characters, while great, are much less flexible and open to multiple interpretations. Rose Servitova's Mr. Bennet and Mr. Collins are much more gentle in the case of the former and much more genuinely pious in the case of the latter than the Mr. Bennet and Mr. Collins of my imagination. But her interpretation in this gentle, humorous epistolary novel of the two men is certainly valid, and their voices are admirably sustained throughout. A cozy book in the very best possible way. And certainly a genius idea to take what seems like a casual, caustic comment of Mr. Bennet about how he would never give up his correspondence with Mr. Collins for the world and taking it to its logical conclusion.

[Evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was utterly charmed by this book. As Donal Ryan remarks on the cover (and who am I to argue?!) it is clever, witty and such a treat. Full disclosure, I've always been Team Bronte. But in recent years I've really grown to appreciate Austen's delicate touch and sense of fun. The Longbourn Letters delivers this and more.
It is always the sign of a talented writer when her presence is hardly discernible on the page. Servitova has somehow inhabited these two characters (a trick that must have involved time-travel, the occult or some such tom-foolery!) and brought out their nuanced personalities in such a delightful way. Their correspondence is full of warmth, humour (although not always intentional) and authenticity. It put me in mind of Golden Hill by Francis Spufford, another five star book, written entirely in the style of an 18th century novel.
This is the literary bromance we have all been waiting for and if you are a fan of Jane Austen, The Longbourn Letters is a compulsory read. An accomplished debut by an exciting new Irish talent.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the idea of the plot in this novel. Two very different men from two different walks of life and correspond til the death of Mr. Bennet.
You could read the humor in Mr. Bennet's letters to Rev. Collins. However, at times, you know that Collins takes it differently than it was meant. The letters were well written by the author and she couldn't have picked two better candidates for the novel. However, Mr. Bennet and Rev. Collins both showed love of family and that came through quite clearly.
There was humor in many parts and mostly due to Mr. Bennet's antics and it was enjoyable to read.
The author added a few new people into the novel and that added to the novel with some perspective as to the plot.
! recommend this novel for a light afternoon of reading.

[Abigail Bok · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the subtitle indicates, this slim book purports to be the record of correspondence between Mr. Bennet and Mr. Collins of Pride and Prejudice fame. Readers of that novel will be familiar with a few of the passages, and the rest represent Rose Servitova’s imaginative reconstruction of the letters they might have exchanged.

It’s an interesting project: Mr. Collins so verbose and so foolish, Mr. Bennet so wryly clever and disdainful of Mr. Collins’s gifts. Servitova takes them in a more generous direction, tracing the growth of a kind of friendship despite the inequality of their two minds. Along with Mr. Bennet we laugh at Mr. Collins’s absurdities, but in a more kindly way than perhaps the original novel allowed for.

Servitova’s humor is much more broad than Jane Austen’s, including things like manure and intestinal gas and inebriation. And she lacks a strong ear for Austen’s language, though she gives it a shot. But I enjoyed the charitable spirit of the book and the opportunity to glimpse what the Austen characters’ later lives might have been.

[Christine Muller · Rating 5 out of 5]

My boyfriend and I read this book out loud to each other one letter at a time.
It was fantastic, absolutely delightful.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful collection of letter between Mr Collins and Mr Bennet. A fun easy read that brought amusement from both sides. Watching the relationship develop was delightful!

It was bittersweet, as life is, and I was surprised at how touched I was at reading those moments in the letters.

I'm so happy that this was recommended to me!

[Sarah Pau · Rating 5 out of 5]

A joy to read!

I have read many sequels and ‘what if’ revisions of Pride and Prejudice and this is by far one of my favorites. A very creative and enjoyable way to continue the story of Longbourn. I have always appreciated the subtle and sarcastic wit of Mr. Bennett and delighted in the exchange with the nescient Mr. Collins.

[Teresita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable and witty

Mr. Bennet and Mr. Collins ' correspondence through the years opens a different perspective to a wonderful story.
Give it a try!

[Tammy Buchli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun Austenation. Clever premise, well executed. It did suffer from ‘Diminutive Mr. Collins Syndrome,’ which is usually not a good sign. Since Mr Collins is described as ‘tall’ and ‘large’ in the book, I usually find that Austenations that describe Mr. Collins as small tend to owe more to the 2005 movie (in which a small man portrayed Mr. Collins) than the novel. But in this case that was the only real flaw.

[Elizzy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review in English below.

Cuando conocí a Rose Servitova casualmente en Twitter, me llamó la atención porque estaba a punto de publicar un libro que era diferente a todas las secuelas o revisiones austenianas que suelo encontrarme por internet: ¡era un libro epistolar sobre Mr Bennet y Mr Collins!
Personajes secundarios de personalidad desbordante del clásico Orgullo y Prejuicio, merecian una continuación propia para ellos.
Así con gran sentido del humor y cotidianeidad, Servitova nos muestra lo que pasó con los Collins y los Bennet a lo largo de los años, de una manera tremendamente divertida, con unos personajes muy parecidos a los originales de Austen, y con una sencillez y alegría que ya quisiéramos en la mitad de secuelas...
No esperéis un romance...Rose Servitova no busca crear algo rosa...sólo quiere continuar la comedia de costumbres austenita, y resulta brillante en esto.
Lástima que la correspondencia dure tan poco...

-

When I met Rose Servitova in Twitter by chance, I was surprised because she was going to publish a book which was different to all the janeite sequels or revisions that I finde in internet: it was book in letters form about Mr Bennet and Mr Collins!
Secundary characters of high personality from the classic Pride and Prejudice, deserve their own following.
So with great sense of humour and normal life, Servitova show us what happenned to the Collins and Bennets through the years in an extremely funny way, with characters really close to the original ones by Austen, y with simplicity and joy that we may wish to finde in half of the sequels...
Don't expect a romance...Rose Servitova does not look for creating something "soapish"...she just wants to follow the janeite comedy of manners, and she shines on this.
It is a pity that it is such a short book....

[Jane James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all things Jane Austen so as soon as I saw this title flash up in my news feed I knew I had to buy the book. In fact it went straight to the top of my reading list. As soon as I opened its pages, the author Rose Servitova sent me head first into a world I know and love – Longbourn – the home of Elizabeth Bennet and her family. The amusing and insightful correspondence between Mr Bennet and Rev Collins was delightful and sensitively dealt with. Their conversations came across as authentic and it was wonderful to meet up with so many familiar characters again – Lady Catherine, Jane, Mary and even Wickham; learning something of their lives outside of Pride and Prejudice. The author has done a very brave thing here, risking the wrath of Jane Austen fans all over the world – should they not take to this extended version - but she has pulled it off in a very delightful way. The friendship between these two very different men and the secrets and silliness they share was handled sensitively and with real affection, I felt. They really came alive, as did both households. Who knew that Mr Collins could grow on a person? Or that Mr Bennet would mellow with age? This is a speedy little book that I wished was double its size and highly recommend to any and all Jane Austen fans. It was a pleasure to be back at Longbourn.

[Tamra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

The Longbourn letters is a brilliant work of JAFF! This quick, short read had me laughing and crying! Oh my, Mr. Bennet did enjoy his heir! No spoilers but poor Charlotte! I love that Mr. bennet and Mr. Collins were portrayed just as Jane Austen did and how they developed a loving bond. The Longbourn Letter is so different than most JAFF and as usual whenever I love a story, it ended much too soon.

Just a side note, I did find it strange that the author had the story take place in the 1790's. I guess it was closer to when Jane Austen wrote P & P originally.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lo and behold. Mr. Bennet and Mr. Collins are pen pals! For those familiar with these two minor characters in Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, you will not be disappointed in the full story of their relationship featuring Mr. Bennet’s dry sarcasm in all it’s glory while he goads his cousin and heir in pursuit of amusement, and in return the Odious One’s (Mr. Collins) obsequious prosing and sermonizing right back at him. I enjoy Austenesque novels that expand upon Austen’s characters more than any other type in the genre. Servitova’s creative and reverent take on the Bennet & Collins relationship is an impressive debut novel that many Janeites will enjoy, if only they knew about this sharp sleeper. One of my favorite Austenesque books of 2018.

[Margaret Madden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow...

[Squeakerkelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Full of charm and wit, very amusing. Mr Bennet (one of my favourite Austen characters) stayed very true to the original sharp-witted character, as does the ever clueless Mr Collins. Their fictional correspondence was thoroughly engaging and I feel Jane Austen herself would have been amused by their activities.

(Recommended during a Jane Austen Ireland event)

[Lorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every minute

This book made me laugh out loud several times. I loved it and will read it again and again. Thank you.

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing, enjoyable and unexpectedly touching, this is the Pride & Prejudice follow up you never knew you needed: the letters between Mr Bennett & Mr Collins.

[Mystica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knowing Mr. Collins as being pedantic, fussy, bossy and just plain difficult I thought I had downloaded a book which might be dull reading.

On the contrary, the letters gave one an insight into the characters of both the gentlemen - one poking fun at the other, the other unaware that he was being made a butt of jokes but at the same time going into detail of the happenings of the two families and their extended network which in turn was almost like another story altogether.

I loved the style of the writing of the letters, the snippets of information, the style of Mr. Collins coming through in his writing. Mr. Bennet's tongue in the cheek humour was so typical of him it was lovely reading.

I am glad I downloaded this from Amazon.

[Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

As it's epistolary, my idea was to read one letter each day, but as I started on Monday and it's now Thursday morning, it didn't work out as planned.
The reason? It flows like a river of indulgence from a bygone age when letters conveyed more (much more) than the instant messages of today.
The art of politeness while gently sticking the knife in and slowly turning is on each page, and the subtext reveals each writer's true nature.
How could I adhere to one a day? Impossible. I loved it.
Can't wait to start The Watsons.