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Mrs. Wickham
2 hours, 3 minutes
Imagine if you made one little mistake when you were young and were punished for it for the rest of your life. Well, that’s what happened to Lydia (yes, that Lydia, the youngest Bennet sister from Pride and Prejudice), and she’s here to set the record straight. Hold on to your teacups and get ready for sophisticated (and a little bit naughty) hot takes and witty banter that’ll make you laugh—and think.
We meet Lydia just as she is denounced by her family, exiled miles from home, and married to the rogue George Wickham, who seems to love all women...except his own wife. She must learn to summon great bravery to carve out a place for herself in the society that has brutally rejected her.
Lydia isn’t the traditional Austen heroine, and this isn’t a traditional, polite period drama. Lydia is a badass. A trailblazer. She’s fierce and fiercely funny. And she might inhabit the Regency period, but she’s fighting the same battle many of us are today—having to defend the decisions she’s made and the person she chooses to love, to shut out the 'trolls' and gossips, to hold her head high in a world that will judge her for any mistake she makes.
Starring Academy Award nominee Jessie Buckley (Fargo, The Lost Daughter) and Johnny Flynn (Lovesick, Stardust), this hilarious and timely listen is for fans of classics with a twist. Writer and creator playwright Sarah Page says that she wrote Mrs. Wickham to 'entertain people with a romantic, optimistic, and seductive comedy,' but that there’s also a 'message held at its heart to treat each other with kindness.'
If you binged Bridgerton, this one’s for you.
Length: 2 hrs and 3 mins
Imagine if you made one little mistake when you were young and were punished for it for the rest of your life. Well, that’s what happened to Lydia (yes, that Lydia, the youngest Bennet sister from Pride and Prejudice), and she’s here to set the record straight. Hold on to your teacups and get ready for sophisticated (and a little bit naughty) hot takes and witty banter that’ll make you laugh—and think.
We meet Lydia just as she is denounced by her family, exiled miles from home, and married to the rogue George Wickham, who seems to love all women...except his own wife. She must learn to summon great bravery to carve out a place for herself in the society that has brutally rejected her.
Lydia isn’t the traditional Austen heroine, and this isn’t a traditional, polite period drama. Lydia is a badass. A trailblazer. She’s fierce and fiercely funny. And she might inhabit the Regency period, but she’s fighting the same battle many of us are today—having to defend the decisions she’s made and the person she chooses to love, to shut out the 'trolls' and gossips, to hold her head high in a world that will judge her for any mistake she makes.
Starring Academy Award nominee Jessie Buckley (Fargo, The Lost Daughter) and Johnny Flynn (Lovesick, Stardust), this hilarious and timely listen is for fans of classics with a twist. Writer and creator playwright Sarah Page says that she wrote Mrs. Wickham to 'entertain people with a romantic, optimistic, and seductive comedy,' but that there’s also a 'message held at its heart to treat each other with kindness.'
If you binged Bridgerton, this one’s for you.
Length: 2 hrs and 3 mins
81 pages, Audible Audio
First published September 8, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 707 reviews
December 9, 2022
Mrs. Wickham by Sarah Page
Narrated by Jessie Buckley, Johnny Flynn, and others
This short audiobook story was funny and sad and brought us back to the world of Pride and Prejudice. Disgraced Lydia Bennent is now married to that scoundrel, George Wickham, and she is miserable. Wickham never touches her and it's a good thing, because he spends his evenings in the arms of other women, more than one at the same time. No one, where they live now, will give Lydia the time of day and only her mother and youngest sister, Kitty, will even write to her.
Lydia talks to us, tells us her side of things. She is witty, funny, she regrets so much, she sees the errors of her ways. And she's grown in this short time she's been in exile, she's gained a hard earned maturity and wisdom from losing everything at so young an age. Wickham is an even more horrible cad than he was in Pride and Prejudice. Oh, and Lydia mentions that her life has gotten even worse since that horrid author wrote that horrid book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and how it made me come to like characters I never thought I could like. The soundtrack has loud, thumping, modern music and sound effects and I liked that, too. There are numerous narrators and it sounds like we are listening to a play rather than an audiobook. The only drawback is that sometimes the music and other sounds would drown out the dialogue so I do wish those things could be toned down. Overall this was a very enjoyable story.
Pub Sept 8th 2022
This was an Audible selection.
Narrated by Jessie Buckley, Johnny Flynn, and others
This short audiobook story was funny and sad and brought us back to the world of Pride and Prejudice. Disgraced Lydia Bennent is now married to that scoundrel, George Wickham, and she is miserable. Wickham never touches her and it's a good thing, because he spends his evenings in the arms of other women, more than one at the same time. No one, where they live now, will give Lydia the time of day and only her mother and youngest sister, Kitty, will even write to her.
Lydia talks to us, tells us her side of things. She is witty, funny, she regrets so much, she sees the errors of her ways. And she's grown in this short time she's been in exile, she's gained a hard earned maturity and wisdom from losing everything at so young an age. Wickham is an even more horrible cad than he was in Pride and Prejudice. Oh, and Lydia mentions that her life has gotten even worse since that horrid author wrote that horrid book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and how it made me come to like characters I never thought I could like. The soundtrack has loud, thumping, modern music and sound effects and I liked that, too. There are numerous narrators and it sounds like we are listening to a play rather than an audiobook. The only drawback is that sometimes the music and other sounds would drown out the dialogue so I do wish those things could be toned down. Overall this was a very enjoyable story.
Pub Sept 8th 2022
This was an Audible selection.
June 5, 2024
I loved this strange, mesmerizing tale. The dialogues were funny and a bit out-there, but in a good way. I didn’t buy any of it, but it just doesn’t matter since the story was enjoyable and made me smile!
December 13, 2022
Update I went ahead and listened to the whole thing instead of DNFing it and I really really didn't like it.
DNF a hour and 20 mins in. I can't stand all the stupid background music. Rock music doesn't go with that time period. Lydia was stupid. So stupid and unlikable. The fact that the writer acts like Jane and Lizzie say no to helping Lydia is bull shit. In the book Pride and Prejudice it says that both Jane and Lizzie send her money to help them make ends meet because Wickham blew it all. Lydia is not a victim. Her sisters did help her. Don't try and make Jane and Liz jerks. George Wickham is a huge piece of shit. I could see that the writer was trying to work towards redemption not just for Lydia but for George as well. Nothing could ever EVER redeem George. EVER!!!!!!! Also I swear every time that damn ELECTRIC GUITAR started playing made me want to rip my hair out. What a way to ruin a classic. Total disappointment.
Quote from Pride and Prejudice:
As for Wickham and Lydia, their characters suffered no revolution from the marriage of her sisters. He bore with philosophy the conviction that Elizabeth must now become acquainted with whatever of his ingratitude and falsehood had before been unknown to her; and in spite of every thing, was not wholly without hope that Darcy might yet be prevailed on to make his fortune. The congratulatory letter which Elizabeth received from Lydia on her marriage, explained to her that, by his wife at least, if not by himself, such a hope was cherished. The letter was to this effect:
"MY DEAR LIZZY,
"I wish you joy. If you love Mr. Darcy half as well as I do my dear Wickham, you must be very happy. It is a great comfort to have you so rich, and when you have nothing else to do, I hope you will think of us. I am sure Wickham would like a place at court very much, and I do not think we shall have quite money enough to live upon without some help. Any place would do, of about three or four hundred a year; but however, do not speak to Mr. Darcy about it, if you had rather not.
"Yours, etc."
As it happened that Elizabeth had much rather not, she endeavored in her answer to put an end to every entreaty and expectation of the kind. Such relief, however, as it was in her power to afford, by the practice of what might be called economy in her own private expenses, she frequently sent them. It had always been evident to her that such an income as theirs, under the direction of two persons so extravagant in their wants, and heedless of the future, must be very insufficient to their support; and whenever they changed their quarters, either Jane or herself were sure of being applied to for some little assistance towards discharging their bills. Their manner of living, even when the restoration of peace dismissed them to a home, was unsettled in the extreme. They were always moving from place to place in quest of a cheap situation, and always spending more than they ought. His affection for her soon sunk into indifference; hers lasted a little longer; and in spite of her youth and her manners, she retained all the claims to reputation which her marriage had given her.
Though Darcy could never receive him at Pemberley, yet, for Elizabeth's sake, he assisted him further in his profession. Lydia was occasionally a visitor there, when her husband was gone to enjoy himself in London or Bath
DNF a hour and 20 mins in. I can't stand all the stupid background music. Rock music doesn't go with that time period. Lydia was stupid. So stupid and unlikable. The fact that the writer acts like Jane and Lizzie say no to helping Lydia is bull shit. In the book Pride and Prejudice it says that both Jane and Lizzie send her money to help them make ends meet because Wickham blew it all. Lydia is not a victim. Her sisters did help her. Don't try and make Jane and Liz jerks. George Wickham is a huge piece of shit. I could see that the writer was trying to work towards redemption not just for Lydia but for George as well. Nothing could ever EVER redeem George. EVER!!!!!!! Also I swear every time that damn ELECTRIC GUITAR started playing made me want to rip my hair out. What a way to ruin a classic. Total disappointment.
Quote from Pride and Prejudice:
As for Wickham and Lydia, their characters suffered no revolution from the marriage of her sisters. He bore with philosophy the conviction that Elizabeth must now become acquainted with whatever of his ingratitude and falsehood had before been unknown to her; and in spite of every thing, was not wholly without hope that Darcy might yet be prevailed on to make his fortune. The congratulatory letter which Elizabeth received from Lydia on her marriage, explained to her that, by his wife at least, if not by himself, such a hope was cherished. The letter was to this effect:
"MY DEAR LIZZY,
"I wish you joy. If you love Mr. Darcy half as well as I do my dear Wickham, you must be very happy. It is a great comfort to have you so rich, and when you have nothing else to do, I hope you will think of us. I am sure Wickham would like a place at court very much, and I do not think we shall have quite money enough to live upon without some help. Any place would do, of about three or four hundred a year; but however, do not speak to Mr. Darcy about it, if you had rather not.
"Yours, etc."
As it happened that Elizabeth had much rather not, she endeavored in her answer to put an end to every entreaty and expectation of the kind. Such relief, however, as it was in her power to afford, by the practice of what might be called economy in her own private expenses, she frequently sent them. It had always been evident to her that such an income as theirs, under the direction of two persons so extravagant in their wants, and heedless of the future, must be very insufficient to their support; and whenever they changed their quarters, either Jane or herself were sure of being applied to for some little assistance towards discharging their bills. Their manner of living, even when the restoration of peace dismissed them to a home, was unsettled in the extreme. They were always moving from place to place in quest of a cheap situation, and always spending more than they ought. His affection for her soon sunk into indifference; hers lasted a little longer; and in spite of her youth and her manners, she retained all the claims to reputation which her marriage had given her.
Though Darcy could never receive him at Pemberley, yet, for Elizabeth's sake, he assisted him further in his profession. Lydia was occasionally a visitor there, when her husband was gone to enjoy himself in London or Bath
December 17, 2022
This is one potential scenario for Lydia Bennet and Wickham after the ending of Pride and Prejudice. While the narration was very well done, the music felt a bit too contemporary for the time period. Thanks for this recommendation, Tina. It was a quick listen that kept me entertained on my walk this afternoon. 3.5 stars.
January 19, 2024
Interesting premise, so-so execution.
I love fresh spins on Pride and Prejudice, but this one seemed too much of a stretch. The growth Lydia and Wickham experienced seems unlikely.
Oh, Wickham only needed someone to believe in him to stop being a piece of shit? Doubtful. He was a literal predator.
I also wasn't a fan of all the background music. It forced me to listen to the audiobook at regular speed and who has time for that.
I love fresh spins on Pride and Prejudice, but this one seemed too much of a stretch. The growth Lydia and Wickham experienced seems unlikely.
Oh, Wickham only needed someone to believe in him to stop being a piece of shit? Doubtful. He was a literal predator.
I also wasn't a fan of all the background music. It forced me to listen to the audiobook at regular speed and who has time for that.
April 7, 2024
I enjoy the quick full cast audiobooks. 😉 I could have done without the rock style music in the background. 🤫 It didn’t seem to fit. 🤷🏼♀️
July 9, 2024
A really great read and so well performed.
December 24, 2024
re-read December 2024
While I still enjoyed the hell out of this second listen I wasn't as enthusiastic about the story so I'm changing my rating to four stars.
4.5***** stars
This full-cast audio production (I think it’s exclusive to audio) was a hoot. The two main narrators were absolutely great and I loved listening to their voices and this story.
I actually always thought Lydia Bennet a tragic figure despite or maybe even because of her youthful tendencies for dramatics and rash behavior. So, in the end she’s punished. Punished for a dumb mistake as a 15yr-old young woman and married to the obnoxious Mr Wickham. For life, considering the times of events.
But Lydia, at least in this fictional continuation of her story, is a smart and feisty one. And she’s determined to find her own way and be less dependent on her no-good husband. And so she takes matters in her own hands and starts her own endeavors that turn out to be quite the success. I loved that for her.
I also loved the witty banter between Lydia and Wickham’s superior, Colonel Moss, very much but Lydia’s hearty bickering with Wickham was pretty fun to follow as well. What a pair these two were. *lol
And just as Lydia is thinking of ways to get rid of her not-so-beloved husband there’s an unexpected plot-twist in the story.
My only niggle is that this was too short. I had this one on my tbl for quite some time and was hesitant bc of it short length but I found it worth every penny. And while I guess this one won’t be to everybody’s taste in its execution of Lydia’s fictional story, for me this was really good entertainment and I totally recommend it. I had a blast.
While I still enjoyed the hell out of this second listen I wasn't as enthusiastic about the story so I'm changing my rating to four stars.
4.5***** stars
This full-cast audio production (I think it’s exclusive to audio) was a hoot. The two main narrators were absolutely great and I loved listening to their voices and this story.
I actually always thought Lydia Bennet a tragic figure despite or maybe even because of her youthful tendencies for dramatics and rash behavior. So, in the end she’s punished. Punished for a dumb mistake as a 15yr-old young woman and married to the obnoxious Mr Wickham. For life, considering the times of events.
But Lydia, at least in this fictional continuation of her story, is a smart and feisty one. And she’s determined to find her own way and be less dependent on her no-good husband. And so she takes matters in her own hands and starts her own endeavors that turn out to be quite the success. I loved that for her.
I also loved the witty banter between Lydia and Wickham’s superior, Colonel Moss, very much but Lydia’s hearty bickering with Wickham was pretty fun to follow as well. What a pair these two were. *lol
And just as Lydia is thinking of ways to get rid of her not-so-beloved husband there’s an unexpected plot-twist in the story.
My only niggle is that this was too short. I had this one on my tbl for quite some time and was hesitant bc of it short length but I found it worth every penny. And while I guess this one won’t be to everybody’s taste in its execution of Lydia’s fictional story, for me this was really good entertainment and I totally recommend it. I had a blast.
June 13, 2024
This is a reworking of the life of the fictional and renowned Lydia Bennett, the youngest Bennett sister in Pride and Prejudice. The novel starts after her ill-fated match with a solider and we watch her rise and fall (many times over) from there.
I fully didn't expect to adore this as much as I did! It measures in at just over two hours long in its Audible narration and I adored every single second of it! Some parts were silly and witty and others dark and tragic. The author blended the two seamlessly to deliver a clever and unflinching portrayal of 18th century society as well as to provide a redemption arc for my girl, Lydia. I think its safe to say I will never read Pride and Prejudice in the same way again and if an author can make me rethink Jane Austen then she is fully deserving of five stars.
I fully didn't expect to adore this as much as I did! It measures in at just over two hours long in its Audible narration and I adored every single second of it! Some parts were silly and witty and others dark and tragic. The author blended the two seamlessly to deliver a clever and unflinching portrayal of 18th century society as well as to provide a redemption arc for my girl, Lydia. I think its safe to say I will never read Pride and Prejudice in the same way again and if an author can make me rethink Jane Austen then she is fully deserving of five stars.
September 9, 2022
I got an email about this book from audible, and there are so many things that before i would not have picked this up, but now it hit a lot of the things I used to not like, but like now.
A) audiobook dramas. thanks to Illuminae series, I am a huge fan of multicast books with sound effects.
B) Short Books. Sometimes it's just nice to enjoy something of a more middle size content.
C) Jane Austen esque. Turns out I like more modern takes on Austen. And while this was still set in the same era, because obviously, it read as very approachable.
D) audible originals. i had to give a few a try before I really started to trust that they would be good content wise. The sound production and story telling narative where all well done.
Plot:
I thought for sure I wanted her to find happiness outside her marriage. And in a way she did, she found purpose for herself. But I thought of it in terms of taking a lover. what they did instead, was great.
The Red herring they gave us of a different potential love interest was so well done. There was a note of this doesn't quiet feel right about the person, and when all is revealed it just made so much sense.
I honestly love how witty and crafty the characters is. She takes her circumstance and turns it around. She endures, and perseveres, and she finds a bit of her original self in the process while forging a new version of herself, as someone who is capable instead of just frivolous.
Honestly, if you love romance, and Austen, and radio dramas, and want a quick delightful read, then this one is for you. but it will also hit on notes of feeling, it does deal with real struggle.
A) audiobook dramas. thanks to Illuminae series, I am a huge fan of multicast books with sound effects.
B) Short Books. Sometimes it's just nice to enjoy something of a more middle size content.
C) Jane Austen esque. Turns out I like more modern takes on Austen. And while this was still set in the same era, because obviously, it read as very approachable.
D) audible originals. i had to give a few a try before I really started to trust that they would be good content wise. The sound production and story telling narative where all well done.
Plot:
I thought for sure I wanted her to find happiness outside her marriage. And in a way she did, she found purpose for herself. But I thought of it in terms of taking a lover. what they did instead, was great.
The Red herring they gave us of a different potential love interest was so well done. There was a note of this doesn't quiet feel right about the person, and when all is revealed it just made so much sense.
I honestly love how witty and crafty the characters is. She takes her circumstance and turns it around. She endures, and perseveres, and she finds a bit of her original self in the process while forging a new version of herself, as someone who is capable instead of just frivolous.
Honestly, if you love romance, and Austen, and radio dramas, and want a quick delightful read, then this one is for you. but it will also hit on notes of feeling, it does deal with real struggle.
September 22, 2022
Lydia Wickham, née Bennet, made one mistake — one mistake! — at 15, but it is set to haunt her for the rest of her life. Shunned by her well-married sisters Lizzie and Jane, her father, the wives of the other military officers, Lydia has hit rock bottom. But that’s when she realizes: If she has nothing to lose, she needn’t fear any additional ignominy if she sets a course to make a better future for herself.
I love, love, love this Lydia! Sarah Page has spun a tail of a fierce and funny badass — just as the book description says — and I loved every minute. Kudos to actor Jessie Buckley, who absolutely makes this book a delight!
Only one quibble: The loud rock-and-roll music used between scenes really detracts from the Regency feel.
I love, love, love this Lydia! Sarah Page has spun a tail of a fierce and funny badass — just as the book description says — and I loved every minute. Kudos to actor Jessie Buckley, who absolutely makes this book a delight!
Only one quibble: The loud rock-and-roll music used between scenes really detracts from the Regency feel.
December 13, 2022
Audiobook narrated by Jessie Buckley, Johnny Flynn, full cast 2h 3 min
Never have I enjoyed reading about Lydia Bennett more than listening to this fantastic performance. I think Jane Austen herself would be pretty proud. I know other reviewers didn't care for the music in between scenes but I LOVED it.
Goodreads review published 13/12/22
Never have I enjoyed reading about Lydia Bennett more than listening to this fantastic performance. I think Jane Austen herself would be pretty proud. I know other reviewers didn't care for the music in between scenes but I LOVED it.
Goodreads review published 13/12/22
September 10, 2022
Remarkably well done.
The full cast was brilliant and I think the production having been written by a playwright really helped it shine. The narrative was limited to that which was designed to be communicated by voice actors. The story was created for precisely this format, and it shows.
I don't ordinarily like it when modern music is integrated into this type of production, but here it facilitated the storytelling in a brilliant way. I know that won't be a popular opinion, but it concisely signaled things like "enter the bad boy" in a way the music of the era really couldn't have to a modern audience. I've attended a couple hundred performing arts productions, including a symphony dedicated to the "bad boys" of classical music, and even they couldn't have singled the same message to me without four times the "screen time" and half the message being lost. In this case, I think it was an intelligent choice because it facilitated communication as opposed to just being jammed in there to resonate with modern audiences.
I also loved that the story had something to say and that the message was worth listening to. It doesn't feel that way at first but the character development is believable and the happy ending felt worth earning.
The full cast was brilliant and I think the production having been written by a playwright really helped it shine. The narrative was limited to that which was designed to be communicated by voice actors. The story was created for precisely this format, and it shows.
I don't ordinarily like it when modern music is integrated into this type of production, but here it facilitated the storytelling in a brilliant way. I know that won't be a popular opinion, but it concisely signaled things like "enter the bad boy" in a way the music of the era really couldn't have to a modern audience. I've attended a couple hundred performing arts productions, including a symphony dedicated to the "bad boys" of classical music, and even they couldn't have singled the same message to me without four times the "screen time" and half the message being lost. In this case, I think it was an intelligent choice because it facilitated communication as opposed to just being jammed in there to resonate with modern audiences.
I also loved that the story had something to say and that the message was worth listening to. It doesn't feel that way at first but the character development is believable and the happy ending felt worth earning.
September 9, 2022
3.5 stars
.
A quick redemption story for Lydia Bennet and George Wickham. I really loved the themes of forgiveness and change. I still struggle with giving Wickham any sort of benefit of the doubt, but I guess that's the point of the story.
.
Full cast audio production.
.
A quick redemption story for Lydia Bennet and George Wickham. I really loved the themes of forgiveness and change. I still struggle with giving Wickham any sort of benefit of the doubt, but I guess that's the point of the story.
.
Full cast audio production.
September 14, 2022
Very interesting concept! I love the idea of a story in which Lydia Wickham née Bennet grows up and finds redemption and happiness. However, her redemption and reconciliation with her family ultimately feels fast and forced. To be fair, this is understandable given the format. What I do not think was necessary (and why this story gets 2 stars from me instead of 3) is a redemption of Wickham. His return to Pemberley and a loving wife at the end feels especially unearned considering Pemberley is the home of Georgiana Darcy, the OTHER young girl he seduced and used.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2022
I was not expecting to love this entirely, but here we are. This darn near made me cry. A beautiful addition to the original story of Pride and Prejudice in the form of Lydia's very own extended epilogue.
Would you want to be judged for the rest of your life for a mistake you made at the age of 15? What happens when your happily ever after turns so outlandishly wrong? Mrs. Wickham is here to tell us the story behind the scenes. Not simply the biased version her older sister Lizzie shared, but the unvarnished truth of her own circumstances. How when everything seemed lost, she found her own way.
Would you want to be judged for the rest of your life for a mistake you made at the age of 15? What happens when your happily ever after turns so outlandishly wrong? Mrs. Wickham is here to tell us the story behind the scenes. Not simply the biased version her older sister Lizzie shared, but the unvarnished truth of her own circumstances. How when everything seemed lost, she found her own way.
August 27, 2025
27/8/25 - Second re-read and I am again delightfully surprised at how good it is the second time around. This is a great little story about second chances; redeemable characters and the narration is near perfection. I would love to see this book adapted to a miniseries or movie, with Jessie Buckley and Johnny Flynn as the leads.!
**
A delightful little insight into the life of Lydia Wickham.
I honestly used to think that both Lydia and George Wickham were irredeemable characters, but this little production has definitely softened my perception of them.
While I don't think George Wickham's turn of character completely believable, it was enjoyable to imagine.
The performances were delightful - Johnny Flynn does a particularly charming job as Wickham and I highly recommend this as an extension of the Pride & Prejudice universe.
**
A delightful little insight into the life of Lydia Wickham.
I honestly used to think that both Lydia and George Wickham were irredeemable characters, but this little production has definitely softened my perception of them.
While I don't think George Wickham's turn of character completely believable, it was enjoyable to imagine.
The performances were delightful - Johnny Flynn does a particularly charming job as Wickham and I highly recommend this as an extension of the Pride & Prejudice universe.
September 12, 2022
And THAT, my dears, is how you do a "modernized" Jane Austen adaptation (as in anachronistic, not as in "Clueless"; that's a whole separate subject...)! Persuasion 2022 should be taking notes.
How was this not made into a feature movie? It's better than 98% of the present crap being launched at our eyeballs via YouTube ads these days.
As you can probably surmise, I freaking LOVED this production.
Like some of the other reviewers, I received an email from audible telling me this was free with my subscription and I should give it a listen.
At first, though the concept caught my attention immediately, I was a bit skeptical. I tried to lower my expectations, because I was certain even if it should turn out to be a tolerable way to pass my migraine day, I doubted it would be handsome enough to tempt me to actually LIKE it...
(Note: do NOT listen to this on a migraine day, it's a fantastic production but the twangy rock music soundtrack WILL make your already aching head throb)
Instead of the trope-filled Bridgerton knock off advertised, I was delighted to discover a fun and subversive production with a wicked sense of humour and a lovable cast.
I've seen a lot of "Austen villain redemption" stories and usually they make me want to roll my eyes and beat the author with their own book, especially if it's redeeming The Crawfords, since said redemption usually just involves entitled whining and Bertram-bashing.
But I do have a soft spot for Lydia Bennet (she was only a fifteen year old girl, people, and Mr. Bennet wasn't exactly giving her much love an validation from the one man she SHOULD have got it from at that age, so yeah...), and of all the major Austen rakes (Crawford, Willoughby, Elliot, and Wickham), I've personally always thought Wickham stood the best chance at not being a crap person his whole life through. I know I'm in the minority here, and I agree he was awful to Darcy and Lizzy, but it's still the impression I got from the book so whatever.
Thinking this was going to be your typical modern feminist narrative I was prepared for Lydia to fall in love with someone other than her husband and have the moral be something that sounds profound but actually means nothing ("Love is Love", that sort of thing, despite the fact nobody's saying love is an elephant if you catch me drift...), so I was DELIGHTED when this did turn out to be a Wickham/Lydia love story after all.
And a super believable one at that!
What's great too was the characters had to earn their happy ending and redemption it wasn't just gifted to them on a silver plate. Lydia had to live with the consequences of her choices, but she made the best of it! We need more stories like this!
The modern music and occasional use of the word "gosh" didn't bother me, it was much more like Marie Antoinette 2006 in tone than 2022 Persuasion or 1999 Mansfield Park, and I honestly found it extremely clever and engaging. No "playlists" or "exes" here, thank God.
Highly recommend! 👏
How was this not made into a feature movie? It's better than 98% of the present crap being launched at our eyeballs via YouTube ads these days.
As you can probably surmise, I freaking LOVED this production.
Like some of the other reviewers, I received an email from audible telling me this was free with my subscription and I should give it a listen.
At first, though the concept caught my attention immediately, I was a bit skeptical. I tried to lower my expectations, because I was certain even if it should turn out to be a tolerable way to pass my migraine day, I doubted it would be handsome enough to tempt me to actually LIKE it...
(Note: do NOT listen to this on a migraine day, it's a fantastic production but the twangy rock music soundtrack WILL make your already aching head throb)
Instead of the trope-filled Bridgerton knock off advertised, I was delighted to discover a fun and subversive production with a wicked sense of humour and a lovable cast.
I've seen a lot of "Austen villain redemption" stories and usually they make me want to roll my eyes and beat the author with their own book, especially if it's redeeming The Crawfords, since said redemption usually just involves entitled whining and Bertram-bashing.
But I do have a soft spot for Lydia Bennet (she was only a fifteen year old girl, people, and Mr. Bennet wasn't exactly giving her much love an validation from the one man she SHOULD have got it from at that age, so yeah...), and of all the major Austen rakes (Crawford, Willoughby, Elliot, and Wickham), I've personally always thought Wickham stood the best chance at not being a crap person his whole life through. I know I'm in the minority here, and I agree he was awful to Darcy and Lizzy, but it's still the impression I got from the book so whatever.
Thinking this was going to be your typical modern feminist narrative I was prepared for Lydia to fall in love with someone other than her husband and have the moral be something that sounds profound but actually means nothing ("Love is Love", that sort of thing, despite the fact nobody's saying love is an elephant if you catch me drift...), so I was DELIGHTED when this did turn out to be a Wickham/Lydia love story after all.
And a super believable one at that!
What's great too was the characters had to earn their happy ending and redemption it wasn't just gifted to them on a silver plate. Lydia had to live with the consequences of her choices, but she made the best of it! We need more stories like this!
The modern music and occasional use of the word "gosh" didn't bother me, it was much more like Marie Antoinette 2006 in tone than 2022 Persuasion or 1999 Mansfield Park, and I honestly found it extremely clever and engaging. No "playlists" or "exes" here, thank God.
Highly recommend! 👏
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2022
Excellent narration but uhhh, what is this storyline??? Choices were made. Read via audible plus (narrated by Jessie Buckley, Johnny Flynn, Emily Barber, Fehinti Balogun, Adrian Edmondson, Leila Farzad, Stephanie Hyam, Jodie McNee, Natalie Simpson, Ray Panthaki, and Emily Johnstone).
May 9, 2023
Even though some people died, it was a lot of fun to watch Lydia redeem herself. And Jessie Buckley as a narrator! What a treat!
September 24, 2022
One of Austen's most colorful and notorious side characters gets her own sequel story and I was intrigued to see how the playwriting style of the author and the talented narrators brought it to life.
Lydia Wickham nee Bennet was a young boisterous teenager spoiled by one parent and ignored by the other. Of course she was going to embarrass her older sisters and get into trouble. But, the trouble was that she fell into the clutches of a predator and was stuck married to him and discovering her mistake as she grew older- if she ever did learn to see it as a mistake. Now, that is how Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudiced ends.
Like with Charlotte Lucas, I always felt a little sorry (though yes, honestly admits that I was also exasperated) for Lydia. I think the author was as well because she gives her a follow up story that shows a girl sad and quickly maturing because of her new reality, now knowing what her choices brought her to, and silently keening for her old home and her family. I liked seeing her hit rock bottom with her shunned situation among the town wives and officers' wives since everyone sees her gambling, drinking, whoring husband and avoids her. She barely gets enough money to live on because he blows through it all. She gets rejected from her sisters for help so something has to give.
Loved seeing Lydia fall and get back up. It wasn't a stretch in my mind as to how she goes about her slow climb from the bottom. It isn't instant success nor does she suddenly become Mrs. Popular. Her husband is still the same man- or is he... Wickham comes to the sudden realization that his wife isn't the empty-headed young girl anymore.
Wickham and Lydia are still as irrepressible and irreverent as ever so the tone of the story told from Lydia's perspective and addressed to her listeners is spot on. This audio with sound effects, modern rock music interludes, and a full cast supported the spirit of this shorter piece. I enjoyed Jessie Buckley as Lydia and thought all the other voice actors including Johnny Flynn were perfect matches for their character roles.
I suppose there is some suspension of belief that is necessary and not everyone will be able to set aside Jane Austen's squicky Wickham the pedophile for this redemptive version so the story isn't for everyone. But, taken as its own story merits, I thought it was well done and can recommend it to those who like their characters with some larceny in them and like to see them grow and come into their own.
Lydia Wickham nee Bennet was a young boisterous teenager spoiled by one parent and ignored by the other. Of course she was going to embarrass her older sisters and get into trouble. But, the trouble was that she fell into the clutches of a predator and was stuck married to him and discovering her mistake as she grew older- if she ever did learn to see it as a mistake. Now, that is how Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudiced ends.
Like with Charlotte Lucas, I always felt a little sorry (though yes, honestly admits that I was also exasperated) for Lydia. I think the author was as well because she gives her a follow up story that shows a girl sad and quickly maturing because of her new reality, now knowing what her choices brought her to, and silently keening for her old home and her family. I liked seeing her hit rock bottom with her shunned situation among the town wives and officers' wives since everyone sees her gambling, drinking, whoring husband and avoids her. She barely gets enough money to live on because he blows through it all. She gets rejected from her sisters for help so something has to give.
Loved seeing Lydia fall and get back up. It wasn't a stretch in my mind as to how she goes about her slow climb from the bottom. It isn't instant success nor does she suddenly become Mrs. Popular. Her husband is still the same man- or is he... Wickham comes to the sudden realization that his wife isn't the empty-headed young girl anymore.
Wickham and Lydia are still as irrepressible and irreverent as ever so the tone of the story told from Lydia's perspective and addressed to her listeners is spot on. This audio with sound effects, modern rock music interludes, and a full cast supported the spirit of this shorter piece. I enjoyed Jessie Buckley as Lydia and thought all the other voice actors including Johnny Flynn were perfect matches for their character roles.
I suppose there is some suspension of belief that is necessary and not everyone will be able to set aside Jane Austen's squicky Wickham the pedophile for this redemptive version so the story isn't for everyone. But, taken as its own story merits, I thought it was well done and can recommend it to those who like their characters with some larceny in them and like to see them grow and come into their own.
September 11, 2022
I really enjoyed this production. It is a continuation of Pride and Prejudice told from Lydia's point of view which somehow manages to redeem both Lydia and Wickham and make Lydia specifically into a likeable and sympathetic character.
November 5, 2022
Ugh, can we please stop with the "she changed him!" narrative? Wickham is an awful human being until Lydia starts making money. Then he's all lovey dovey to her. It just screams abuse and manipulation yet it's framed as romantic. It's not.
The saving grace is the performance of the narrators. They did a wonderful job. Buckley especially made a convincing Lydia. I don't feel like Page wrote a very convincing Lydia though. She seems to have matured instantly. Though perhaps that can be explained away by saying that P&P depicted Lydia "wrongly".
The saving grace is the performance of the narrators. They did a wonderful job. Buckley especially made a convincing Lydia. I don't feel like Page wrote a very convincing Lydia though. She seems to have matured instantly. Though perhaps that can be explained away by saying that P&P depicted Lydia "wrongly".
October 2, 2022
Loved it! Jessie Buckley brings the wayward Lydia to life - and adulthood! Not all takes on Austen's best work (IMHO) are successful, as Austen fans can be harsh critics, but this worked very well for me.
May 20, 2024
Takes a while to get in to. But the development is outstanding - on both Lydia's and Wickham's parts.
By the end, the listener can get so invested in the 2 characters, you care what happens to them.
The performances of the 2 actors is outstanding. However the production is odd as the music is very loud and distracting. At times the balance is so bad it almost covers over the voices.
- At the beginning Wickham says he will get 5000 per annum when Lydia's father is dead? assuming that is a major typo. Listened to it over and over again in case
By the end, the listener can get so invested in the 2 characters, you care what happens to them.
The performances of the 2 actors is outstanding. However the production is odd as the music is very loud and distracting. At times the balance is so bad it almost covers over the voices.
- At the beginning Wickham says he will get 5000 per annum when Lydia's father is dead? assuming that is a major typo. Listened to it over and over again in case
September 18, 2022
This was a really, really nice book to listen to. Of course having read "Pride and Prejudice" more than once, helps with the context. But there is a lot of new material in this very short book and it was delightful to listen to. I really liked it very much.
The full cast was also wonderful.
The full cast was also wonderful.
October 20, 2022
This free Audible original is actually an audio play, rather than an audiobook. The story imagines Lydia Bennet's life after she marries Wickham, and includes a redemption arc for both of them. It's an entertaining listen, narrated by a full cast, but with some odd production choices including rock music during bar scenes and some rather unpleasant sound effects after a night of heavy drinking. For a free, short listen, it's not a bad way to pass the time.
September 20, 2022
Absolutely amazing! For fans of Austen, Sarah Page's sweet story offers some redemption for Pride & Prejudice's villainous couple--Mr. & Mrs. Wickham. They're truly disliked characters in Austen's fiction, but Page's writing gives their characters depth and shows how even those of us with few redeeming qualities can turn the corner and become beloved characters. Page stays true to Austen's writing, even using some quotes from Pride & Prejudice herself, and for those of us who adore Austen and her timeless characters, this is a brilliant follow-up and a happy addition to the classic story. I truly hope this isn't the only Austenesque story Page will attempt. I could read 10 more!
September 12, 2022
4.5 - I am pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this audiobook. Mrs. Wickham has a great message and I loved the ending.
CW/TW - Suicide, death and war
CW/TW - Suicide, death and war
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2022
This surprised me so much! The story was great and I fully empathized with Lydia. I also think the writer nailed the other characters in their representative.
The narration for this was excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The narration for this was excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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