* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *

The Other Bennet Sister follows the lesser known Mary Bennet, one of the five Bennet sisters from Jane Austen's famed Pride and Prejudice. Mary is the studious and quiet middle sister who does not feature much in the original novel. This story follows her from just before the start of the original novel to a few years following the conclusion of Pride and Prejudice.

I reread Pride and Prejudice just prior to reading this book, which may have been a slight mistake. I would recommend a little distance between the two, as the initial portions of this book do mirror Austen's novel very closely in parts. While some readers might find this endearing, I found it a bit annoying. It made things a bit thick and slow to start for me, while I don't think this would have been an issue had I not read the original novel for at least a few months.

Regardless, once the book moves beyond where P&P ends (which really isn't that far into the novel), things pick up steam and it comes into its own. Mary becomes a very full and wonderful character, I developed a larger appreciation for Mrs. Gardiner, and I still wanted to slap Mrs. Bennet into the next century. (She really is a terrible person.)

I have to give a LOT of credit to the writing. I was really impressed with it. Not only was it good writing on its own, but it also maintained the accurate feel of writing for the era and had moments where it truly felt as though it could've been a genuine Austen novel. I had a good time reading this one and really appreciated the progression of Mary's character. She truly became her own and I was so happy with where the author took her. It was well worth the read. Now...if Mrs. Bennet (and maybe Caroline Bingley) had both met grizzly or highly embarrassing and punishing ends, maybe I would've given it 5 stars. Just kidding...kind of...