Longbourn

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Compact discs.
Read by Emma Fielding.
The servants at Longbourn estate, only glancingly mentioned in Jane Austen's classic, take center stage in Jo Baker's lively, cunning new novel. Here are the Bennets as we have never known them: seen through the eyes of those scrubbing the floors, cooking the meals, emptying the chamber pots. Our heroine is Sarah, an orphaned housemaid beginning to chafe against the boundaries of her class. When the militia marches into town, a new footman arrives under mysterious circumstances, and Sarah finds herself the object of the attentions of an ambitious young former slave working at neighboring Netherfield Hall, the carefully choreographed world downstairs at Longbourn threatens to be completely, perhaps irrevocably, up-ended. From the stern but soft-hearted housekeeper to the starry-eyed kitchen maid, these new characters come vividly to life in this already beloved world.

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A+ Historical Fiction submitted by Sara W on August 21, 2014, 8:27pm In the world of Jane Austen’s classic “Pride and Prejudice,” the major concerns include marrying a man of good nature and sufficient wealth, protecting one’s womanly honor and when the next ball will take place. But lovers of historical fiction will appreciate Jo Baker’s exploration of the “downstairs” component life at Longbourn. When Mrs. Bennet calls for housekeeper Hill, or when Jane obediently rings for tea – who are the people who answer?

This story is a fascinating snapshot of the life as a domestic servant in early 19th century Britain. It’s also a love story that lives up to its close relationship with that of Elizabeth and Darcy. The effect of this story taking place in a setting from a classic novel results in a glimpse beneath the calm surface, giving readers the sense of seeing the “real story” going on behind the scenes.

The main character is Sarah, a 17-year-old maidservant who struggles with her longing for a different life somewhere new and the practical appreciation for the security of her situation.

Things change when new faces arrive at Longbourn – handsome, mysterious James joins the domestic staff but refuses to speak of his past. Ptolemy, the black footman from a neighboring estate, brings an air of exotic, far-off places to Sarah’s own ordinary doorstep and stirs her own curiosity. These new people in Sarah’s small world force her to examine aspects of life she has never before considered.

Jo Baker’s story is well-researched, well-developed historical fiction that will appeal to any fiction reader. “Pride and Prejudice” fans will benefit from their prior knowledge of characters such as the ridiculous Mr. Collins, kind Elizabeth, and readers will never look at Hill, the long-suffering housekeeper, in the same way after learning of the epic Bennet household secrets she keeps.

Longbourn - audiobook on CD submitted by Fevvers - STAR473 on August 6, 2016, 4:58am The Longbourn audiobook is excellently read by Emma Fielding. Her voice is clear, adaptive, expressive, and neutral as needed. It is a great production.

The story is good, well-written historical fiction with great detail. It is more than Pride & Prejudice from the servants' points of view - there are characters, cares, and plots original to this story. I liked gradually getting to know the characters, and the thorough historical detail - from fashion to pig-muck.