Review: Lydia: The Wild Girl of Pride and Prejudice by Natasha Farrant
A spirited, witty and fresh reimagining of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, from the perspective of the youngest and wildest Bennet sister, Lydia.Lydia is the youngest Bennet sister and she’s sick to death of country life – instead of sewing and reading, she longs for passion and adventure.
When a red-coated garrison arrives in Merryton, Lydia’s life turns upside down. As she falls for dashing Wickham, she’s swept into a whirlwind social circle and deposited in a seaside town, Brighton. Sea-bathing, promenades, dances and scandal await – and a pair of aristocratic twins, who offer her the life she thinks she seeks. But can Lydia find out what she really wants – and can she get it?
--------
I had no idea that this book even existed until I happened across it on the library shelves. The cover instantly sold this to me, and whilst I've never been a big fan of Lydia Bennet, I was intrigued to read her side of the story.
*Spoilers ahead for those who don't know the plot of Pride and Prejudice - I'm sure there's a few of you out there!*
Lydia is a really fun, inventive take on Pride and Prejudice. It gives Lydia a voice of her own, justifying her actions and turning what we thought we knew about her completely on its head. She's more than just a silly girl - she's a young woman desperate for independence from her overbearing family. Lizzie and Jane's stories are only briefly alluded to, so those who don't know the original story may struggle to pick up the hints. But the basics of it are there, from the perspective of a little sister who has her own life to lead. Instead of sitting around waiting for Bingley to show up, or for Darcy to thaw, Lydia is determined to make things happen for herself, and the lives of her sisters seems almost boring in comparison!
Lydia isn't naive: she's fully aware of what Wickham is capable of, yet she's prepared to risk her reputation to chase her dreams. Wickham himself is almost redeemed in this book - he's still a money chasing charmer, perhaps even more so than in the original novel, but he's incredibly likable and you get the feeling that he and Lydia will actually be happy together. I'll never read Pride and Prejudice in the same way after this.
Comments
Post a Comment