Reviewed by journalingirl on
I was worried I wouldn't like this book. I have always has a special hatred for Lydia Bennet. As a semi-goody-two-shoes, I could never believe someone could be so thoughtless as to become an embarrassment and create so much trouble for their family. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries changed that for me. Lydia was still thoughtless, but she tried her hardest and was just attempting to make her own way. I still wasn't sure I would enjoy a whole novel from her perspective though.
It should be no surprise to hear that I was wrong to fear this. The first thing I noticed upon reading this book was how well they captured Lydia's voice. I could automatically see Mary Kate Wiles on the screen; recall her exact mannerisms. It was easy to get caught up in the text, just like I had the videos.
The story is lovely. It works perfectly for those of us who dreamed that George Wickham wouldn't be the end of Lydia Bennet. She now has her own story that isn't bounded by the trouble she caused or the mistakes she made. She can move past that. The novel doesn't perfect Lydia either. She doesn't magically grow up and change. She stumbles and falls behind. She is relatable and wonderful and human. I was with her the whole novel, hoping she succeeds because I want to imagine I can succeed too.
The Epic Adventures of Lydia Bennet contains the essence of all our favorite characters from The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, but unveils a whole new story. It is definitely a recommended read.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 6 September, 2015: Finished reading
- 6 September, 2015: Reviewed