Pride and Prejudice - Downstairs

 

 

Pride and Prejudice still has the power to enthrall me, even after so many times read. Both the movie versions are excellent adaptations and I will always argue that Colin Firth is the better Mr. Darcy. In both the book and the movies, their home at Longbourn is mentioned and shown, but not necessarily a feature of the story.

The latest book I read, Longbourn, by Jo Baker is the story of the servants of Longbourn house and is a behind the scenes look at the story of Pride and Prejudice, as told from their point of view. It is so interesting to read this new story with the scenes from the novel as a backdrop. For example when Mr. Darcy first professes his love to Elizabeth and she turns him down, we are only shown Mr. Darcy storming out and Elizabeth crying behind a closed door. A central point in the novel, but a small occurrence from the servant's point of view.

This is the story of Mrs. Hill, the housekeeper (who is mentioned in the novel), Sarah, the housemaid and her love story with James Smith, the newly arrived footman. He has a backstory and a connection to the Bennets that changes the dull and everyday lives of all the servants.

I really enjoyed this book, more so for the fact that I loved a new look at the novel that I love so much.

Happy Wednesday!

 

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