by Lona Manning
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Just released: January 2017
Publisher: self
Genre: Romance, Jane Austen, Retelling
Paperback: 351 pages
Rating: 5
First sentence(s):
"Fanny," cried Tom Bertram, from the other table, "We want your services."
Fanny Price, niece to Sir Thomas Bertram of Mansfield Park, is an intelligent but timid girl from a poor family, who is grateful for the advantages of education and breeding conferred upon her as result of growing up with her wealthier cousins.
But the cruelty of her Aunt Norris, together with a broken heart, compel Fanny to run away from Mansfield Park and find employment as a governess.
Far away from everything she ever knew and the one man she loves, will Fanny grow in fortitude and independence? Will a new suitor help her to forget? Or will a reckless decision threaten to destroy her own life and the lives of those she holds most dear?
This variation of Jane Austen’s novel includes all the familiar characters from Mansfield Park, as well as some new acquaintances. There are some mature scenes.
My two-bits:
I enjoyed this variation on Mansfield Park. The different take and new characters fit well. The new characters portrayed other happenings during that time period especially in relation to the naval world.
The familiar characters were presented equally well.
The general vibe of the story was Jane Austen-like and had me engaged. The familiar Fanny anxieties and the dislike for the Crawford manipulations came through just right.
Definitely a novel with Jane Austen drama to be read with tea and scones.
* review copy courtesy of author
