Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Literary Fixation: Longbourn


I have been a "Janeite" for some time. I have read all of Jane Austen's novels and seen just about every film adaptation of her works. In fact I have written posts about all of the Austen books on this blog. So when I was browsing the library the title Longbourn made be stop in my tracks.
Longbourn is the name of the house the the Bennets from Pride and Prejudice lived. This novel is about the people who work for the Bennets.

Longbourn focuses on the staff including the housekeeper Mrs. Hill, maids Sarah and Polly, Mr. Hill and newcomer James Smith
Think of Downton Abbey only worse. From the very beginning of the book you understand the bitter reality of being in the service class during Jane Austen's time. It is a glimpse of the daily struggles of servants in a time without plumping or electricity. It shows the filthy underbelly of these classic novels. Unlike Austen's works, this novel mentions sex and repercussions. Also detailing how bodily functions were dealt with by the servants when toilets didn't exist. Yup chamber pots. The leisure class either ignores the service class or treats them with contempt. 
In some ways this books takes the shine off of these well known and loved characters. When viewed from the eyes of those who see all but are not allowed to technically exist. While Jane and Elizabeth Bennet are still fairly decent people when it comes to the servants, the rest of the well known characters are not. Anyone who has read Pride and Prejudice already know the Mrs. Bennett, Lydia and Kitty are selfish, petty creatures. The biggest change in perspective goes to Mr Bennett. Wickham is seen to be an even bigger villain and a possible pedophile. 

 The biggest part of the book revolves around the maid, Sarah. At the very heart of the book is a love story full of sacrifices and false starts. 
I would write more about the staff but I think this is a book that I do not want to spoil. If you are a fan of Jane Austen or of Regency novels this is a good book with a different perspective. The story is interesting and the characters are compelling.

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