Review: Actually 3.5 stars for me
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 03 30, 2014
I agree most with Katinka Hesselink (Netherlands) and Kit-Kat75 in their comments.Mr. Bennet was much more the responsible father in this little prequel: he was investing and saving and he did not give into Lydia and, subsequently, Mrs. B. when Lydia demanded to travel into London with Lizzy and Melanie (name is way too modern).  I was a little disturbed to see Elizabeth getting paid for working for Melanie's father at his bookstore.  Where I could see her helping out, I can't see him actually paying her.  Maybe letting her pick out a book for free would fit the Regency era more appropriately.  And we don't usually see Elizabeth paying attention to clothes, although as a woman it has to be part of her nature, I am sure...LOL.  But even there she was saving her money and planning to use her uncle's warehouse and planning to add the trim and laces herself after the basic dress was sewn together by their local Modiste.  Much more our thoughtful and useful Lizzy.The reading and discussion of the women's equality book (Mary Wollstonecraft's A Vindication of the Rights of Women) in the coach on the way to London was risk taking.  Some people of that era might have banned both girls from their society hearing that they read this book and hearing that they were "oh, no!" educated.  Not that I am against equal rights but in a era where young ladies either married or became governesses, I am not sure this would have been discussed on a public conveyance with a gentleman sitting there, even if one thought he was asleep.The fact that Mrs. Bennet does make sure the tenants are not only visited but also that their needs are attended to was a very nice touch.  And I appreciated the fact that Elizabeth is discerning enough to treat shyness with a gentle approach...might stand her in times of dealing with Darcy.Having Lizzy and Melanie forced to ride on top of the coach was a realistic touch. The language was more modern, not regency era.I would recommend reading this if you, like me, look for variations that are of interest in JAFF.  This was different and kept my attention even though short.