I liked it better than you (a +3 star rate), while you rated it higher. Some points you might consider. Tom was NOT better looking than Mr. Ryder, and was middle class; Mr. R. eventually inherited a fortune, and was gentry. Tom liked poetry while Mary liked sermons and religious works. She enhanced a budding love of poetry from interaction with Tom. I gather Mary was not homely or ugly, just plain in comparison to the beauty and ease of manner of Jane and Liz. Mary's experience with her father was sad, but he simply was unable to understand or appreciate Mary's dogged originality, and she was not witty and bright like his Lizzy. Mrs. Bennet and Charlotte were petty and mean, and Ms. Bingley became a skank, like Lydia. The book could have been trimmed, but I had no trouble finishing it. I liked the London part, but thought the Lake District dragged and was too melodramatic. Mr. Ryder wanted Mary to go away with him, just as Caroline B. ultimately agreed to do. Mary defied her mother, and the promises of a rich, handsome man, to trust herself to someone who actually loved her. Call it schmaltzy, but I bought it. Who didn't like Mary best of all the sisters at the end, because she made the most effort to get where she needed to be? And God bless Mrs. Gardiner.
Have to tell you how much I love your reviews, I am tempted to read this but worried about it dragging, Is it written in same style as pride and prejudice?
Yes, it is written in the style of Pride and Prejudice. I believe most of the sequels try to imitate Jane Austen's language, if for no other reason than the fact that it lends an air of authenticity to the work.
