Fans of Jane Austen’s “Pride And Prejudice” are in for a treat.
“Longbourn,” a new novel written by Jo Baker, parallels Austen’s classic tale from the point of view of the Bennet family’s housekeeper. The novel is scheduled for release this fall.
The plot of the novel has similarities with the popular TV show Downton Abbey. “Longbourn” explores the relationship of an upper-class English family and their servants, along with staff romances and references to historical events.
In a statement, Baker revealed her inspiration for writing “Longbourn”: “Jane Austen was my first experience of grown-up literature.
But as I read and re-read her books, I began to become aware that if I’d been living at the time, I wouldn’t have got to go to the ball; I would have been stuck at home with the sewing.
Just a few generations back, my family were in service. Aware of that English class thing, Pride and Prejudice begins to read a little differently.”
Many authors have attempted to incorporate their own work with Jane Austen’s adored novel. In 2011, mystery writer P.D. James found success with “Death Comes to Pemberley.”
This novel tells a tale of a murder on the Darcy family manor several years after the marriage of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet.
Future fans of “Longbourn” will probably not have to wait long for a movie based on the novel. The movie rights have already been snatched up by Focus Features and Random House Studio.
Are you looking forward to the release of “Longbourn?” Why or why not?
Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!
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