Longbourn

De: Jo Baker

Narrado por: Emma Fielding

If Elizabeth Bennet had the washing of her own petticoats, Sarah thought, she would be more careful not to trudge through muddy fields.

It is wash-day for the housemaids at Longbourn House, and Sarah's hands are chapped and bleeding. Domestic life below stairs, ruled tenderly and forcefully by Mrs Hill the housekeeper, is about to be disturbed by the arrival of a new footman smelling of the sea, and bearing secrets.

For in Georgian England, there is a world the young ladies in the drawing room will never know, a world of poverty, love, and brutal war.

©2013 Jo Baker (P)2013 Random House AudioGo

Sensitive, raw and convincing

A beautiful, tender yet raw and at times harrowing story so believable with characters who seem so real. Historical detail, imagery and minute observations create a complete world. An entirely different perspective on Pride and Prejudice which really makes one reflect on the harsh contrast between servants and the families they serve and how very much greater insecurities were for the working class. I’m going to keep re-visiting this book. The relationships between the characters were wonderful - I can’t only listen once! Emma Fielding is the perfect narrator too. Thank you.

A lovely holiday read

Would you try another book from Jo Baker and/or Emma Fielding?

Yes, if the story sounds good.

Would you recommend Longbourn to your friends? Why or why not?

Only to friends who are fans of Downton Abbey.

Which character – as performed by Emma Fielding – was your favorite?

Sarah.

Was Longbourn worth the listening time?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

I was a bit disappointed in the end but still thought it a lovely book.

Wonderful !!

Would you listen to Longbourn again? Why?

Yes . I'd like to travel through Sarah's life again .

What was one of the most memorable moments of Longbourn?

All of it .

What about Emma Fielding’s performance did you like?

How she became each of the characters in turn , bringing the household to life .

A worthy addition to the genre

How can you not relish this slice of life 'below stairs' in the world of 'Pride and Prejudice'? The events that loom so large in Elizabeth and Jane's world are but inconveniences and extra labour for the household staff (oh, the endless washing!). For the first hour of listening I was unconsciously wanting to hear more about the Bennets - as though that was the 'real' story - then I gradually became caught up in the lives of the staff as their characters unfolded, richly and well.

Recommended.

Pride and Prejudice below stairs

Anyone who loves Jane Austin classics or Bridgerton should add this to their reading list. Beautifully written with authentic details of life below stairs, this is the P&P book you didn’t know you needed.