The Talented Daughters of Longbourn

A Pride and Prejudice Variation

De: Laraba Kendig

Narrado por: Harry Frost

Mr. Bennet is dying. Can Elizabeth and her sisters find success and love in the midst of upheaval and sorrow?

An urgent letter calls Elizabeth and Jane Bennet back to Longbourn from London. Mr. Bennet is dying, though Mrs. Bennet refuses to believe the terrible truth of his imminent demise. The master of Longbourn rests in the knowledge that his talented daughters will sustain the family when he passes.

The nearby estate of Netherfield has been leased to a wealthy single man by the name of Mr. Bingley. He finds himself infatuated with the eldest Miss Bennet, but Jane is tired of men admiring only her looks.

Mr. Darcy of Pemberley is weary from his burdens as master of Pemberley and guardian to Georgiana. Darcy’s attention is drawn to the tantalizing Miss Elizabeth of Longbourn, but his desire wars with his sense of responsibility.

©2023 Laraba Kendig (P)2024 Laraba Kendig

Talented Daughters

This is another creative variation of Pride and Prejudice from a favorite author, Laraba Kendig. I enjoyed the story changes, in particular: featuring a Jane with artistic talent, giving Mr Bennet a half brother to inherit the estate (eliminating Mr Collins), and making Lydia a lovable character. Our narrator, Harry Frost, always adds wonderful emotion and life to his work, but in this book he treats listeners by acting Lydia’s voice performing lines from Shakespeare in Chapter 6! Bravo, Mr Frost!

Harry Frost is AWESOME!

Great story and unbelievable narrator! I buy every Harry Frost audible. I also own all of Kendig's books!!

Great story

This was a different take on pride and prejudice. There is no mr Collins as a relative. There is a younger half brother to mr Bennet. He is married to Charlotte Lucas. All the Bennet girls are very skilled. Great read.

Unique and wonderful

This was a wonderful story with a unique twist which led to fascinating deviations from the original story. My favorite Lydia so far. The writer is talented and I always look forward to her books. Harry Frost as the narrator is everything you could ask for in an audio book. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone without reservations.

Low angst great narration

This was a very pleasant easy listen. Having more of Colonel Fitzwilliam was nice. I also liked the changes in Jane and Lydia.

Nice rounded storyline. I have enjoyed all of Ms kendigs stories and audiobooks.

I enjoy all of ms kendigs work. And I’ll continue to buy whenever I find them available in kindle and audiobooks

Not-so-silly sisters

Mr. Bennet falls gravely ill, and the elder sisters of Longbourn know it won’t be long before a new master takes his place. Fortunately for the family, Mr. Bennet’s younger half-brother, a kind-hearted artist and the husband of the former Charlotte Lucas, is poised to step in. This variation offers a delightful exploration of the daughters of Longbourn, each possessing a unique talent.

Jane and Bingley do not marry, forcing him to take another look at himself—Bingley’s ultimate choice in the end might surprise.

An enjoyable read and listen, further enhanced by Harry Frost’s exceptional narration. His performance tugs at the heartstrings, particularly in the poignant moments surrounding Mr. Bennet’s illness and passing. Frost’s portrayal of Lydia, whose talent for acting shines as she performs Shakespeare, demonstrates his remarkable range as a well-rounded narrator.

Enjoyable P&P Variation

I enjoyed this book. It was pretty long but I didn't get tired of it. I listened to the audiobook over the course of a day and even managed to finish BEFORE bedtime. That is a rarity. The narrator did a good job and it was an enjoyable listen.

The story has its sad moments as Mr. Bennet dies and the daughters grieve. Mrs. Bennet seems to grieve more about losing her place as mistress than the loss of her husband but the daughters do truly grieve their loss. I loved the pairings as the girls marry. We don't see all the courtships and only learn about some of the marriages in the epilogue but I enjoyed how they were well matched.

Lydia may have been my favorite sister in this. She is still the boisterous youngest daughter but I'd say she uses her powers for good in this book. She still manipulates her mother but not for her own selfish desires. instead she does it to keep her mother's behavior stable. Each of the daughters are great and talented and have a useful gift but Lydia's was pretty hilarious really. And because of her more mature view of life I ended up loving her match up too. It seemed perfect but had someone told me about it as I started reading I wouldn't have believed that I would like it.

I loved the uncle and his management of the family when the time came for it. There really was much to like about the book. There aren't necessarily a ton of swoony moments but people were definitely marrying for love.

Very well done

I read this story just before listening to it and liked it then. Having listened to Harry Frost narrate it has been a joy.

Quite good

*Potential spoilers*
I appreciated Jane's stronger character, especially when speaking to Bingley. I always enjoy variations where Jane ends up with someone that is not Bingley. The death of Mr. Bennet is sad, but having Charlotte as an aunt is a lovely addition. Their uncle Josiah is a great character as well. This was a very interesting variation.