In this captivating twist on Pride and Prejudice, the focus is on the lives of the servants in the Bennet houshold, with just as much romance, heartbreak, and intrigue downstairs as there is upstairs. While the marriage prospects of the Bennet girls preoccupy the family upstairs, the housekeeper Mrs. Hill has her hands full managing the staff that keeps Longbourn running smoothly; the young housemaids Sarah and Polly, the butler Mr. Hill, and they mysterious new footman, James Smith. While Jane Austen fans will find much to savor, Longbourn stands along as an engrossing, intelligent historical novel, enhanced by fully realized characters, fine writing, and insight into the social, cultural, and political realities of the Regency era.
