Manuscript Monday: The Other Bennet Sister – Now a BBC Series!

Back in February 2022, I shared a book on Manuscript Monday that I called "my favourite spin off yet." That book was Janice Hadlow's The Other Bennet Sister, and I meant every word. You can read that original post right here.

At the time, I loved how it made me "consider a character in Pride and Prejudice that I didn't consider too much." I never thought to ask: How did Mary feel about this situation? Why wasn't she involved in that storyline? The author answered those questions beautifully, in a way that felt authentically Austen. I found myself savouring every chapter, waiting patiently for Mary's happy ending while simultaneously wanting to shake Mrs. Bennet for her constant dismissals.

Now, four years later, the BBC has turned this overlooked gem into a television series: The Other Bennet Sister on BBC One.

The Book First? The Show First? Or Both?

This brings us to an important question that we at Book Interrupted have been debating for years, especially during our Books with Movies Season: When is the best time to read the book?

Meredith had discovered something surprising through that season, she actually prefers watching the adaptation first. Why? Because when she watches the show or movie before reading, she finds she can enjoy the visual story on its own terms, without constantly comparing it to her imagined version. Then, when she picks up the book afterward, she gets the joy of deeper characterization, richer inner monologues, and the satisfying experience of "filling in the gaps" that any adaptation must leave out.

Personally, I lean the other way. I read The Other Bennet Sister years ago, so I came to the BBC series with Mary's voice already in my head. For me, that enhanced the experience, I kept thinking, Yes, that's exactly how she would react! or Oh, I love how they visualized that scene from the book! But here's the beauty in this particular adaptation: you really can't go wrong from what I have seen.

What Viewers Are Saying

According to the BBC programme page, the series follows "the spirited Bennet sisters as they navigate the minefield of the marriage market, but for bookish Mary, another path beckons." It's billed as "a new spin on Pride and Prejudice," starring Ella Bruccoleri as Mary.

Early reviews on IMDb praise the show as "a refreshing, lighthearted, and comedic take on the source material while remaining faithful to it in all the ways that matter most." Another reviewer notes the series delivers "more longing and desire than blatant sex – impressive writing."

The casting has also earned rave reviews. Ella Bruccoleri plays Mary as "relatable, likable, witty, and smart," and in a delightful surprise, Lucy Briers, who played Mary in the 1995 Pride and Prejudice appears as Mrs. Hill, the Bennets' housekeeper. Which I absolutely love.

How to Approach It: Your Options

Here's my advice for anyone diving into Mary's story:

Option 1: Read the book first. You'll get the full depth of Mary's inner world, her insecurities, her small rebellions, her gradual blooming. Then the series becomes a beautiful visual companion, like seeing a beloved friend brought to life.

Option 2: Watch the series first. Follow Meredith's approach! Enjoy the costumes, the performances, the longing glances. Then read the book to immerse yourself in Mary's thoughts and discover all the moments the screen couldn't capture.

Option 3: Read and watch simultaneously. This is chaotic but fun! Read a few chapters, then watch the corresponding episodes. You'll catch every detail and appreciate both mediums in conversation with each other. I did this when I dived into the Twilight Book Series, but I was completely obsessed, which you may already know if you've listened to any episodes from Season 3 of the podcast.

Option 4: Just watch the series (for now). No judgment! Sometimes life is busy, and a six-episode BBC drama is more manageable than a 400-page novel. You can always circle back to the book later and you'll likely want to.

The Bottom Line

However you choose to experience Mary Bennet's story, just experience it. I said it in 2022, and I'll say it again: The Other Bennet Sister is a triumph. Whether you read the book back then, pick it up tonight, or simply press play on the BBC series, you're in for a deeply satisfying journey.

And if you find yourself torn about the order? Take Meredith's wisdom to heart: There's no wrong way. A good story will find you, however you meet it.

Have you watched The Other Bennet Sister yet? Are you reading the book alongside it? Or are you a loyal "book first" reader like me? Drop your thoughts in the comments and if you're a Jane Austen superfan, come join the PemberLittens reading group on Litsy. We'd love to have you!