Last year saw celebrations to mark 250 years since the birth of one of England’s most beloved authors, Jane Austen. In addition to events around the country the BBC showed a new drama Miss Austen, based on the novelist’s sister Cassandra. Despite my best intentions my personal attempt to pay homage to this important author was delayed until this year when I happily participated in a re-read of Pride and Prejudice alongside two librarian friends. This was an enjoyable and in some ways surprising experience. There were aspects of the novel that I had forgotten and I do think my memories had been affected by film adaptations that I had seen in the interim. I delighted in meeting Lizzie again and her close bond with her sister Jane was as I remembered it. The other Bennet girls were vague in my memory despite the Lydia and Wickham storyline. My re-read reminded me once more of the quiet and bookish Mary, a character who is rather neglected in Austen’s writing and Kitty is little more than a name mentioned alongside the wilful Lydia.

Then one of those happy coincidences occurred. I was contacted by Jade from Andersen Press and asked if I would be interested in a proof copy of Kitty and Mary: The Forgotten Bennet Sisters written by Julia Gray and Imogen Russell Williams, two writers whose work I admire. How could I possibly resist! The timing was perfect and I am grateful to have been provided with the opportunity of reading this delightful book. Somehow these two writers together have conjured up an enjoyable and engrossing story that captures the wit and social awareness of Austen’s original. Kitty and Mary begins six months after Pride and Prejudice’s ending and Elizabeth is married to Mr Darcy, Jane is married to Mr Bingley and Lydia is married to Wickham. Meanwhile Mary is stuck at home at Longbourn with her parents, subjected to her mother’s caustic tongue and criticisms and is constantly at her beck and call. Kitty meanwhile is flitting between her two sisters’ estates searching for a suitable husband at local balls and dinners. When Mary is offered the chance of escape, even though it entails an arduous sea voyage to India, she is determined to seize this opportunity.

The ensuing narrative is told through the two sisters’ journal entries and letters they write to each other saved until they are able to each read them. In this way the reader experiences the gradual development of both young women as they learn what is most important to them and discover that happiness is achieved by being true to oneself. It is Mary who is perhaps the more surprising character as her reserve in Pride and Prejudice almost made her appear a little severe. Her journey to India enables her to gain an independence denied her at home and her experiences and new found friendships allow Mary to truly blossom. I found this aspect of the novel particularly appealing and delighted in Mary’s new found enthusiasm for life and how she overcame her previous awkwardness and shyness. Mary’s departure means that the lively Kitty is required to return to Longbourn to support her mother, a suffering made a little more bearable by the arrival of a handsome, eligible bachelor at a neighbouring estate.

Despite the differences in their personalities the bond between the two sisters is apparent and it is clear that Kitty misses her sister’s wise counsel as she deliberates on her budding romance with the handsome poet, Mr Whittaker. Mary also confides in her sister over matters that are causing her hurt and worry and the respect each sister feels for the other is touching. Through this sharing of innermost thoughts, concerns and worries the characters of Mary and Kitty are brought to life for the reader and the two young women become well rounded, believable and, cleverly, still feel true to the original girls depicted in the original novel.

The research and historical detail adds considerable depth to the storyline and I would be fascinated to know how the two authors worked on this dual narrative so successfully. This delightful novel is a real treat for those who have loved Pride and Prejudice yet would also be an enjoyable and engrossing read for those new to these characters. Kitty and Mary is a delightful read and will have appeal to teen readers who enjoy both historical fiction and romance. Suitable for readers aged 14+, published on 10th September and highly recommended. I am most grateful to Jade at Andersen Press for providing my proof copy.