Mary Bennet’s Redemption: Rethinking the other Bennet Sister

evemrileyauthor
Apr 20
3 min read

I have a massive soft spot for an overlooked woman. She’s hiding behind her specs, watching the action; if she’s in the spotlight, it's often as the punchline for someone else’s joke. We might not like to admit it, but I think many of us have felt like her at some point.

So it’s no surprise that The Other Bennet Sister has become my new comfort watch. Adapted from Janice Hadlow’s novel of the same name, the series follows Mary Bennet as she journeys beyond the back cover of Pride and Prejudice and out into the real world. She moves to London where, under her aunt and uncle's wing, she starts to blossom into herself.

If you love it when the "plain girl" gets her flowers (and her write-up in Vogue) this one is for you!

Ella Bruccoleri as Mary Bennet during the filming of The Other Bennet Sister. She is on a boat on a lake holding a parasol and wearing sunglasses. Photo taken from the linked Vogue article.

A Meeting of Minds

Don’t get me wrong; I am all for an opposites-attract storyline (shoutout to the OG, P&P). But The Other Bennet Sister had me rethinking just how many double standards had slipped under my radar.

In Regency England—and, let’s face it, maybe a little bit now, too—a woman’s wit is expected to serve her beauty first. It can be "charming", but it must never take itself too seriously. Because Mary is all for the serious stuff, even in “feminine” hobbies like music, she tends to jar in the social scene.

Mary Bennet and Mr Ryder from The Other Bennet Sister climbing in the lakes. Mary wears a blue and purple dress and spectacles. Mr Ryder wears a green regency suit and points off to the left. Kindle adaptation bbc

Honestly? I totally get it. If you feel unworthy of love, you bury yourself in books. Mary's studies are more than a pastime; they’re a literal and metaphorical escape from the Marriage vs. Misery (and Destitution) dichotomy.

The Pivot: Away from home, Mary’s intelligence becomes a joyful thing. Her suitors aren't trying to "fix" her—they actually love the parts of themselves that Mary brings out. We love an active heroine shaping her own destiny!

Friendship & Family Drama

This is such a rich seam in the book, particularly in dialogue with Austen's original work. We see how a mother who Lizzy finds silly but harmless can actually be deeply damaging to another daughter. Mary isn't just a vain foil for her older sisters' accomplishments; she has a rich inner world that provides a much better explanation of her behaviour.

A word of warning: Some of your P&P faves might be seen in a... less than flattering light here (don't hate the messenger!).

Mary Bennet and her friend Ann Baxter. Mary wears a red dress with a green trim and has her hair up. Ann wears a green dress with puff sleeves and white gloves. The women are looking at each other. This is a still from The Other Bennet Sister

Mary's female friendships are a huge driving force of her development. These aren’t cookie-cutter relationships—they’re complicated explorations of insecurity, conflict, and ultimately, true mentorship. They are some of the most vivid parts of the story, and I'm a huge fan.

From Page to Screen

Expect a slightly brighter tone in the adaptation than its namesake and a bit of a character makeover of Pride and Prejudice's Mary Bennet. Gone is much of the misplaced pride; the moralising, the moments of cruelty, and the classic Mary barbs. I have mixed feelings about this (I know, I know – even Austen had a hard time being "light, bright, and sparkling" all the time!).

We originally met Mary through Lizzy’s eyes—and Lizzy is the "prejudice" in Pride and Prejudice. She isn't exactly a reliable narrator when it comes to her "plain" sister. Mary is a little thinly drawn, and there’s definitely room for reimagining!

My one gripe? I would have loved to see more of Mary’s imperfect moments on screen. Mary’s rough edges make her more human, and we can handle a flawed heroine, I promise!

Standout performances

Ella Bruccoleri has my whole heart as Mary Bennet. She has the awkwardness down pat but also a loveable charm and strength. She totally pulls off those specs!

I fully hated Ruth Jones’ Mrs Bennet with a fire I hadn’t expected. I wonder if she was maybe too unlikeable? Certainly the most black-and-white character in an otherwise really nuanced series, but a powerful performance, nonetheless.

As Mr Hayward, Dónal Finn portrays some of the finest on-screen yearning I have seen in a long time. Aaaand the best supporting actor award goes to those forearms in the graces scene (if you know, you know!).

Catch The Other Bennet Sister on BBC iPlayer or BritBox for readers across the pond.

What did you think of the series? Let me know in the comments below!

Love, Eve. Xx

P.S. If you love an undervalued heroine, the newest addition to The Techboys family is coming soon - preorder your copy now!

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