Book Review- Mary, Quite Contrary by Lefki Karantoni
Reviewed by Amanda Kai
Having recently watched The Other Bennet Sister, it's hard to imagine anyone else with Mary Bennet in a world where Tom Hayward exists. Thankfully for us, Lefki Karantoni's universe is absent of any Toms.
In his place is Charles Bingley, the unlikeliest suitor for Mary; a shallow man of fashion and fortune, who only months prior has abandoned her eldest sister.
Now that Jane is married to her viscount and Elizabeth and Darcy are equally reveling in newlywed bliss, this other Bennet sister has decided she no longer wishes to be invisible. Putting up an intimidating facade that sends shopkeepers and society harpies scurrying, she catches the notice of Charles Bingley. In his quest to become a man of depth to impress her, Charles purchases Netherfield, and begins laboring in its north field.
He discovers that a little mud never dismayed Mary Bennet and that she is the ballast he needs to anchor his ship through every storm.
This was my first encounter with Ms. Karantoni's stories, and I found it absolutely delightful. Her writing is packed to the brim with sparkling similes, a viscount as colorful as his parrot, and a naughty ginger cat named Charles, who only seems to like Mary and his namesake.
If you enjoy humorous stories, secondary characters, and unlikely pairings, then I heartily recommend you try Mary, Quite Contrary.
Comments