That Older Sister of Mine
by SIS André
Genres: Historical Fiction
Release Date: August 31, 2023
Pages: 73
Get from: Amazon
My Rating: ★★★★☆
Review
NOTE: This review is based on an eBook I purchased from Amazon.
There are minor **SPOILERS** in this review.
I wasn’t expecting That Older Sister of Mine to be written as diary/journal entries. On one hand, it’s an excellent way to focus on Lydia’s POV. On the other, it makes for a “skippy” narrative since we only get to know about the little bit that Lydia chooses to write.
That said, I thought that Ms. André did a good job with the style choice she made. Despite the short length, the pacing was comfortable, and Lydia’s perspective is entertaining.
Ms. André gives us a logical reason for Lydia to be so devoted to Lizzy. I suppose we’re to extrapolate that Lydia has chosen to emulate the sister she feels beholden to, rather than her mother who spoils her.
The personality quirks and flaws Lydia displays in canon are still present, but tempered with her incorporation of Lizzy’s example.
Perhaps the most interesting of Lydia’s perspectives is her view of Jane. Rather than the serene, angelic sister I’m used to seeing from Lizzy’s POV, Lydia portrays her as dull and a bit slow. I can’t decide if this characterization is meant to be true or an overcompensation for Lydia’s jealousy of Jane’s beauty and Mrs. Bennet’s favoritism of Jane over Lizzy.
I especially enjoyed how Lydia inadvertently promoted Jane and Lizzy to Mr. Darcy during the Netherfield ball. I definitely recommend That Older Sister of Mine to anyone who enjoys Pride and Prejudice variations, especially ones with different viewpoints.
Notable Quote(s)
Life is less confusing when you have time to look at your thoughts.
Have you read That Older Sister of Mine? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.
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