In Defense of Mary Bennet

I watched The Other Bennet Sister last week. I loved it, so much so I watched it twice. Pride and Prejudice is my favorite comfort watch, and my daughter’s name was inspired by the family. Like most P&P fanatics, I had always fancied myself a Lizzie. Hard-nosed, staunchly proud of my independence, and secretly hoping a Mr. Darcy would crash into my world and lift me out of a life of quiet striving. Sigh.

But The Other Bennet Sister, adapted from Janice Hadlow’s novel, opened a corner of my brain I didn’t know existed. Mary Bennet is the character I understand and relate to the most.

I want more stories about people like Mary. Stories of self-discovery that look and feel like fumbling toward acceptance, finding friendship, confidence, and companionship along the way. Stories that don’t require you to change but go through the hard work of growing into who you’ve always been.