Reading with Emily: The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch

QUICK FACTS

Title: The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch

Author: Melinda Taub

Genre: Historical Fantasy, Austenesque Fiction

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (October 3, 2023)

Length: (400) pages

Format: Hardcover, eBook, & Audiobook

ISBN: ‎978-1538739204

Tour Dates: September 25 – October 9, 2023

BOOK DESCRIPTION

A "wildly inventive and utterly addictive" (Julia Quinn) witchy reimagining of Pride and Prejudice, told from the perspective of the troublesome and—according to her—much-maligned youngest Bennet sister, Lydia.

In this exuberant retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Lydia Bennet puts pen to paper to relate the real events and aftermath of the classic story. Some facts are well known: Mrs. Bennet suffers from her nerves, Mr. Bennet suffers from Mrs. Bennet, and all five daughters suffer from an estate that is entailed only to male heirs.

But Lydia also suffers from entirely different concerns: her best-loved sister Kitty is really a barn cat; Wickham is every bit as wicked as the world believes him to be, but what else would one expect from a demon? And if Mr. Darcy is uptight about etiquette, that’s nothing compared to his feelings about magic. Most of all, Lydia has yet to learn that for a witch, promises have power . . .

Full of enchantment, intrigue, and boundless magic, The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch, has all the irreverent wit, strength, and romance of Pride and Prejudice—while offering a highly unexpected redemption for the wildest Bennet sister.

BOOK REVIEW

WOW. This is probably the top 5-star book for me this year and I read a lot of books.

The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch was well written and captivating. This paints a picture that is unlike Jane Austen's Lydia Bennet, yet somehow it entwines the story perfectly.

This magical telling actually lets me relate to Lydia, who let's be honest, comes across as almost the villain. In P & P she is selfish, and unthinking. This story paints her as so much more and Kitty, too.

I found myself turning page after page, not knowing where it was going and where it turned out was outside of what I might have guessed. This tale was full of imagination and spirit. There may be even a bit of goodwill for Wickham too in the end.

This magical side of a favorite story was brought to life and I enjoyed every minute. I found myself waiting with bated breath for the next twist to drop. This was twisty and turny and perfectly crafted. Just in time for spooky season.

I received and early copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest review.

PRAISE FOR THE SCANDALOUS CONFESSIONS OF LYDIA BENNET, WITCH

“Funny and fierce as Lydia Bennet herself, this book mixes witchcraft lore with Austen’s story to make its own unique magic. I’ll never look at Kitty the same way again…” ―Claudia Gray, author of The Murder of Mr. Wickham, a Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney Mystery
“Taub’s wit and creativity shines through. . . A delight for both Austen lovers and fans of magical adventure stories.” ―Kirkus Reviews

· “Wildly inventive and utterly addictive. I never thought I'd say this, but I'm now 100% Team Lydia.” ―Julia Quinn

PURCHASE LINKS

AUTHOR BIO

Melinda Taub is an Emmy and Writers’ Guild Award-winning writer. The former head writer and executive producer of Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, she is also the author of Still Star-Crossed, a young adult novel which was adapted for television by Shondaland. (She also wrote that thing about the Baroness in The Sound of Music that your aunt likes.) She lives in Brooklyn.

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