Longbourn by Jo Baker offers a refreshing perspective on the classic Pride and Prejudice from the servants' viewpoint. Readers praise its rich historical detail and compelling narrative that enhances the original story. However, some find the shift in focus disappointing, feeling it lacks the charm of Austen’s work. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read.

A reader who enjoys Longbourn by Jo Baker appreciates historical fiction with rich character development and a fresh perspective on classic stories. Fans of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa will find delight in its nuanced view of the servants' lives in the Austen era.

Longbourn by Jo Baker follows the lives of the servants in the Bennet household from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, primarily focusing on housemaid Sarah, housekeeper Mrs. Hill, and mysterious footman James Smith. Their lives unfold against the backdrop of the events in Austen's novel, exploring themes of romantic love, marriage, personal satisfaction, and the harsh realities of the lower class in Austen's period. The book includes mentions of wartime trauma and inappropriate relationships.

Contemplative / Bittersweet / Melancholic / Nostalgic

- Longbourn by Jo Baker was chosen as a 2013 Book of the Year by The Guardian newspaper in the United Kingdom, highlighting its reception as a notable work of literature.
- Jo Baker's novel draws inspiration from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice but explores the untold stories and perspectives of the servants working in the Bennet household.
- The idea for Longbourn stemmed partly from Jo Baker's family history, as her ancestors worked in service, which influenced her interest in exploring the lives of servants in the Regency era.

**Sarah**  
A young maid around the same age as the Bennet daughters, Sarah works at Longbourn and struggles with her position in society, contrasting with the lives of leisure enjoyed by others.

**James Smith**  
An enigmatic character and Sarah’s love interest, James starts as a servant at Longbourn and wrestles with his past while striving to belong and find peace.

**Margaret Hill**  
The housekeeper of Longbourn, Mrs. Hill manages the household and harbors complex relationships and memories from her past, maintaining a practical approach to her situation.

**Polly**  
A child from the parish workhouse who finds a home at Longbourn, Polly brings a sense of innocence and curiosity into the household dynamics.

**Ptolemy Bingley**  
A footman in the Bingley household, Ptolemy is characterized by his gentlemanly demeanor and aspirations of social mobility, presenting an initial romantic interest for Sarah.

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