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The Banished Uncle: Expanded Edition: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Aaron Gardiner, the long lost uncle of the Bennet daughters, returns from India after twenty years. George Wickham plots, and gentlemen and ladies fall in love.
It is Christmas, 1811, and the Bennets of Longbourn are startled by the sudden arrival of Mr. Aaron Gardiner, Mrs. Bennet’s older brother who was banished to India more than two decades ago. Aaron is a wise man with a deep understanding of human nature, and his insights into the characters of George Wickham and Charles Bingley prove of great value to Elizabeth and Jane Bennet.
When the rest of Aaron’s family arrives from India, the Bennets find themselves embarking on new and exciting adventures. Philip, Aaron’s stepson, has unexpectedly come into an earldom, and Jane and Elizabeth choose to assist their new cousin in learning to manage his vast estate in Kent.
Mr. Darcy is thoroughly startled when he discovers that the lovely Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn is connected by marriage to the new Earl of Chartham. When his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and her daughter Anne, begin acting in surprising ways, his unassailable confidence in his own sagacity is chipped away, resulting in a new humility.
George Wickham plots the ruin of a Bennet daughter, gentlemen and ladies fall in love, and Elizabeth and Darcy eventually attain their happily ever after.
"The Expanded Edition adds nearly 200 pages of new content to this brilliant story!"
It is Christmas, 1811, and the Bennets of Longbourn are startled by the sudden arrival of Mr. Aaron Gardiner, Mrs. Bennet’s older brother who was banished to India more than two decades ago. Aaron is a wise man with a deep understanding of human nature, and his insights into the characters of George Wickham and Charles Bingley prove of great value to Elizabeth and Jane Bennet.
When the rest of Aaron’s family arrives from India, the Bennets find themselves embarking on new and exciting adventures. Philip, Aaron’s stepson, has unexpectedly come into an earldom, and Jane and Elizabeth choose to assist their new cousin in learning to manage his vast estate in Kent.
Mr. Darcy is thoroughly startled when he discovers that the lovely Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn is connected by marriage to the new Earl of Chartham. When his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and her daughter Anne, begin acting in surprising ways, his unassailable confidence in his own sagacity is chipped away, resulting in a new humility.
George Wickham plots the ruin of a Bennet daughter, gentlemen and ladies fall in love, and Elizabeth and Darcy eventually attain their happily ever after.
"The Expanded Edition adds nearly 200 pages of new content to this brilliant story!"
522 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2023
113 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Laraba Kendig
40 books102 followersI am a scientist by training, but a writer at heart. I have always loved reading with a passion and turned my hand to fanfiction a few years ago. I write stories similar to the ones I enjoy reading. They are interesting but light, romantic but not steamy. I am a super fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and have been having a wonderful time writing P&P variations, exploring how new circumstances affect the beloved characters. So far I have published two novel-length Pride and Prejudice variations plus one short story via Amazon. My books include ‘I am Jael’ and ‘The Blind Will See’.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 27, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.
Ending at 93%/page 481 on my Kindle. I did not read the original story so can make no comments about any expansion. There is not angst in this story.
I does have Uncle Aaron Gardiner returning to England from his 20 year stay in India. He had finally married the woman he loved when her husband dies, after being denied her hand and threatened those many years ago.
His role in this story is to straighten out many problems in his relations' families, especially that of his sister, Fanny Bennet. His two step-children and two children play a part interacting with the Bennets for much of the story.
We do have Bingley and Darcy and their romances with Jane and Elizabeth but all three of the other Bennet sister also have an active part in this story. I especially liked how Mary blossomed and how Kitty shook off the chains that bound her to follow in Lydia's footsteps.
Lady Catherine and Wickham continue to be problems in this tale but each has a different path after Uncle Aaron helps the family deal with them. Anne de Bourgh gains her freedom from her mother and her health as well as happiness.
This was a pleasant story. However as I said there was no angst so for me it did not grab my attention all that much.
Ending at 93%/page 481 on my Kindle. I did not read the original story so can make no comments about any expansion. There is not angst in this story.
I does have Uncle Aaron Gardiner returning to England from his 20 year stay in India. He had finally married the woman he loved when her husband dies, after being denied her hand and threatened those many years ago.
His role in this story is to straighten out many problems in his relations' families, especially that of his sister, Fanny Bennet. His two step-children and two children play a part interacting with the Bennets for much of the story.
We do have Bingley and Darcy and their romances with Jane and Elizabeth but all three of the other Bennet sister also have an active part in this story. I especially liked how Mary blossomed and how Kitty shook off the chains that bound her to follow in Lydia's footsteps.
Lady Catherine and Wickham continue to be problems in this tale but each has a different path after Uncle Aaron helps the family deal with them. Anne de Bourgh gains her freedom from her mother and her health as well as happiness.
This was a pleasant story. However as I said there was no angst so for me it did not grab my attention all that much.
January 28, 2024
A Feel Good Story
A very pleasant story about a long lost elder Gardiner brother who returns to England after being banished by his father more than 20 years earlier. The book is a fast-moving, no angst, feel-good tale, depicting the realisation of each character’s reaching their HEA, thanks to much of the influence of the loving and intelligent uncle. I read the original version some time back, and enjoyed this expanded version with Harry Frost’s always excellent and entertaining narration.
Highly recommend.
Audiobook - January 26, 2024
A very pleasant story about a long lost elder Gardiner brother who returns to England after being banished by his father more than 20 years earlier. The book is a fast-moving, no angst, feel-good tale, depicting the realisation of each character’s reaching their HEA, thanks to much of the influence of the loving and intelligent uncle. I read the original version some time back, and enjoyed this expanded version with Harry Frost’s always excellent and entertaining narration.
Highly recommend.
Audiobook - January 26, 2024
February 17, 2025
Indian spices flavor this P&P variation story that gives the Bennets a long-lost Gardiner relation who sets the original's pot to boiling. Laraba Kendig's low-angst, but heart felt tales with a spiritual flavoring offer some engaging variation twists that I find fascinating.
The Banished Uncle Expanded Edition is the newer version with the more generous word count. I haven't read the older version so I'm unsure where scenes were expanded or if that long four-chapter Epilogue was the expanded part.
Light is shed on bittersweet forgotten past Gardiner family story when the oldest sibling arrives home after a twenty year exile from family and home in India. Aaron Gardiner was sent away because he dared to love above his station, but now a twist in fate has brought him and his family back. The Bennets welcome their long lost relations wholeheartedly with Jane and Elizabeth benefiting from the new arrivals right away when their new-found Uncle Gardiner takes action in the Bennet lives for their good. The variation begins after the Netherfield Ball when the Gardiners take their nieces to London after Christmas.
There are some spikes in suspense and a couple good surprising twists, but for the most part, this was a gently paced slow-burn tangling and untangling of several relationships led by the romances for Lizzy and Darcy and Jane and Bingley. I enjoyed seeing new relationships form when the newest Gardiners start to settle into their lives in England and with their reunited extended family.
All in all, this was a sweetheart story of love and family that sees a lot of happily ever afters and a few disappointments in the story with extended epilogue.
The Banished Uncle Expanded Edition is the newer version with the more generous word count. I haven't read the older version so I'm unsure where scenes were expanded or if that long four-chapter Epilogue was the expanded part.
Light is shed on bittersweet forgotten past Gardiner family story when the oldest sibling arrives home after a twenty year exile from family and home in India. Aaron Gardiner was sent away because he dared to love above his station, but now a twist in fate has brought him and his family back. The Bennets welcome their long lost relations wholeheartedly with Jane and Elizabeth benefiting from the new arrivals right away when their new-found Uncle Gardiner takes action in the Bennet lives for their good. The variation begins after the Netherfield Ball when the Gardiners take their nieces to London after Christmas.
There are some spikes in suspense and a couple good surprising twists, but for the most part, this was a gently paced slow-burn tangling and untangling of several relationships led by the romances for Lizzy and Darcy and Jane and Bingley. I enjoyed seeing new relationships form when the newest Gardiners start to settle into their lives in England and with their reunited extended family.
All in all, this was a sweetheart story of love and family that sees a lot of happily ever afters and a few disappointments in the story with extended epilogue.
June 29, 2023
Great expanded edition
I read and enjoyed the first edition so much, that I decided to buy this expanded one and I don't regret it.
I read and enjoyed the first edition so much, that I decided to buy this expanded one and I don't regret it.
February 4, 2023
very different edition
I think this edition changed so much from the first edition it is something different than an expanded edition. I think it is o new book.
Lots of new content. A less angry story compared to the first edition. The lack of intensity Arron Gardiner has about his past makes it an easy going story. Not a bad thing, just a difference which could be important to a reader.
Lots of happy endings in the book.
I think this edition changed so much from the first edition it is something different than an expanded edition. I think it is o new book.
Lots of new content. A less angry story compared to the first edition. The lack of intensity Arron Gardiner has about his past makes it an easy going story. Not a bad thing, just a difference which could be important to a reader.
Lots of happy endings in the book.
May 2, 2023
A new Gardiner, returned from India, and his family makes so much of difference to our dear characters upturning their lives and bringing in new connections and opportunities. Everyone is given a chance at love and marriage and redemption, in case of less desirable ones, most were taken up but some were wasted. The story had a very smooth flow and low angst though could've used a bit more romance between so many couples. The epilogue was nearly a novella length sequel and ties everything up in a very pretty bow.
February 8, 2023
Even better than before
I really enjoyed this story the first time it was released. But I am glad she expanded the story giving us more to enjoy.
I really enjoyed this story the first time it was released. But I am glad she expanded the story giving us more to enjoy.
March 5, 2023
Wonderful
Mrs Bennett has an elder brother, Aaron Gardiner, who falls in love with a woman who is far above him in society as a young man. The woman's father demands that Aaron's father send him away, or else he threatens to ruin the Gardiners. Aaron goes to India, makes a large fortune in business, and returns to marry the woman he loves after her first husband dies. The reunited lovers spend about twenty years in India before returning to England, when their eldest son unexpectedly inherits an Earldom. At that time, the five Bennett daughters finally meet the uncle they never knew, and his presence in their lives has a huge impact on every one of them.
I love the new characters that are introduced: uncle Aaron, aunt Sophia, and cousins Phillip, Rebekah, Alexander, and Ruth. They're all considered a little odd, having lived so long in India. But it's their oddness but goodness that sets the stage for some lessons about life for many of the main characters. Many sensitive issues are tackled, such as racial discrimination, dementia, and the absurdity of the social structure of these times. Of course, this author always includes a lot of religious references, and makes sure that all of the heroes and heroines are godly people.
The book is well written and well edited. It's populated by characters that you can care about. The story is engaging and uplifting. I recommend it highly.
Mrs Bennett has an elder brother, Aaron Gardiner, who falls in love with a woman who is far above him in society as a young man. The woman's father demands that Aaron's father send him away, or else he threatens to ruin the Gardiners. Aaron goes to India, makes a large fortune in business, and returns to marry the woman he loves after her first husband dies. The reunited lovers spend about twenty years in India before returning to England, when their eldest son unexpectedly inherits an Earldom. At that time, the five Bennett daughters finally meet the uncle they never knew, and his presence in their lives has a huge impact on every one of them.
I love the new characters that are introduced: uncle Aaron, aunt Sophia, and cousins Phillip, Rebekah, Alexander, and Ruth. They're all considered a little odd, having lived so long in India. But it's their oddness but goodness that sets the stage for some lessons about life for many of the main characters. Many sensitive issues are tackled, such as racial discrimination, dementia, and the absurdity of the social structure of these times. Of course, this author always includes a lot of religious references, and makes sure that all of the heroes and heroines are godly people.
The book is well written and well edited. It's populated by characters that you can care about. The story is engaging and uplifting. I recommend it highly.
October 18, 2024
I loved it!
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. Aaron Gardiner, the long lost uncle of the Bennet daughters, returns from India after twenty years. George Wickham plots, and gentlemen and ladies fall in love. It is Christmas, 1811, and the Bennets of Longbourn are startled by the sudden arrival of Mr. Aaron Gardiner, Mrs. Bennet’s older brother who was banished to India more than two decades ago. Aaron, now rich from his business dealings, is a wise man with a deep understanding of human nature, and his insights into the characters of others prove invaluable to Elizabeth and Jane Bennet. When Aaron’s family arrives from India, the Bennets find themselves embarking on new adventures. Philip, Aaron’s stepson, has unexpectedly come into an earldom, and Jane and Elizabeth assist their new cousin in learning to manage his vast estate in Kent. How will the Bennet sisters benefit from the connections of their newfound wealthy relations? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. Aaron Gardiner, the long lost uncle of the Bennet daughters, returns from India after twenty years. George Wickham plots, and gentlemen and ladies fall in love. It is Christmas, 1811, and the Bennets of Longbourn are startled by the sudden arrival of Mr. Aaron Gardiner, Mrs. Bennet’s older brother who was banished to India more than two decades ago. Aaron, now rich from his business dealings, is a wise man with a deep understanding of human nature, and his insights into the characters of others prove invaluable to Elizabeth and Jane Bennet. When Aaron’s family arrives from India, the Bennets find themselves embarking on new adventures. Philip, Aaron’s stepson, has unexpectedly come into an earldom, and Jane and Elizabeth assist their new cousin in learning to manage his vast estate in Kent. How will the Bennet sisters benefit from the connections of their newfound wealthy relations? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
February 10, 2023
Uncle Aaron comes in and has a way of taking charge without offending. He is a big man, well dressed, and definitely a leader. Aaron Gardiner is a man that I fell in love with. He, Aaron, is multi-faceted, multi-talented and brilliant.
The uncle has a way of taking control of a situation without anyone knowing he has interfered. Charles Bingley and Darcy have come to admire Aaron, his wife and their children. How does he do this, read the book? While the book is long, I did not find it wordy. I was delighted with the Epilog because it gave closure to so many little scenarios and an ending or resolution to smaller plots within the book.
I devoured this book; it gives you everything that a good, well-written book should; thrills, a certain degree of angst, injustice resolved, humanitarianism and love, true, unrequited love.
The uncle has a way of taking control of a situation without anyone knowing he has interfered. Charles Bingley and Darcy have come to admire Aaron, his wife and their children. How does he do this, read the book? While the book is long, I did not find it wordy. I was delighted with the Epilog because it gave closure to so many little scenarios and an ending or resolution to smaller plots within the book.
I devoured this book; it gives you everything that a good, well-written book should; thrills, a certain degree of angst, injustice resolved, humanitarianism and love, true, unrequited love.
February 17, 2023
Apparently, I read the bridged version back in 2020 - that was before I wrote these little notes to myself or a review and have it 3 stars. (3 stars for me is "good" 4 is very good, 5 is OMG I must own this and read it over and over). Anyway, I typically remember things that I read and I don't remember any of the plot line or characters from that 2020 read.
What I read in this expanded version has way too much going on. There are too many subplots and not one main plot. It's like lil blinks, something happens, you blink and it's gone. E.G. There a few pages that lead up to Elizabeth going with D & G going to visit his in-laws. Blink, we're now at Netherfield skimming over the visit. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED.
What I read in this expanded version has way too much going on. There are too many subplots and not one main plot. It's like lil blinks, something happens, you blink and it's gone. E.G. There a few pages that lead up to Elizabeth going with D & G going to visit his in-laws. Blink, we're now at Netherfield skimming over the visit. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED.
March 4, 2023
Lovely extended edition
I originally read this story on FF. New characters for the extended Gardner family. Edward has an older brother who has been living with his wife and children in India for many years. Aaron returns to England due to an inherited title placed upon his stepson.
This tale isn't just a typical Darcy and Elizabeth tale. All the Bennet sisters, the Bingleys, Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam and the extended Gardners have a place here. A well written and quick read. Low on the angst level. This reader always enjoys new characters added to P & P. A lovely twist with stories on most and a series of chapters within the epilogue.
I'll be watching out for another tale from this author.
I originally read this story on FF. New characters for the extended Gardner family. Edward has an older brother who has been living with his wife and children in India for many years. Aaron returns to England due to an inherited title placed upon his stepson.
This tale isn't just a typical Darcy and Elizabeth tale. All the Bennet sisters, the Bingleys, Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam and the extended Gardners have a place here. A well written and quick read. Low on the angst level. This reader always enjoys new characters added to P & P. A lovely twist with stories on most and a series of chapters within the epilogue.
I'll be watching out for another tale from this author.
March 2, 2024
4.75 stars
This was a wonderful adaptation that I thoroughly enjoyed reading and am excited to come back and reread in the future. My only issue is that the author pushes Christianity so much it did pull me out of the story too often in mild agitation. It does fit well with certain storylines and won't be obnoxious for most. Even the wonderful Miss Austen herself did not feel the need to use it as often. Regardless of that I found myself wonderfully invested in the storylines of each character original and new and was exceedingly pleased with all outcomes.
This was a wonderful adaptation that I thoroughly enjoyed reading and am excited to come back and reread in the future. My only issue is that the author pushes Christianity so much it did pull me out of the story too often in mild agitation. It does fit well with certain storylines and won't be obnoxious for most. Even the wonderful Miss Austen herself did not feel the need to use it as often. Regardless of that I found myself wonderfully invested in the storylines of each character original and new and was exceedingly pleased with all outcomes.
February 5, 2023
Very Good!
I honestly liked the original version of this story, so I was a bit sceptical about the possibility of an expanded version. After all, expansions can sometimes drag things down. I am happy to say that I was very right to take the chance. The expansions truly help give much greater depth to the story without ever weighing it down.
I honestly liked the original version of this story, so I was a bit sceptical about the possibility of an expanded version. After all, expansions can sometimes drag things down. I am happy to say that I was very right to take the chance. The expansions truly help give much greater depth to the story without ever weighing it down.
March 22, 2023
Welcome silent rich uncle!
This story was most enjoyable!. It focuses on all the personalities of the Bennett women. The loyalty that is apparent and the lessons and trials a large family of females go thru. The Bennett parents habits are maddening and
unacceptable but yet forgiven as they are imperfect mere morals!
This story was most enjoyable!. It focuses on all the personalities of the Bennett women. The loyalty that is apparent and the lessons and trials a large family of females go thru. The Bennett parents habits are maddening and
unacceptable but yet forgiven as they are imperfect mere morals!
June 15, 2023
Maybe better un-expanded?
I found the book dragged in multiple spots and suffered from lack of focus. There wasn't a clear storyline. Instead it jumped around from character to character making up big problems which were immediately solved.
I found the religious references heavy handed.
I found the book dragged in multiple spots and suffered from lack of focus. There wasn't a clear storyline. Instead it jumped around from character to character making up big problems which were immediately solved.
I found the religious references heavy handed.
March 23, 2024
Good Read
This is not the usual variation of P & P. Life's twists and turns had real and common resolutions. The story had me hooked and I read from beginning to end. Addressing issues such as mental/emotional issues, financial problems and racial prejudices made the storyline stronger; as it enhanced the fairy tale.
This is not the usual variation of P & P. Life's twists and turns had real and common resolutions. The story had me hooked and I read from beginning to end. Addressing issues such as mental/emotional issues, financial problems and racial prejudices made the storyline stronger; as it enhanced the fairy tale.
June 24, 2025
one of my favorite Pride & Prejudice stories!
The Banished Uncle is one of Laraba Kendig’s best novels. True adventure and suspense, wonderful character development, and one I reread often.
The Banished Uncle is one of Laraba Kendig’s best novels. True adventure and suspense, wonderful character development, and one I reread often.
Read
February 8, 2023Excellent read
As always this is a wonderful read. Characters are so well developed and the interactions draw you in quickly. Hard to put down.
As always this is a wonderful read. Characters are so well developed and the interactions draw you in quickly. Hard to put down.
March 2, 2023
A wonderful story
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. The new characters and distant lands added new dimensions. I found this an engaging read.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. The new characters and distant lands added new dimensions. I found this an engaging read.
May 4, 2023
Surprise
Surprise, you have another uncle and a nice family to boot. And one of them is now a Lord. He's for everyone... Minus a couple who shouldn't have hea.
Surprise, you have another uncle and a nice family to boot. And one of them is now a Lord. He's for everyone... Minus a couple who shouldn't have hea.
August 3, 2023
I Definitely Think k This Book Should Be Read
What A wonderful tale of all the characters of Pride and Prejudice with wonderful new characters. Great storyline and fine adventures.
What A wonderful tale of all the characters of Pride and Prejudice with wonderful new characters. Great storyline and fine adventures.
December 10, 2023
The uncle is an excellent addition to the family.
January 5, 2024
enjoyable
I love her books, lighthearted reading , if you love pride and prejudice, always a good feeling after reading , I will try another book f hers.
I love her books, lighthearted reading , if you love pride and prejudice, always a good feeling after reading , I will try another book f hers.
May 4, 2024
Good read
This is a well-written and charming book for fans of Pride and Prejudice. The plot is totally plausible. Enjoyable read.
This is a well-written and charming book for fans of Pride and Prejudice. The plot is totally plausible. Enjoyable read.
August 5, 2024
Engaging
Some typos, rather preachy in spots, otherwise quite good. Briskly paced and low angst with a couple of amusing twists.
Some typos, rather preachy in spots, otherwise quite good. Briskly paced and low angst with a couple of amusing twists.
August 29, 2024
3.99 rateing.
February 16, 2025
Banished Uncle
I truly enjoyed reading this story. To have all the Bennett daughters do well and come into their own little stories.
I truly enjoyed reading this story. To have all the Bennett daughters do well and come into their own little stories.
June 26, 2025
This book was wonderful. I couldn’t put it down. I loved the portrayal of Elizabeth and Darcy but also loved how the other Bennet sisters were written. I would highly recommend this book.
July 6, 2025
Love this author
I have enjoyed each of the 8 or so books by Laraba Kendig. And each one feels like a favorite. I really enjoyed this one.
I have enjoyed each of the 8 or so books by Laraba Kendig. And each one feels like a favorite. I really enjoyed this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews