Charity Envieth Not (George Knightley, Esquire, #1) in Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2016

Nov 06, 2012 Ceri rated it it was amazing

Shelves: austen-alternative-pov, austenesque-no-sex-scenes, 2016-austeneseque-challenge

This review was first posted on Babblings of a Bookworm: http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot....

This duology is Austen’s ‘Emma’ from Mr Knightley’s perspective, which is an interesting concept, possibly the best Austen hero to have a book written from his viewpoint, as his thoughts and feelings are presented to the reader through the filter of Emma’s skewed understanding. If you read ‘Emma’ the first time you might not notice all the instances, but on a re-read, which I did earlier this year, i ...more

11 likes · Like · see review

Nov 23, 2014 Sophia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-romance-english-welsh, jane-austen-austenesque

Ever wanted to know what he was thinking and doing apart from what was revealed in Emma? Yes, I sure did. Mr. George Knightley was the best part of reading Emma for me. I was glad to see that an author gave him his due in this gently-paced new point of view that tells the story of Emma through Mr. Knightley's eyes.

The story parallels the time line of Emma, but feels almost like a whole new story because it's focus is not the heroine Emma's activities, but the hero, Knightley's. His thoughts, his Ever wanted to know what he was thinking and doing apart from what was revealed in Emma? Yes, I sure did. Mr. George Knightley was the best part of reading Emma for me. I was glad to see that an author gave him his due in this gently-paced new point of view that tells the story of Emma through Mr. Knightley's eyes.

The story parallels the time line of Emma, but feels almost like a whole new story because it's focus is not the heroine Emma's activities, but the hero, Knightley's. His thoughts, his daily life, his circle of acquaintance all come vividly to life. It is not sensationalized and the attention to historical detail make it a jewel for those who appreciate a tight historical and particularly for those who appreciate a tight Austenesque historical.

George Knightley is a single gentleman with an estate near the town of Highbury. He lives a quiet, busy life that is interrupted by occasional visits to his brother in London. His nearest neighbors in distance and equal society are the Woodhouses. He has watched Emma grow up and now must watch her grown into her own as she dabbles in matchmaking and heeds her own advice and inclinations about the people around her. Knightley is frustrated and at times angered by her willfulness, but still finds her superior to every other woman he knows. Between his responsibilities of estate owner, magistrate, head of his family, and citizen of a neighborhood, he watches how Emma's machinations and the entry of a few new faces set in motion changes in the neighborhood and inside him. And this segment of the story ends with George Knightley having an epiphany moment in that he realizes what is behind a recent growing restlessness and dissatisfaction- he is in love and with a woman who isn't in love with him.

So, this book, was a satisfying read for me. I liked the author's style, her portrayal of the original characters along with her own created characters, her ability to write a story paralleling the original that fit together smoothly, and the insight into a well beloved character making him truly come to life. This is the first half of the story and literally stops at the half way point so the reader needs to be prepared for that and for the need to read a second volume to get the whole story.

After I was struck by all that the author had him involved in, I was also taken with how universally liked, respected, and thought well of that he was without doing more than being himself. Doing his duty, showing compassion and understanding, and engaging in life even while being something of a quiet, thoughtful introvert making him very appealing as a main character. I was pleasantly surprised that a gently-paced story focusing on small daily activities would engage me like it did, but I was truly enjoying it. I love romance and the development of romance, but I wouldn't have even missed it if it never showed up in the story. And that's a strong statement for how I liked all that was going on in the story.

Though, have to say, that even if Knightley's romance was missing, I would have still gotten a good dose of at least the unrequited sort through two other minor stories going on in the background. Hope those continue to develop well in the next segment.

Knightley has a fun and engaging relationship with his brother, John (those letters they exchange are hilarious), and also his estate steward, William Larkins who has his ear to the ground and knows everything that happens in the neighborhood. The humor was understated, witty, and droll particularly when it involved John Knightley. The brothers are very different, but they were quite the pair and I enjoyed their interactions so much. Larkins's comedic role as the neighborhood busybody was as fun as Miss Bates though he has a different personality from her and sees things through a negative glass is half empty philosophy.

In truth, I could run through a list of minor characters that it was fun to know because the author made sure even those were written with depth and background.

This version of the story doesn't seem to deliberately put down Emma which I've read in other variations and retellings and do not like. However, it does spotlight her glaring faults and the weakness in the developing romance. Because this Knightley is always thinking of others, thinking of how his words and actions affect others, Emma's lack in that way is more obvious than even in the original story. She is bored after her companion is married so she dabbles in matchmaking wrecking a romance and unwittingly earning an enemy in a man who thought she was showing him attention. She also comes off as something of a snob because she has limited or no associations with people that Knightley does share a social circle with.

And that leads me to the potentially problematic issue for me is that the vast difference in their maturity level making it tough to not be concerned about the developing romance at the end of this segment of the story. And this is where Jane Austen and even the current book's author were smart. They didn't let even a little romance occur between the two lead characters. They are antagonistic and they are friendly, but they aren't in love.
While Emma is maturing, the romance is one-sided. Knightley feels it, but wisely holds back knowing time is required even as he worries that someone else may catch her fancy before he feels it is safe to speak. Oh the agony for Knightley, but there it is- he understands the reward of patience and delayed gratification if he wants the ultimate prize. It will be in the next book of this series that hopefully I will see the chasm between their maturity levels grow smaller and the romance will work for me.

And if I thought this version made Emma appear in a bad light, Elton, Frank, Harriet, and Mr. Woodhouse most definitely do. But even then (well with the exception of Frank since Frank is a source of jealousy), Knightley is generous and is sympathetic to their weaknesses and follies. I think if I was dissatisfied with anything and this was a small niggle, I felt that Knightley's early reaction to Frank felt over the top and not in keeping with everything else. I didn't mind that the author took it that direction, but I felt it came on too strong too early and looked weird since Frank wasn't even on the scene yet.

So, in summary, I loved this retelling of Emma from the hero's point of view. I am definitely looking forward to the second half of the story. I can recommend this to those who tend to be closer to the Austen purist end of the JAFF spectrum, but I think any lovers of the Emma story and Austenesque in general would love this one. ...more

11 likes · Like · see review

Jan 03, 2010 Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: emma, jane-austen

George Knightley, wealthy, mature, and compassionate, seemed to be a very successful member of the landed gentry of Highbury; and had lived in the world for nearly thirty-seven years with little to disrupt his peaceful and quiet existence. That is until he realizes that his little sister-in-law Emma Woodhouse, is no longer a little girl but a lovely young woman whom he greatly cares for...

Are you inclined to learn more about this admirable and benevolent gentleman? Would you like to gain a grea George Knightley, wealthy, mature, and compassionate, seemed to be a very successful member of the landed gentry of Highbury; and had lived in the world for nearly thirty-seven years with little to disrupt his peaceful and quiet existence. That is until he realizes that his little sister-in-law Emma Woodhouse, is no longer a little girl but a lovely young woman whom he greatly cares for...

Are you inclined to learn more about this admirable and benevolent gentleman? Would you like to gain a greater understanding of his thoughts and feelings?

Author Barbara Cornthwaite delivers a pleasing and absorbing augmentation of Jane Austen's “Emma,” told from the perspective of Mr. Knightley, in her wonderful series “George Knightley, Esquire!” This novel, the first of two, begins just as “Emma” did with the Weston's nuptials and closes with Frank Churchill's departure from Highbury. So be prepared to not have a completed story at the end of this book and to have an intense desire to obtain book two right away!

I love retellings of Jane Austen novels and to read one where one of my favorite Austen heroes is respectfully and accurately portrayed filled me with sheer delight! I took great pleasure in reading about Mr. Knightley's interactions with his household and various members of Highbury, especially the new characters Ms. Cornthwaite skillfully crafted. In addition, I loved being privy to Mr. Knightley's speculations about the Emma/Harriet/Elton dilemma and comprehending his predisposed dislike and prejudice towards Frank Churchill. But what I enjoyed most about this book was spending more time with Mr. Knightley! (What Austen fan wouldn't want to do that?)

While I am pleased that the author interwove parts of “Emma” with her novel and did NOT take license to alter or paraphrase Jane Austen's original dialogue, I did, however, observe that some of Mr. Knightley's speeches were shortened a little. Mr. Knightley does make many great speeches in “Emma,” and most of the content of these speeches can be found in Barbara Cornthwaite's retelling. There are just a few incidents where she omits a part of his speech and summarizes what he says using “he explained...” or “he told...” Some of my favorite Mr. Knightley quotes are “Vanity working on a weak head produces every sort of mischief” and “Men of sense, whatever you may choose to say, do not want silly wives.” I was a little disappointed that these quotes were not fully included and it was because of this that I gave the book 4.5 stars instead of 5.

Barbara Cornthwaite's George Knightley, Esquire Series is sure to delight and satisfy admirers of Pamela Aiden's Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman Trilogy and Susan Kaye's Frederick Wentworth, Captain Series. I am so grateful for writers, like Barbara Cornthwaite, for giving us a closer look into the lives of these Austen men!!

Austenesque Reviews ...more

8 likes · Like · see review

Dec 05, 2015 Claudine DiMuzio / Just Jane 1813 rated it really liked it

Shelves: just-jane-1813-alternate-era, just-jane-1813-historical-fiction

Can a retelling of “Emma” from Mr. Knightley’s point of view deliver similar delights as Austen’s own story?

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

“Emma” has been one of my favorite stories by Jane Austen, ever since I read it nearly seventeen years ago and no matter who plays George Knightley in an adaptation, I love him too! Last year was the 200th anniversary of the publication of “Emma” and this year is the 200th anniversary of the American publication of “Emma.” Actually, “Emma” is the only book that Au ...more

7 likes · Like · see review

Jul 08, 2015 Kirk rated it it was amazing

Shelves: jane-austen, austenesque-lovers-tbr-pile-2015, 2015, 2016, austenesque-lovers-tbr-pile-2016, 2022, 2022-austenesque-tbr

1st read July 2015

6 likes · Like · see review

Apr 10, 2010 Erika rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: jane-austen

An insightful look into Mr Knightley's world.

I have to say I just finished the book a few hrs ago. I enjoyed the book, though I have to say that it was different than what I thought. I have read several of Amanda Grange's JA Hero books and my mind was thinking in that direction. But Charity Envieth Not was very different. They are more in diary form versus novel form from his POV. I have not read Emma, just watched the movies, so I don't know how well it paralleled Emma, though from the movies, An insightful look into Mr Knightley's world.

I have to say I just finished the book a few hrs ago. I enjoyed the book, though I have to say that it was different than what I thought. I have read several of Amanda Grange's JA Hero books and my mind was thinking in that direction. But Charity Envieth Not was very different. They are more in diary form versus novel form from his POV. I have not read Emma, just watched the movies, so I don't know how well it paralleled Emma, though from the movies, I'd say yes. It also gave light and explained something that you'd really only know if you were viewing the going ons from Mr Knightley's perspective.

I found it interesting all the duties that Mr Knightley keeps himself busy with, and that he is really a hands-on gentleman farmer. One thing this book makes more clear to me is why his is in a three way tie for first place of JA boyfriends for me, tied with Darcy and Wentworth of course. One thing this book still has me fuzzy on is how Mr Knightley fell in love with Emma. I am not the biggest fan of Emma, I find her a bit naive yet full of herself, and oh so very spoiled!!! In CHN, Mr Knightley's realization of his love is so drastic in my opinion, since for most of the book he is annoyed with her naivety, self importance, and stubbornness. He also seems irritated with everyone in the community putting her on a pedestal and bowing down to her. So for him to just **boom** be in love it seemed contrived to me.

I loved seeing how humble Mr Knightley is, willing to converse with any and all from the upper echelons of society to the poorest of the poor. He treats everyone the same and has kind words for all, except Mr Churchill in his mind. I love how he is fair in his decisions as a magistrate, and not a frivolous fop just because he has the money.

So where I truly enjoyed it, I had to give it a 4.5 star rating because it didn't always keep my attention as rapidly as was my hope. That doesn't mean it is bad, but just made my progress slow. I would recommend this book to other JAFFers and I plan to read its sequel Lend Me Leave soon to finish the story. ...more

3 likes · Like · see review

Aug 27, 2011 writer... rated it really liked it

Shelves: historic-romance, janeausten, ereads, british-books-challenge, austen-in-august, pride-prej-200-challenge

An inside look at Jane Austen's Emma as we spend time with George Knightley. Excellent insights into Knightley's world as we experience his life as a landowner, magistrate, employer and as a respected gentleman in Regency England.

Ms Cornthwaite's adeptness at writing humour adds delightful laughter to the story. Letters between George and his brother John are happy diversions that pulled me in to their world, revealing appealing aspects to these characters. Her introduction of supporting charac ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Mar 12, 2016 Eliza Baum rated it it was amazing

Shelves: library-kindle, austenesque-challenge-2016, austen-and-austenesque, library-paper

This book was extremely well done. I enjoyed Emma just fine, despite feeling little connection and sympathy with the title character. That was not the case here. I loved George Knightley far more than I expected. His relationship with his brother, with Dr. Hughes and Spencer, with his tenants and steward--they all gave a picture of a man I'd very much like to know. I also really enjoyed seeing Emma from his perspective. Though I still can't say I loved her, I at least appreciated her a little mo ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Oct 09, 2023 Georgiana 1792 rated it really liked it

Shelves: old-friends-new-fancies, sfida-delle-serie-2023, esploriamo-il-mondo-2023, 2023-austenesque

Premettendo che non amo molto i derivati di Emma e che ho trovato Il diario di Mr. Knightley uno dei meno riusciti tra i retelling degli eroi austeniani di Amanda Grange, devo dire che questo romanzo mi ha piacevolmente sorpresa.
La storia di Emma è suddivisa in due volumi, anche perché Cornthwaite aggiunge agli episodi presenti nel romanzo austeniano anche altri personaggi, ovvero i fittavoli di Donwell Abbey, il nuovo curato del suo parroco, Mr. Hughes, che si è rotto una gamba, il timidissimo ...more

1 like · Like · see review