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Nov 23, Sophia rated it it was amazing Shelves: Ever wanted to know what he was thinking and doing apart from what was revealed in Emma? Yes, I sure did. 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.
Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. Excellent insights into Knightley's world as we experience his life as a landowner, magistrate, employer and as a respected gentleman in Regency England. I loved George Knightley far more than I expected. A charming read and I will be looking for the sequel. The first group is the books that think the major thing that Jane didn't deal with was sex and clearly our experience will be enhanced by knowing that Darcy spent the next several years sexin' up Elizabeth on every piece of antique furniture in his house and perhaps outside too!
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? 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. 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. Jan 03, Meredith Austenesque Reviews rated it it was amazing Shelves: 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. Would you like to gain a greater understanding of his thoughts and feelings? 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. In addition, I loved being privy to Mr. But what I enjoyed most about this book was spending more time with Mr. What Austen fan wouldn't want to do that? Knightley's speeches were shortened a little. I am so grateful for writers, like Barbara Cornthwaite, for giving us a closer look into the lives of these Austen men!!
Jul 09, Abigail Bok rated it really liked it Shelves: This tendency seems to be especially marked when it comes to retellings from the point of view of the hero. Apparently the he s of Jane Austen require more explaining than the she s. Charity Envieth Not closely tracks Emma from the beginning to a point not long before the ball at the Crown Inn. If anything were needed to convince us, this divergence speaks volumes about the different spheres in which men and women moved at the start of the nineteenth century in England.
This side of Mr. That aspect of the novel, which dominates much of the text, was deeply satisfying for me. What was less satisfying was what followed after he had his revelation that he was in love with Emma. To my mind these were very much secondary considerations for Austen. Perhaps the second volume in the set will highlight this aspect of the story more; the plot line of Emma makes it likely.
Knightley suffered to a marked degree from, if not envy, at least jealousy. But none of these minor matters of taste detracted significantly from the enjoyment I found in the tales of village life that Cornthwaite has so ably evoked. I took a lot of pleasure in the perusal of this book, and look forward to reading the second volume.
View all 3 comments. This is perfectly in synch with the first half of Emma - I read both concurrently and plan to move next to George Knightley, Esquire: Lend Me Leave , which I'm sure will do the same with the second half. Charity Envieth Not fills in all the blanks to show the reader what Mr. Knightley is doing whenever he's not with Emma; this book and presumably the next follows his activities in much the same way that Jane Austen's novel follows her title character.
Interestingly, Emma becomes more likeable he This is perfectly in synch with the first half of Emma - I read both concurrently and plan to move next to George Knightley, Esquire: Interestingly, Emma becomes more likeable here than in the original story. Knightley recognizes all her faults, but he can't help but admire her intellect, her good heart, her teasing nature with him, her elegance and, of course, her beauty. It takes him most of this book to realize that he's in love with her, since his relationship with her has always been more like an uncle or a much older brother.
He's frustrated by all the attention she's receiving from Frank Churchill, who he deeply distrusts and dislikes. But the strength of this book is not so much the story that all Jane Austen enthusiasts already know. Instead, it's more in the expanded world we get to see through Mr. He exchanges letters frequently with his brother John who is married to Isabella, Emma's sister. He dotes on John's children, and finds himself the reluctant owner of a tempermental cat, Madam Duval, bestowed on him by his young niece. He participates in area meetings regarding issues significant to the residents.
He serves as magistrate, settling various disputes and legal problems. He regularly visits his tenants, particularly those who need some assistance. Unlike Emma, he's not at all class-conscious, treating everyone with dignity and respect. The author has clearly done her research into the responsibilities of a man in Mr.
Knightley's position, and she demonstrates how conscientious he is in fulfilling all of them. The number of different roles he has to play and the large number of people under his auspices are truly daunting, but he seems to handle it all capably, as he's been doing it for years. The reader can't help but admire him even more than in Emma.
Woven into the plot are two other men and their romances. One is Robert Martin, who comes to Mr. Knightley for advice when he considers proposing to Harriet Smith, Emma's constant companion. Spencer, a curate, has his eye on a widow, Mrs.
Catherwood, who recently moved to the area with her blind young son. All three romances including Mr. Knightley and Emma are very much up in the air as this book concludes. I am very impressed with the author's ability to mimic Jane Austen's writing. Since I was jumping back and forth between the two books, I could recognize how well it matched. There were times I had to think about which one I was reading, especially in those parts where both Emma and Mr. Knightley are present that both books share. I'm looking forward to reading the conclusion! Jul 08, Kirk rated it it was amazing Shelves: Apr 09, IndieJane rated it liked it.
I enjoyed getting to see Emma the way Knightley did, and to watch the events take place from such a different perspective. Instead, the George Knightley, Esquire books really delve into Knightley as a person and character, beyond his opinions expressed within the original text. Elton, she lets us see into his world.
Well, now you can find out. I loved getting to know Knightley better, getting to see his strength of character and learning what his role at Donwell entails. Cornthwaite does a really good job of keeping all her characters authentic-feeling, and sounding. Knightley all over again. 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. 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 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. 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. In some cases, as with Chronicles of Narnia , disagreements about order necessitate the creation of more than one series. If the series has an order, add a number or other descriptor in parenthesis after the series title eg.
By default, it sorts by the number, or alphabetically if there is no number.
Book 1 of 2 in the George Knightley, Esquire Series . Start reading George Knightley, Esquire, Book One: Charity Envieth Not on your Kindle in under a minute. Charity Envieth Not (George Knightley, Esquire #1) .. Charity Envieth Not is the first volume of a series titled George Knightley, Perhaps in homage to the two-.
If you want to force a particular order, use the character to divide the number and the descriptor. So, " 0 prequel " sorts by 0 under the label "prequel. Series was designed to cover groups of books generally understood as such see Wikipedia: Like many concepts in the book world, "series" is a somewhat fluid and contested notion. A good rule of thumb is that series have a conventional name and are intentional creations , on the part of the author or publisher. For now, avoid forcing the issue with mere "lists" of works possessing an arbitrary shared characteristic, such as relating to a particular place.