The Youngest Miss Ward: A Jane Austen Sequel

Joan Aiken's sequel to Jane Austen's Mansfield Park, "The Youngest Miss Ward," follows Harriet Ward, who is treated with contempt by her family and sent to Portsmouth to live with her uncle and cousins. She turns her creative flair to poetry and believes she must become a governess until Lord Camber passes through town. Aiken's sequel is a powerful and unique heroine, revealing a subversive and authentic heroine.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 12 January 2023
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Harriet Ward, also known as Hatty to her sisters, faces a life of contempt and hardship. Despite lacking the beauty that her older sisters inherited, she is left without a dowry to care for their ill mother once her sisters are married off. Sent to Portsmouth to live with her rumbustious uncle and cousins, Hatty turns her creative flair to poetry and believes she must become a governess. That is until the handsome Lord Camber passes through town.

Joan Aiken's Mansfield Park sequel is a unique and captivating portrayal of Austen's England. Through her vivid imagination and authentic writing, Aiken delves into the customs and language of the era, revealing a subversive and remarkable heroine.

Harriet Ward, known as Hatty to her sisters, is treated with utter contempt by most of her family. Lacking the beauty that her older sisters inherited, she is left without a dowry to support their ill mother after their marriages. Faced with this challenging situation, Hatty is sent to Portsmouth to live with her rambunctious uncle and cousins.

In this new setting, Hatty finds solace in her creative pursuits, particularly poetry. She believes that becoming a governess is her only path to a better life. However, her journey takes an unexpected turn when Lord Camber, a charming and enigmatic gentleman, passes through town.

Lord Camber's presence captivates Hatty, and their interactions spark a deep connection. He sees beyond Hatty's circumstances and recognizes her talent and potential. With his encouragement and support, Hatty embarks on a journey of self-discovery and growth.

Through her experiences, Hatty learns to embrace her uniqueness and to stand up for herself. She discovers the power of her words and the impact that poetry can have on others. She also learns to navigate the complexities of social hierarchy and to find her place in the world.

Joan Aiken's sequel to Mansfield Park offers a fresh and compelling perspective on the characters and themes of the original novel. Aiken's writing is filled with high spirits, wit, and storytelling zest, making the story a delight to read. Her portrayal of Hatty is a testament to her talent as a writer, as she creates a relatable and memorable heroine who triumphs over adversity.

Philip Pullman, in his review of the book, praises Joan Aiken's literary treasure and her ability to delight readers for years to come. He acknowledges her inexhaustible invention, high spirits, and sheer storytelling zest, describing her as a blessing to the literary world.

In conclusion, Joan Aiken's Mansfield Park sequel is a must-read for fans of Jane Austen and those who appreciate a fresh and captivating perspective on the classics. Through her vivid imagination and authentic writing, Aiken brings to life a subversive and unique heroine who triumphs over adversity and discovers her true self. Aiken's books will continue to delight readers for many years to come, and her legacy as a literary treasure will be cherished for generations.

Weight: 316g
Dimension: 131 x 196 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529093056