What were his early years like, and how did he lose his parents? A man in his mid-thirties, he must have had at least one romance along the way. Did it end badly? Is that why he’s never married? When and how did his relationship with Emma shift from friendship to love? And what can explain his incredible forbearance towards the eccentric Mr. Woodhouse? Now, Mr. Knightley reveals these answers and more in His Own Words.
This is not a variation from but a supplement to the original story of Emma, chronicled in the hero’s point of view. Two-thirds completely new material, it features key events in Mr. Knightley’s past – events that still haunt him and yet have shaped who he’s become, the superior man Emma can’t help falling in love with.
As with other Austen characters, author Shannon Winslow has examined the view of Mr. George Knightley from the original work Emma in her latest novel, Mr. Knightley in His Own Words. Although Knightley is a main character in the 19th century source material, the titular Emma remains the primary focus in Austen’s novel. Readers could easily wonder about the background of the somewhat-older George, as he lived more than sixteen years before the birth of his future bride. A landowner and master of the Donwell estate, he is not overly wealthy and remains frugal in his dealings. He is highly devoted to Emma’s father, sometimes putting Henry Woodhouse’s wants before his own. What brought about these tendencies? Winslow provides a compelling history for Mr. Knightley and respectfully adds to Austen’s vision of her characters.
In Winslow’s narrative, Mr. Knightley’s frugality stems from necessity, as incidents from his childhood have forced him to take great care with what remaining funds he does have as surviving heir. An individual close to him wreaks havoc upon the Knightley family, causing considerable financial strain and emotional loss. The trauma which George endures because of this villain is heartbreaking, and is a realistic explanation for his thrifty nature in the years to come.
Knightley’s bachelorhood, which stretches into his thirties, is a direct result of heartbreak endured as a younger man. Winslow pens a whirlwind romance for George, creating a character who very nearly brings him to the marriage altar. Although we know who he ultimately weds through Emma, the romance which occurs during his youth is bittersweet, and it is hard not to root for that relationship as well. Its loss explains his hesitancy to become romantically entangled for well over the following decade.
Throughout Mr. Knightley in His Own Words, we are allowed to revisit episodes from Austen’s vision, as well as see new aspects to established characters. We witness the early childhood of Emma, her spunkiness as an adolescent, and her growth as a young woman. Mr. Knightley is indeed a mentor of sorts for quite a long time, but their relationship grows into something more. Despite their substantial age difference, these two make a fine match, and Winslow’s depiction of them allows it to seem even more reasonable than in Austen’s work.
In addition to the print version of this novel (which I toted along with me on holiday travel), I also enjoyed the audiobook presentation of Mr. Knightley in His Own Words. Narrator Philip Battley has a delightful voice. He also provides an excellent reading of the text. It isn’t merely recited– Battley performs this work, almost like a one-man dramatization. During times when I wasn’t able to read the text, the audio version was a delight to enjoy as well.
Shannon Winslow has once again brought a unique perspective to the work of Jane Austen. She has not altered Austen’s view, but has supplemented it in a respectful way. George Knightley experienced much before Emma came into his life. Winslow has presented a believable and compelling history for this character, one which makes the story of Emma that much richer. I highly recommend Mr. Knightley in His Own Words, and relished it during this holiday season.
While traveling this holiday season, Mr. Knightley in His Own Words was my constant companion. The book spent time in the airports of Greensboro, Salt Lake City, Orange County and Atlanta. I also brought it with me on a trip out to the family farm in the country. Along with the audiobook, this novel was a fine supplement to my journeys!
Shannon Winslow claims she was minding her own business when an ordinary trip to Costco a dozen years ago changed her life. That was the day a copy of the ’95 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice fairly leapt off the shelf and into her oversized shopping cart. She has been hopelessly hooked on all things Jane Austen ever since, her obsession ultimately inspiring her to begin writing her own stories a la Austen.
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