The Banished Uncle: Expanded Edition

A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By: Laraba Kendig

Narrated by: Harry Frost

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?

©2020 Laraba Kendig (P)2024 Laraba Kendig

Interesting Story

This was an interesting story. I loved that this long lost uncle was willing to do the right thing when no one else would act. His return made life better for all the Bennets. If only Mr. B had been willing to act from the beginning...but Uncle saves the day. But the story isn't all about Darcy and Elizabeth. we got to see lots of pairings and we got to see Uncle Aaron's family make the transition from India to English life plus learn how to manage an estate and an earldom.
I loved the changes that rolled out because of Uncle Aaron being around. I even loved Lydia in the end. She is still Lydia but the new and improved version. I could almost feel sorry for Caroline and Wickham but they each reaped what they sowed.
The audio narration was lovely.

Excellent read!!

It’s so exciting to find an author who is faithful to Austin & dedicated to writing CLEAN books. Kendig shows her brilliance by actually communicating effectively without depending upon nor using vulgar language, sordid sexual scenes, or profanity. Furthermore, she adeptly incorporates godly references without being preachy. Truly she is a master storyteller. I love her ability to weave together mystery, love stories, accurate historical facts, & Victorian social norms. It helps the reader truly understand WHY the characters do what they do, rather than confusing readers who tend to depend on modern norms of protocol. Truly Austin would appreciate Kendig’s building upon her writings.

Delightful!

As others have mentioned, this is a truly unique P&P variation. It breathes fresh air into our beloved JAFF genre. I’m so glad Laraba Kendig got Harry Frost to narrate some of her books! He is a true talent and handles all the various characters magnificently, as always. Looking forward to more by Kendig.

Interesting storyline.

I really prefer the low angst stories! This will be on my listen to it again” list!

Excellent

I love completely different stories from the original but still recognizable characters. I also enjoy the introduction of new characters especially the lives of others besides ODC. It’s interesting to hear new stories and situations. I like stories that limit the idiocy of the Bennet parents and Lydia and Wickham. In some books they are so horrible it’s not fun to read. This is a very good story, a definite relisten. I appreciate the absence of swearing and graphic BR scenes. Excellent narration by Harry Frost. I look for books narrated by him because it isn’t just his beautiful voice but he truly knows how to act the scenes. He’s a great talent and gives such color to every character. Well worth the credit.