Mr. Knightley in His Own Words

De: Shannon Winslow

Narrado por: Philip Battley

Mr. George Knightley. According to Emma Woodhouse, you won’t see one in a hundred who is so clearly the gentleman. Respected by all, he’s kind, unpretentious, and scrupulously honest, with an air so remarkably good that it’s unfair to compare other men to him. We also know he’s been his “own master” from a young age. But Jane Austen tells us little more.

What were his early years like, and how did he lose his parents? A man in his mid-30s, 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.

©2023 Shannon Winslow (P)2023 Shannon Winslow

Mr. Knightley Perseveres

I enjoyed both the audiobook and the Kindle version which I read along with simultaneously as I listened. The narrator, Philip Battley, has a wonderful voice, and performed all characters exceedingly well. I would love to see him narrate more JAFF variations, as I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase based on his excellent performance.

I have loved Shannon Winslow’s two previous books in her excellent ‘in His Own Words’ (Fitzwilliam Darcy and Colonel Brandon) series, and really enjoyed this one as well. Always providing a glimpse of the unknown early background and life of each of her gentleman protagonists in the series, Mr. George Knightley’s story as a young boy begins with much tragedy and loss. I found this part of the book very emotional and heart-rending. After the death of his father, a deceitful uncle takes over the running of Donwell Abbey with dire consequences for the Knightley family, creating a good measure of angst for the reader. Having established a close connection to the Woodhouses at Hartfield, Mr. Woodhouse bravely comes to the rescue of the Knightley family just in the nick of time. Ms. Winslow also introduces Mrs. Woodhouse, who we do not meet in Austen’s Emma. She is a beautiful and good lady with whom Knightley is quite infatuated.

The author has Mr. Knightley share the story of his first love. I don’t know if already being aware of his eventual love of Emma made a difference to me or not, but I never warmed up to Julia Stibbley, even though she was not an evil person. That courtship was happening way too fast for my liking.

Despite his difficult youth, Mr. Knightley perseveres and becomes a good and well-respected gentleman and master of Donwell, who finally recognizes the love of his life.

This was a story well told and I recommend it. I do wish there would have been some comeuppance or retribution for the dastardly uncle.

Content is modest.

Loved Knightly’s growing up before our eyes

Excellent narration. I nearly did not read this book as I expected it to be a retelling of Emma but thanks to Meredith’s website Austenesque Reviews I was encouraged to give it another chance. Boy am I glad I did. Aside from the fact that Shannon Winslow always brings us excellent writing and story lines, this story is maybe her best book so far, or at least my favorite.

George Knightly’s coming of age under tragic circumstances is a heart breaking story as he suffered one loss after another, and it all started with a greedy evil uncle. But through it all George has Mr Woodhouse as his mentor and guardian angel, and chief father figure personality in his young life. Mrs Woodhouse is there for him too and he has a youthful crush on her.

All through his growing up we see the honorable gentleman he is becoming, working endlessly to bring Donwell back from the brink of ruin caused by his uncle. And keeping his brother in school.

A lost romantic love interest as a young man breaks his heart but makes him more determined to give his all to Donwell. A conversation with Mrs Woodhouse shortly before she dies is tucked away in the back of his mind to come forth again much later when he finds himself continually irritated with Frank Churchhill’s attention to Emma Woodhouse.

I loved this very much. Highly recommended.

Don't Listen To This It Makes Mr. Knightley A Dolt

I don't know how to describe the uselessness of this book, and just how much you should strive to avoid it. It starts out okay. I mean, I don't think it's necessary to hear about any of our beloved character's childhoods or whatever, but it was mildly interesting and you might like that part. Then we move to Mr. K going to London and falling in love with like the first woman he sees for no other reason than that she is pretty and sings well, I guess? I don't know, I definitely could have done without this part. Then the book just gets worse and worse. I have no idea how an author can make Knightley seem like a dolt at best or sort of like a creepy creep at worst. It's weird and I am upset at how badly written this is. I'm mad that I didn't get a chance to listen to it while I still had a paid membership because I would have returned it as quickly as possible. It could be that a better narrator would have made it seem not quite as bad. The narrator isn't terrible, though he's bad at female voices, but his voice is more "serial killer thriller" than "Jane Austen leading man". There's also a weird minute near the end where Mr. Knightley is just going on about how his home is the most important thing, Donwell is all that matters, as long as he has Donwell he will be okay. I don't know how the author could have gotten the I guess I'll say essence of Mr. Knightley so completely wrong, saying things opposite to what he thinks, doing things he would never do, etc. It's bad. Please don't waste your time.