Mr. Knightley in His Own Words

By: Shannon Winslow

Narrated by: Philip Battley

Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

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.