- George Knightley, Esquire: Charity Envieth Not (Volume 1)

Ever wanted to know what he was thinking and doing apart from what was revealed in Emma? Yes, I sure did. Mr. George Knightley was the best part of reading Emma for me. I was glad to see that an author gave him his due in this gently-paced new point of view that tells the story of Emma through Mr. Knightley's eyes.The story parallels the time line of Emma, but feels almost like a whole new story because it's focus is not the heroine Emma's activities, but the hero, Knightley's. His thoughts, his daily life, his circle of acquaintance all come vividly to life. It is not sensationalized and the attention to historical detail make it a jewel for those who appreciate a tight historical and particularly for those who appreciate a tight Austenesque historical.George Knightley is a single gentleman with an estate near the town of Highbury. He lives a quiet, busy life that is interrupted by occasional visits to his brother in London. His nearest neighbors in distance and equal society are the Woodhouses. He has watched Emma grow up and now must watch her grown into her own as she dabbles in matchmaking and heeds her own advice and inclinations about the people around her. Knightley is frustrated and at times angered by her willfulness, but still finds her superior to every other woman he knows. Between his responsibilities of estate owner, magistrate, head of his family, and citizen of a neighborhood, he watches how Emma's machinations and the entry of a few new faces set in motion changes in the neighborhood and inside him. And this segment of the story ends with George Knightley having an epiphany moment in that he realizes what is behind a recent growing restlessness and dissatisfaction- he is in love and with a woman who isn't in love with him.So, this book, was a satisfying read for me. I liked the author's style, her portrayal of the original characters along with her own created characters, her ability to write a story paralleling the original that fit together smoothly, and the insight into a well beloved character making him truly come to life. This is the first half of the story and literally stops at the half way point so the reader needs to be prepared for that and for the need to read a second volume to get the whole story.After I was struck by all that the author had him involved in, I was also taken with how universally liked, respected, and thought well of that he was without doing more than being himself. Doing his duty, showing compassion and understanding, and engaging in life even while being something of a quiet, thoughtful introvert making him very appealing as a main character. I was pleasantly surprised that a gently-paced story focusing on small daily activities would engage me like it did, but I was truly enjoying it. I love romance and the development of romance, but I wouldn't have even missed it if it never showed up in the story. And that's a strong statement for how I liked all that was going on in the story.Though, have to say, that even if Knightley's romance was missing, I would have still gotten a good dose of at least the unrequited sort through two other minor stories going on in the background. Hope those continue to develop well in the next segment.Knightley has a fun and engaging relationship with his brother, John (those letters they exchange are hilarious), and also his estate steward, William Larkins who has his ear to the ground and knows everything that happens in the neighborhood. The humor was understated, witty, and droll particularly when it involved John Knightley. The brothers are very different, but they were quite the pair and I enjoyed their interactions so much. Larkins's comedic role as the neighborhood busybody was as fun as Miss Bates though he has a different personality from her and sees things through a negative glass is half empty philosophy.In truth, I could run through a list of minor characters that it was fun to know because the author made sure even those were written with depth and background.This version of the story doesn't seem to deliberately put down Emma which I've read in other variations and retellings and do not like. However, it does spotlight her glaring faults and the weakness in the developing romance. Because this Knightley is always thinking of others, thinking of how his words and actions affect others, Emma's lack in that way is more obvious than even in the original story. She is bored after her companion is married so she dabbles in matchmaking wrecking a romance and unwittingly earning an enemy in a man who thought she was showing him attention. She also comes off as something of a snob because she has limited or no associations with people that Knightley does share a social circle with.And that leads me to the potentially problematic issue for me is that the vast difference in their maturity level making it tough to not be concerned about the developing romance at the end of this segment of the story. And this is where Jane Austen and even the current book's author were smart. They didn't let even a little romance occur between the two lead characters. They are antagonistic and they are friendly, but they aren't in love.While Emma is maturing, the romance is one-sided. Knightley feels it, but wisely holds back knowing time is required even as he worries that someone else may catch her fancy before he feels it is safe to speak. Oh the agony for Knightley, but there it is- he understands the reward of patience and delayed gratification if he wants the ultimate prize. It will be in the next book of this series that hopefully I will see the chasm between their maturity levels grow smaller and the romance will work for me.And if I thought this version made Emma appear in a bad light, Elton, Frank, Harriet, and Mr. Woodhouse most definitely do. But even then (well with the exception of Frank since Frank is a source of jealousy), Knightley is generous and is sympathetic to their weaknesses and follies. I think if I was dissatisfied with anything and this was a small niggle, I felt that Knightley's early reaction to Frank felt over the top and not in keeping with everything else. I didn't mind that the author took it that direction, but I felt it came on too strong too early and looked weird since Frank wasn't even on the scene yet.So, in summary, I loved this retelling of Emma from the hero's point of view. I am definitely looking forward to the second half of the story. I can recommend this to those who tend to be closer to the Austen purist end of the JAFF spectrum, but I think any lovers of the Emma story and Austenesque in general would love this one.

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5“Emma” has been one of my favorite stories by Jane Austen, ever since I read it nearly seventeen years ago and no matter who plays George Knightley in an adaptation, I love him too! Last year was the 200th anniversary of the publication of “Emma” and this year is the 200th anniversary of the American publication of “Emma.” Actually, “Emma” is the only book that Austen wrote that was published in America during her lifetime.As Austen sculpted Emma into a character that she claimed readers wouldn’t like very much, I believe Knightley serves as her counterpoint. Responsible, loyal and serious, George Knightley, a wealthy gentleman in his late thirties, serves throughout the story as an upstanding citizen, friend, and family member who easily rivals any of Austen’s other beloved heros. As in “Emma,” he also comes across as charming, relatable and struggling with his emerging feelings for the much younger Emma Woodhouse. So, when I embarked on this blog event, Beyond Pride & Prejudice, “George Knightley, Esquire, Charity Envieth Not” presented itself as a must-read from my TBR list. Lucky us that in a separate post today, author Barbara Cornthwaite has also joined us here at Just Jane 1813 for an interview!It’s important to note that this book, “George Knightley, Esquire, Charity Envieth Not” is the first in a two-part series, which follows George Knightley’s POV through the story of Austen’s “Emma.” Thankfully for us, the second book, “George Knightley, Esquire: Lend Me Leave,” is already in print and as an ebook version for readers to enjoy right after they finish this book.In this retelling, Barbara Cornthwaite has done for Mr. Knightley many of the things that Stan Hurd did for Mr. Darcy in his beautifully written “Darcy’s Tales” series. Here, Mrs. Cornthwaite tells the story of “Emma” through George Knightley’s POV, while inserting lots of terrific historical information about the life and responsibilities of a landed gentleman, along with plenty of plausible insights into the trajectory of Mr. Knightley’s slowly evolving physical and emotional attraction towards Emma and his deepening realizations that he no longer views her solely as his youthful, self-absorbed, matchmaking sister-in-law.Unlike Darcy’s involvement with Elizabeth in “Pride and Prejudice,” George Knightley spends a lot of time in Emma’s company and has known her since she was a very young girl. Since his brother married Emma’s sister, the two families have only grown closer together, making his frequent involvement with Emma a part of his routine life. Emma’s father, Mr. Woodhouse, views Knightley as a close friend and the two gentlemen have a deep respect for each other. Therefore, the two spend a lot of time in each other’s company, which I find quite enjoyable!It’s clear from this story that Mrs. Cornthwaite is an astute researcher. The details that she meticulously weaves throughout this variation are delightful to learn as they enhance not only our knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the landed gentry, but they also allow us to feel immersed within the small town life of Highbury, which adds another great layer to this story. It becomes very clear while reading this story that Mr. Knightley takes his role as the magistrate, and as a leader amongst the Highbury society quite seriously, and through learning about his responsibilities, we come to understand his character with greater depth. He also displays a humorous side that wasn’t as apparent in Austen’s story. Mrs. Cornthwaite has a talent for writing about the daily interactions of her character’s lives, while moving the story along at a moderately steady, without getting too bogged down in the smallest details.Just like in Austen’s “Emma,” Knightley is demanding towards Emma and upholds his expectations for her behaviors to the stringent standards that he has for himself, and yet at the same time, the faults and difficulties within her behaviors aren’t magnified or made to feel villainous. His reflections about Emma and the way that they interact with each other feels very true to the way that Austen developed their emerging romantic relationship.As Knightley comes to understand what he is feeling for Emma is more than their long-held friendship, he also comes to the achingly difficult decision that since she isn’t in love with him, and perhaps is in love with another; therefore, he must refrain from expressing the growing affection that he is developing for her. It was fascinating to read such a well-developed side of Knightley’s own personal struggles because I felt like I connected more with him as a character and I gained an even deeper respect for him as a member of the Highbury community. This story ends when Frank Churchill leaves Highbury, so you’ll probably be anxiously looking to read the follow-up book right away.This book offers all fans of “Emma” the opportunity to gain a realistic and skillfully developed look at Austen’s story from Knightley’s POV, while at the same time retaining much of the same feel and tone of Austen’s story. I highly recommend this book for all JAFF readers who love “Emma,” as well as to all JAFF readers who enjoy reading Austen’s stories through the eyes of her irresistible heroes. Ceri’s blog, Babblings of a Bookworm, has a lovely review of book two in this series.

Got this book duo as a gift, but couldn't help perusing before I wrapped it. It was engaging, and seemed to reflect the spirit of Jane Austen's "Emma" very well. I'm confident the recipient will enjoy!

When I first discovered JAFF (Jane Austen Fan Fiction), this book and its partner, ‘George Knightley, Esquire, Book Two, Lend Me Leave’ were amongst the first books that I became aware of. They appeared to be books that many people had read and rated highly, so they went on to my wishlist as books I wanted to read soon. Over time, they slipped lower and lower as books I’d bought while they were on sale for reduced price and newer releases clamoured for the top spots. When the Austenesque TBR group on Goodreads chose this as a group read book for March I was really pleased to be given the impetus to finally read them.This duology is Austen’s ‘Emma’ from Mr Knightley’s perspective, which is an interesting concept, possibly the best Austen hero to have a book written from his viewpoint, as his thoughts and feelings are presented to the reader through the filter of Emma’s skewed understanding. If you read ‘Emma’ the first time you might not notice all the instances, but on a re-read, which I did earlier this year, it’s almost difficult to focus on the story for noticing all the hints and signs of things which she doesn’t understand because she is determined to interpret things to fit what she believes is happening rather than work out what is happening from the behaviour and actions of the people around her.The story opens with Mr Knightley returning from London to Hartfield. Emma’s governess, Miss Taylor has just become Mrs Weston and Mr Knightley is keenly aware that Emma is bound to feel a huge void in her life. Although Knightley is busy with his estate, being a magistrate, taking part in local society including almost daily visits to the Woodhouse family and having occasional visits to his brother’s growing family in London, he is starting to become aware that there is a void in his life too.‘After the noisy cheerfulness of his brother’s house, Donwell Abbey seemed lonely and silent—even more so than usual.’ One thing that I really enjoyed about this book was how evident it was that Mr Knightley has a huge soft spot for Emma – in ‘Emma’ you see many instances of him seemingly disapproving of her, but there was also an evidently very close relationship so it was good to see that highlighted further:“There may someday be a mistress at Donwell Abbey who prefers the modern style and who persuades you at the last to pull down that grove.”Never, thought Knightley. The lime walk was one of his favourite retreats when he had something to think over. He had been known to pace it for hours when an important decision had to be made. And Emma liked it.’It’s clear from both books that Mr Knightley is a very forbearing man – many of the inhabitants of Highbury are tiresome in their own way, which always made me feel quite sympathetic towards Emma’s feelings for them, and he is shown to be generous in his toleration for the foibles of others here, though not lacking in judgement, as evidenced by his feelings towards Mr Elton, whom he judges to not always behave in a manner entirely befitting a Christian who should be setting a good example to his flock.I wasn’t expecting much humour in this book so I was pleasantly surprised to find that there was plenty of it, ranging from the misunderstandings of a deaf servant, to Mr Knightley’s unexpected acquisition of a cat which becomes particularly attached to him, to the wonderful letters going back and forth between the Knightley brothers. The letters especially were a wonderful addition to the story, setting out how keen John was to see his older brother settled, showing an affectionate relationship between the brothers and allowing a dry sense of humour to shine through. They are just as amusing during the times they are face to face:“I do wonder at you, John. Do you lie awake at night thinking of ways to provoke me?”“Yes,” said John. “It takes a great deal of contemplation.”In this book a very interesting point is raised, of why Emma doesn’t object more to Frank Churchill’s neglect of his father and stepmother in not visiting sooner.‘No one could doubt Emma’s devotion to her own father; she showed him unceasing kindness and consideration, even though he could be a very tedious companion. How then could she treat so lightly Churchill’s indifference to Weston, a man who was by no means a tedious companion, and who, if not due a visit before now, was certainly owed one on the occasion of his marriage? Knightley could not understand it.’From ‘Emma’ we know that she actually isn’t always representing her own true feelings. Here is a snippet from Austen's story, where Emma speaks to Mr Knightley about Frank Churchill coming to the neighbourhood:‘She was the first to announce it to Mr. Knightley; and exclaimed quite as much as was necessary, (or, being acting a part, perhaps rather more,) at the conduct of the Churchills, in keeping him away. She then proceeded to say a good deal more than she felt, of the advantage of such an addition to their confined society in Surrey; the pleasure of looking at some body new; the gala-day to Highbury entire, which the sight of him would have made; and ending with reflections on the Churchills again, found herself directly involved in a disagreement with Mr. Knightley; and, to her great amusement, perceived that she was taking the other side of the question from her real opinion, and making use of Mrs. Weston's arguments against herself.’ – from ‘Emma’ by Jane Austen.I thought this distinction in the views was very interesting; it reminded me of how often in ‘Emma’ people’s true feelings are disguised or mistaken, and it’s a theme I think is likely to continue over to the second book, particularly as Frank Churchill’s attentions towards Emma intensify.When considering the subject of Mr Knightley’s feelings towards Frank Churchill, the title of the book becomes a little clearer. A longer quote from the Bible is as follows:‘Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.’This quote could almost describe Mr Knightley – he is certainly long-suffering and kind, putting up with even the most tedious of neighbours, and dealing kindly with tenants, yet he is not boastful or big-headed (you could learn something from him there, Mr Elton!). The only way he doesn’t fulfil the verse is that Mr Knightley envies somebody, when it should be ‘Charity Envieth Not’. The ending of this book coincides with Frank Churchill having to leave Highbury, leading to the ball being postponed, in ‘Emma’. The ending of this book sees Mr Knightley making a resolution which, for me, didn’t quite fit with my view of his character. It was not an ungentlemanly resolution, but just one I didn’t find likely. However, this was a minor quibble in an otherwise very enjoyable book.As for the style of the book, I would say that it’s not quite Austen-like, but I found it very enjoyable all the same. The pace of the book is fairly leisurely, but that was no bad thing, as I thought it really set the scene. There were some minor characters which were very nicely fleshed out, as well as the introduction of new ones. I felt that the author of this book really knew ‘Emma’ thoroughly, and used things mentioned in passing in Austen’s book to provide events and characters for this book. I would certainly recommend this book, and I hope that the remaining book in the series lives up to the promise of this book. This for me was a 4½ star read. Onward to book two!

Une lecture très très agréable, j'apprécie particulièrement de découvrir Mr Knightley dans son quotidien et on sent que l'auteur s'est bien documentée sur les tâches d'un propriétaire et ses devoirs. J'aime aussi beaucoup les personnages ajoutés par l'auteur, il n'y en a pas en trop et les nouveaux sont bien dosés. J'apprécie particulièrement les personnages de Spencer et de Mme Duval... Les pensées de Knightley sont bien exprimées et crédibles ^^Les plus : L'aspect documentaire, le personnage de Mme Duval ( j'adore les chats et je trouve que le rapport de Knightley avec les animaux le rend plus attachant) Le fait que Miss Bates ne soit pas trop mise en avant et que Knightley ose penser du mal de Mr Woodhouse de temps à autres... ( je déteste ce vieil emm**** bref hem) . Sa relation avec son frère, bien décrite et vraiment très crédible, leur correspondance est savoureuse. J'aime son côté à la fois attendri et agacé par Emma.Et surtout : J'ADORE LIRE SES CONVERSATIONS AVEC SON CHAT ( moi aussi je parle à mon chat mdrrr).Les moins : Quelques longueurs parfois. Parce que bon certes découvrir les devoirs et responsabilités de Knightley c'est sympa... mais des fois c'est un peu soporifique ^^ ( mais franchement j'ai mis cela pour trouver un défaut).En bref : Un très bon premier tome, fidèle à l'ambiance du roman original avec un portrait très complet de Knightley et des différents aspects de son existence. J'avoue que j'ai eu du mal avec les 30 premières pages mais Emma n'est pas mon roman favori de Jane Austen et Knigthley .... A lire ! J'ai hâte de découvrir le second volume ^^