Pride and Prejudice

- Jane Austen

GOODREADS BOOK BLURB:

Since its immediate success in 1813, Pride and Prejudice has remained one of the most popular novels in the English language. Jane Austen called this brilliant work “her own darling child” and its vivacious heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, “as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print.” The romantic clash between the opinionated Elizabeth and her proud beau, Mr. Darcy, is a splendid performance of civilized sparring. And Jane Austen’s radiant wit sparkles as her characters dance a delicate quadrille of flirtation and intrigue, making this book the most superb novel of manners of Regency England.

GENRES:

FIRST WORDS:

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.
However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters.

MY REVIEW:

almost perfect:
4.5/5

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.

I’m always convinced upon starting a classic that this will be the one I can read normally. This one won’t take three times as long to finish, and I won’t struggle to maintain focus and stay awake! And if there ever was a book to break the curse, it would have to be Pride and Prejudice. Because Pride and Prejudice is absolute perfection.

Mr. Bennet treated the matter differently. "So, Lizzy," said he one day, "your sister is crossed in love, I find. I congratulate her. Next to being married, a girl likes to be crossed a little in love now and then. It is something to think of, and it gives her a sort of distinction among her companions. When is your turn to come? You will hardly bear to be long outdone by Jane. Now is your time. Here are officers enough in Meryton to disappoint all the young ladies in the country. Let Wickham be your man. He is a pleasant fellow, and would jilt you creditably."
"Thank you, sir, but a less agreeable man would satisfy me. We must not all expect Jane's good fortune."
"True," said Mr. Bennet, "but it is a comfort to think that whatever of that kind may befall you, you have an affectionate mother who will make the most of it."

Everyone has a favourite adaptation or retelling, and it’s impossible to read without picturing these characters. I like to pick and choose; Colin Firth as Darcy, Keira Knightley as Elizabeth, and most of the supporting cast from Bride and Prejudice (particularly Wickham, Lydia, and Georgiana). Don’t question it – I don’t understand how my brain works, either.

Yes, there’s about 20% of the book that drags where everyone is wallowing in their loneliness, and nothing much happens, but the rest of the book more than makes up for it. With heartfelt, and sarcastic, moments between Elizabeth and her father being my favourite. Well, Mr Bennet’s interactions with anyone are usually great. He may not be very kind to his wife at times, but she’s pretty insufferable, so I’ll allow it. Particularly since she’s usually unaware that she’s being insulted most of the time.

Mr. Bennet's expectations were fully answered. His cousin was as absurd as he had hoped, and he listened to him with the keenest enjoyment, maintaining at the same time the most resolute composure of countenance, and, except in an occasional glance at Elizabeth, requiring no partner in his pleasure.

It may have taken ages to read, and definitely limited the number of books I’ll read this month, but I’ll never regret a Pride and Prejudice reread. The universal truths, the regency drama, and the endless escapades are all worth the slow read. If only my brain didn’t shut down every time I opened a classic…

Her father was walking about the room, looking grave and anxious. "Lizzy," said he, "what are you doing? Are you out of your senses, to be accepting this man? Have not you always hated him?"
How earnestly did she then wish that her former opinions had been more reasonable, her expressions more moderate! It would have spared her from explanations and professions which it was exceedingly awkward to give; but they were now necessary, and she assured him, with some confusion, of her attachment to Mr. Darcy.

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