Monday, October 6, 2008

Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen

Title: Pride and Prejudice 
Author: Jane Austen
Country: UK
Year: 1813
Pages: 332 pgs.
Rating: 5 out of 5

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

Amazingly, Pride and Prejudice is one of the remaining Austen novels I have not read (Northanger Abbey is the other one). Emma, Mansfield Park, Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion...loved them all. So I figured it was about time I pick this one up off my shelf.

Boy, I was not disappointed! It almost felt like coming back to an old friend, even though I have never read P&P before. But I know the story very well, having fallen in love with the BBC series. And I loved it. I loved it so much that I don't know what to say. It is that good. And it is jumping right up to the top of my all-time favorite lists.

It's witty - I love the early banter between Mr Darcy and Elizabeth when Jane is recovering from an illness at Mr Bingley's home. It's funny - Mr Collins just cracks me up, and you just have to laugh at Mrs Bennett's scheming. Almost 200 years later, it is still a page turner. And as much as I love reading classics, I would not describe most of them as a page turner!

It is also a comfort book. I can't help but love almost all of the characters, despite their flaws. Immersing yourself in the novel is like having a cup of tea with an old friend. It's a joy to read, and I am positive that over the years I will be reading it again...and again...and again.

In a conversation with Lady Catherine:
"I am not in the habit of being disappointed!"
"That will make your ladyship's position more pitiable; but it will have no effect upon me." (p.303)

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love this book so much that I always feel personally pleased when someone else loves it too. So glad you enjoyed it!

Literary Feline said...

The first time I read this one, I actually didn't care for it all that much, but the second time I loved it and now consider it among my all time favorites. It is a comforting book--and like visiting with old friends, I agree.

Lisa said...

I read it first in high school, but then again last year. I got so much more of the humor as an adult so I'm glad I did. I'm going to read the rest of them too, one day, when I have time. Hahahaha. Ok, I HOPE to read the rest of them.

Eva said...

I'm so glad you love this one! I love the BBC adaptation too, even though I read the book first. :D

Anonymous said...

I read P&P after seeing the BBC-series, which is one of my all time favorite TV-series and I am not much of a romantic, so this is saying something (must have watched it about six times if not more). While reading the book I kept imagining the TV-characters in my head. Which in this case actually added to the fun of reading the book.

I also read Sense & Sensibility with a TV or film adaptation in my head.

I have Mansfield Park and Emma on the shelves - I decided to buy them a few months ago. I am curious how I will like reading these without any screen-adaptation running simultaneously in my head!

cessie said...

I have this one waiting for me as well. So many people have recommended it and your review made me feel like reading it soooon ;-)

Bookfool said...

I'm with Christine! P & P has a special place in my heart. And, so does the Colin Firth version of Mr. Darcy -- he was perfect.

Tasha said...

I really hope to read this soon. I'm curious to find out why women love Mr. Darcy so much.

Andrea said...

I'm glad you liked it! It's also one of my favorites. I liked the character of Mr. Bennett too, he made me laugh out loud sometimes.

Wasn't the BBC series great? I keep meaning to watch them again one of these days. I also liked the new movie. It wasn't as good at the series or the book of course, but I thought it was great for a short movie.

Tracee said...

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Audrey said...

I just realized that even though I love Jane Austen there are THREEof the six novels I've never read! How did that happen? But I was also thinking that it's nice to still have the chance to read them for the first time! On the other hand, I've read this one two or three times...each time, I notice again what an incredibly funny and gifted writer she was.

Teddy Rose said...

Awesome review! I haven't read this one either. Actually truth be told,I haven't read any Jane Austin yet. Kind of suprising since I've seen and loved every movie and mini series ever made based on her books.

GFS3 said...

I feel like a guy needs to weigh in here. This has always been one of my favorite books . What man wouldn't want to be Mr. Darcy?

Anonymous said...

Yes, Jane Eyre is always a good read. It's such a long time ago I read it though that it's all become a bit hazy...

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love this book. I first read it back in high school and I swear it helped me pass one of my AP exams because I got to use it as a topic for an essay.

I was surprised how much I liked both the BBC series and the more recent movie with Keira Knightly in it.

Kathy W said...

Great Review! Jane Austin is one of those authors I have tried to read but have never made it very far into it before setting it aside. Enjoyed reading your review.

Becca said...

Pride & Prejudice is one of my favorite books! I actually need to read the rest of the Austen novels! You wrote a lovely review. :)

Unknown said...

Hi just wondering if you would not mind sending me your e-mail contact info to ask you a question about a review? Many thanks!

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Anonymous said...

I just got P&P. I also saw the movie Becoming Jane and I loved it. I have not read any Jane Austen. Perhaps when I finish Duma Key by Stephen King, I'll start P&P. That'll be a switch!

Anonymous said...
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gautami tripathy said...

I don't like Austen's novels much. Give me the Bronte sisters anyday.


BTW, everything distils into reading is my new blog. Please do visit it, subscribe to it or follow it! Do help me spread the word.

LN said...

This is a really great book. I am currently re-reading it :-) If you enjoyed the book I can advice to watch the BBC series from 1995 with Colin Firth. It is really great and has nothing to do with the quite recent cinematographic adaptation.

Hector Macdonald said...

Hi Alisia

May I invite you to write about your favorite books at www.bookdrum.com, where you can add information, images, video, music and links to illustrate and explore the books.

Right now, we're running a $3,000 Tournament and we'll be offering contract work to the best entries. Pride & Prejudice is already being profiled but there are plenty of great titles still to choose from.

Best wishes

Hector Macdonald
Editor, Book Drum

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