A fantastic read. Certainly one of the books I'm ashamed it took me long to finally read. ( )

Flowery, pretentious writing does not a good story make. Austen created stiff, one-dimensional characters, brought them to life as much as she could in a boring plot, and had two of them fall in love somehow. No one writes romance colder than Austen did.

As for the assertion that this is satire, I strongly disagree. The mark of satire is that it's very obviously facetious, such as the supreme [b:A Modest Proposal|5206937|A Modest Proposal|Jonathan Swift|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348659670l/5206937._SX50_.jpg|6627040]. Pride and Prejudice doesn't obviously lampoon anyone or anything. Either Austen intended to write satire and failed, or she didn't and discriminating readers claim it is to make themselves feel better about having read and enjoyed a straight-up romance.

Readers wanting a classic with a plot that's actually interesting should grab [b:Jane Eyre|10210|Jane Eyre|Charlotte Brontë|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1557343311l/10210._SY75_.jpg|2977639] instead. Bronte is far and away a better writer and storyteller--and her storytelling intent is clear.

Update, 1/29/2017: "7 People Who Hated Pride and Prejudice": http://mentalfloss.com/article/32099/7-people-who-hated-pride-and-prejudice

Update, 4/22/2018: "Let’s Stop Romanticizing Mr. Darcy When There Are Way Better Options in Literature": https://www.themarysue.com/friedrich-bhaer-vs-mr-darcy/

Update, 10/9/2018: "Mr Darcy’s reputation as romantic hero trashed at Cheltenham literature festival": https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/oct/07/mr-darcys-reputation-as-romantic-h... ( )

[Listened to the audiobook narrated by Kate Beckinsale.]

Wow. Oh wow. I did not expect to love this as much as I did.

Late last year, I read Pride by Ibi Zoboi. Prior to reading it, I stated that if I didn’t enjoy it I would read the actual Pride & Prejudice for comparison. (Spoiler Alert: I didn’t enjoy it.)

This was my first ever audiobook that I was able to listen to in full, which I think helped me to understand Austen’s very formal writing. I loved Elizabeth and Darcy (aka the original enemies-to-lovers blueprint), the Bennet sisters, the drama and the unexpected humor. This was a great read, and I will definitely be checking out Austen’s other works!

Edit: I’m raising this from four stars to five stars because I’ve had many revelations about this novel over the past few days and also Mr. Darcy is autistic because I (an autistic person) said so. ( )

Making it a work of both entertainment and thought-provoking depth.

Pride and Prejudice is a delightful classic. Jane Austen’s sharp wit and social insights shine through Elizabeth Bennet’s journey of love and self-discovery. The evolution of her relationships, along with the humor and depth of supporting characters, makes for an engaging read. ( )

My Number 1 book ( )

One of the foundational slow-burns, I suppose. I’m sure Elizabeth’s ideals were very progressive at the time.

The writing is a product of its time, and I had to constantly adjust to the style and wade through the sheer filler and overstuffed redundancy. Get to the point! When I tried to skim the page, I’d miss an important detail in the bloated fluff and have to reread the passage.

Bruh.

Elizabeth “Lizzie “ had a good head on her shoulders. She was outspoken and not easily shut up. She indirectly made a man work on his social skills and become genuinely pleasant to those around him. He said he got to get right to get with her lol

Honestly, I thought the Elizabeth and Darcy romance was spread thin. I wanted more of them. Her other sisters took up the brunt of the story.

Because of my reading experience, I think watching the movie version(s) would give me a better grasp of the story. This is a firm 3 for me. ( )

I love this book.

plot: ★★★★☆
I (of course) have seen the 2005 movie adaptation, so I was already familiar with the plot, which I think helped a lot for reading the book. This was my first attempt at reading a “classic” novel, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I listened to the audio book version while reading a long if I was able to have the book near me, and it was a lot of fun! Elizabeth is a really fun character and narrator. She was relatable and funny and, for me, she really made the book enjoyable.
writing/prose: ★★★☆☆
it is a “classic”, so we go into it knowing the writing/language is going to be a bit different than “normal”. I will say some bits did go over my head at times, so I had to double back to figure out where I got lost, but it wasn’t THAT bad. I have to double back to figure out where I got lost in modern books as well, so perhaps I just do not know how to read as well as I thought I did.
pacing: ★★★☆☆
to me, it felt like a slower paced novel. I’m not sure if that was more with the writing going over my head, but there is a lot happening throughout the novel, so it does take a lot of time to cover. I wasn’t bored as I read though.
humor: ★★★★☆ (3.5 rounded up)
Elizabeth was hilarious. She was snarky and carried herself with an “IDGAF” attitude, but also got overwhelmed by emotion and times. as I said above, relatable AF.
characters: ★★★★★
the cast of characters were all super fun in their own way, but I wish I had a time machine to go back and ask Jane Austen what she was doing naming a character Bingley. I’m sure this was a common name (perhaps???) back then, but genuinely, all I could picture for Bingley was an overexaggerated circus clown.
spice level: ( )

I enjoyed this more than Emma. Emma and Elizabeth Bennett are so much alike. ( )

“Pride and Prejudice” has been on my list for a while. When this book popped up I figured since it’s supposed to be easier to read than the original I figured I would try it. I’m not so sure how abridged this is since it’s still 330+ pages and I question how hard to read the original version was. This was listed as being suitable for 11+. I read college textbooks for fun and I think this was quite a slog to get through and I had to take breaks. I read Dracula unabridged when I was 11 and there was no way I would have been able to get through this at 11 given I struggled enough as a 43 year old. I also recommend that you keep a pad of paper and a pen to keep track of the relationships.

The one other thing I’ve established is that this is the gentile version of Fiddler on the Roof. ( )

This book still makes me feel things because Darcy and Elizabeth are so amazing. Also the first time I finished it was one of those unseasonably warm days that makes you feel euphoric and I had my windows open and it was perfect. ( )

Muy interesante a lo que se refiere a relatar sentimientos y reacciones.
Muy muy realista en ese aspecto. Me gusta como en vez de poner dialogo, simplemente lo explica por ejemplo:
"le explico lo ocurrido y Mr Collins expreso su mas profundo pesar y ofrecio ayuda"
Esto lo hace muy rapido y da tiempo para decir cosas como:
"La reaccion de Mr collins le parecio evidente pero no podia dejar de sentir que ..." etc
Metiendose en la cabeza de la protagonista y enseñandonos con detalles como esta pensando

Pero no puedo dejar de pensar que esto no son mas que problemas superfluos de gente rica con mucho tiempo libre para pensar.

Que una de las chicas este tres semanas llorando y varios meses triste porque no la invitaron a una fiesta ... ( )

After years of starting and dropping this book, I have finally read it all the way through; and must say that I am not wholly benefited by this. I was utterly uninterested and unemotionally invested throughout most of the novel. None of the characters possessed any qualities to make me partial towards them or even really enjoy them (though, admittedly, several characters did provide some humor), and there was far too much irrelevant wording and plot development throughout. I also found all the preoccupation with manners and aristocracy very irksome.

Despite these shortcomings, I did enjoy the progressive softening of Mr. Darcy's character as well as Jane and Mr. Bingley's relationship. ( )

It seems a little shameful to admit that I reached the age of 31 without reading an Austen novel. I finally got round to ‘Pride and Prejudice’ thanks to a friend who not only gave me a copy but also lent me [b:Reading Lolita in Tehran|7603|Reading Lolita in Tehran|Azar Nafisi|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1397751318s/7603.jpg|903067], which piqued my interest about it. Living in Britain, I have of course seen multiple adaptations of the novel, so the plot was no surprise. What struck me, though, is that today it is popularly considered a romance. I found to be much more of a family drama. In fact, the central relationship between Lizzy and Darcy fascinated me for its lack of traditional epic romance. Their eventual engagement is based on a shift from mutual antipathy that occurs as both change over a period of more than a year. Although Darcy is said to be ‘violently in love’ in the end, the impression I got of Lizzy is that she comes to see Darcy as the kind of husband that would suit her best. The process of doing do is based on careful consideration of new information about his nature and behaviour, rather than emotional infatuation. She realises that he is willing to be much less of a snobbish, self-important jerk for her sake. This must be seen in the light of Lizzy’s obvious obligation to marry, something she is clearly rather ambivalent about. The various marriages depicted in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ are all very acutely observed. Mr and Mrs. Bennett’s is especially striking in its dysfunction, which has unfortunate implications for all the daughters. I found myself particularly interested in side characters, like Mary Bennett (whose bookish pomposity reminded me of myself at that age) and Charlotte Lucas. The latter’s views on her husband-to-be are revealing:

Her reflections were in general satisfactory. Mr Collins to be sure was neither sensible nor agreeable; his society was irksome, and his attachment to her must be imaginary. But still he would be her husband. Without thinking highly of men or matrimony, marriage had always been her object; it was the only honourable provision for well-educated young women of small fortune, and however uncertain of giving happiness, must be their pleasantest preservative from want. This preservative she had now obtained; and at the age of twenty-seven, without ever having been handsome, she felt all the good luck of it.

I was pleased that Austen gave the reader this insight into Charlotte, as a counterpoint to Lizzy’s shock and horror that she’d accepted Mr. Collins’ proposal. I think the important detail is their respective ages. Despite her own pressures to marry, Lizzy is seven years younger than Charlotte. Still, Lizzy’s incredulity is reasonable because Mr. Collins is superlatively terrible. His letters to Mr. Bennett are particularly hilarious. Just the sort of person it very entertaining to read about or hear anecdotes on the subject of, but should be otherwise avoided as much as possible. He is hardly the only point of humour in the book, of course. The writing is invariably witty, especially in the case of dialogue. I’m glad to have read ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and found in it both a sharply funny drama and an insight into the lives of 18th century gentlewomen. Maybe I’ll read [b:Sense and Sensibility|14935|Sense and Sensibility|Jane Austen|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1397245675s/14935.jpg|2809709] one day. ( )

One of the great classics of everyday life and the limits placed on upper class English women. ( )

Book 8
Pride and Prejudice.
Jane Austen.
Because Jane Austen was chosen to be on the new £10 note which we didn't see till we returned from Romania, I decided she had to go on the list. I had read this book in my 20's and seen the 1995 and 2005 film and TV series. Anne Boyce suggested I start with pride and prejudice. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am going to (after talking to Dawn Rogers) re watch the film.
822 days left.
9/10
1/100 books that changed the world.
Now reading my 1986 diary I realise I also read this on my big trip to China with Nick Wannan.
Karen Matula. ( )

Most classic lovers would have already read Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. This edition, however, isn't just for new readers but for collectors. It takes the evergreen story by Jane Austen and presents in a beautiful new packaging. The overall effect is so compelling that it will be tough to resist purchasing this book, especially as the story is unabridged and hence will retain its original appeal.

The cover itself indicates how beautiful the inner content of this book will be. Every single chapter is embellished with lovely flowers. With a new chapter, the flower changes. The result is a floral extravaganza with the fragrance being provided by Jane Austen's everlasting story. Marjolein Bastin is a brilliant illustrator and it shows in her work.

I just wish the font used would have been something other than the typical Times New Roman. I understand that the classic novels were printed using this typeface but it looks plain next to the beautiful flowers.

But it's still a gorgeous book and worth adding to your collection.


I received an advance review copy of the book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.


*************************************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever!, for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun. ( )

Having read this in my twenties, and not being impressed, I wanted to read it again to see if age, experience and understanding would change my opinion. It did. The story did not sweep me off my feet, however, I was able to see the depth of talent the writer had. Her use of subtlety, the dry humor, the gentle telling of the tale, all were captivating. I find it amazing that so little can happen in a story and yet it is able to hold the reader. There are very few descriptions of clothing, furniture or landscape, and yet I felt I was there observing. I knew the characters within a few sentences, not because they were described, but because they were shaped for me to see. Wonderful talent.

The illustrator of the version I have, Isabel Bishop, did a lovely job of interpreting the characters as well. She took her cue from Austen and went as minimal as possible, concentrating on the lines of the clothing and figures to portray them. Hard to describe, but lovely to look at. ( )

My feelings about P&P will never change. After 21 reads every time I read the first line, I am 16 again and reading it for the first time...life is simpler, my dad and grandparents are alive and I am taking the high school English class that made me fall in love with this book. I didn't know then how dear to me this book would become and how much warmth and comfort it would give me in years to come. These characters never fail to make me laugh when I need it -- looking at you Mr. Bennett and Lizzy. Once again, this book gave me everything I needed at this moment. I laughed, I shed a few tears, I got the butterflies. Mr. Darcy is still THE book boyfriend and always will be ( )

A classic tale of love and values tah unfolds in the class-concious England of the late eighteenth century. The five Bennet sisters-including strong-willed Elizabeth and young Lydia-have all been raised by their mother to have one purpose in life: finding a husband. When a wealthy bachelor takes up residence in a nearby mansion, the Bennets are abuzz. Among the man's sophisticated circle of friends, surely there will be no shortage of suitors for the Bennet sisters. But when Elizabeth meets up with the handsome and it would seeem-snobbish Mr. Darcy, the battle of the sexes is joined.

Everybody knows pride and prejudice story. Even I knew whole story as I have watched movie (both Hollywood and Bollywood versions). One part of me didn't want to read it and another part of me just wanted to try it. And I am surprised I liked it, even though I knew the story. After reading so many YAs and fantasy-fiction, this one was a different experience.

Initially I didn't like the book- the 19th century's life for women where they only think about getting married and finding a proper husband, and all those manners and long unnecessary gossipy talks! Okay, don't expect me to like all that in this century. And Mrs. Bennet, I hated her most. I think, I don't need to give reason for it.

I started liking it at the entry of Mr. Collins, it picked up a little pace and conversations became more interesting and a love story of Lizzy and Darcy. I liked this book mostly because of it. Their character development was amazing. I loved the part when Lizzy realized how wrong she was about Darcy.

I am fast paced lover so, I feel it was slow for me.. terribly slow! (may be because I just wanted to reach to twist I knew was going to come next) But not boring.
You want read one of the best classic, a love story, nice literary writing, go for it. ( )

meh.

Despite reading annotations and conducting parallel research to make sure I wasn’t missing anything, I can now say with some confidence that I don’t understand the appeal so many others find in this story.

Turns out I wasn’t missing something—it’s just not there.

This plot and character arc have been done many, many times, usually executed more skillfully—even taking into account the writing conventions of Austen’s time. I’m willing to excuse the tired plot by acknowledging that Austen was using the newer novel medium for it, and as a catalyst for her criticisms of classism, but as a modern reader I cannot embrace the values she’s promoting with her characters. All of that said, it’s actually better than I thought it would be, having only read Mansfield Park before this one.

I think if Elizabeth were to read this novel she’d be bored. ( )

Reading this book again was a such a joyful experience. ( )

By writing about the upper-class setting, pompous balls, fancy dresses and ribbons, Jane Austen transforms the trivial into a witty, elegant, first enemies-to-love deep novel and gives us a timeless classic. The criticism hidden behind the characters' most everyday conversations depict the role incredulity scenery which women was inserted at the time. My all-time favorite book from the now immortalized opening to the very final dot. ( )