Pride and Prejudice book review
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For years, in bookstores I'd walk past the book, Pride and Prejudice, pick it up and contemplate buying it. I had never read it and didn't know what it was about. I think I equated it with War and Peace, or something and would put it back down. Then Catherine, our daughter-in-law came into our lives and highly recommended the book. Coming from a literature major, a writer herself, and a fan of Jane Austen, it piqued my interest. Still not knowing what it was about, I found the text online and started reading. I thought I'd just read the first chapter, huddling over my little laptop, but no...then I just wanted to read the next chapter to see what happened. Then the next, and the next. I don't know how many chapters I sat there reading that first sitting, but I knew I wanted to finish the book. So originally I read it online, but after awhile I knew I'd want my own copy. I found myself laughing at the wit, enjoying the style of writing, the different characters, and especially the story of how impressions can often be misleading because they're viewed through the wrong lens.
The story takes place in the Georgian period of English history, early 1800's, and the two main characters are Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, a very wealthy young man. Elizabeth Bennet is one of five daughters who's family's home will be given away to a relative on the death of her father because he has no son. Because of this, Elizabeth and her four sisters are put at a great disadvantage in finding a husband, as they will have little financial assets to bring to marriage. Elizabeth's mother's main interest is seeing that her daughters are able to catch suitable husbands so the family will be taken care of. Elizabeth, who intends to only marry for the deepest love, frustrates her mother's attempt at marrying her off. After being at a ball which Mr. Darcy attends with friends, and being offended by something he says about her, Elizabeth's first impressions cause her to misjudge him and instead put her trust in someone totally untrustworthy. There really isn't a dull moment in the book. I know I'm not doing the story justice, as it has so many interesting characters, hilarious dialog, a good message, as well as being a great romance. It's hard for us today to imagine the extreme pressure they felt in that day to find a good "catch" but if you're interested in understanding the times I recommend the book, Jane Austen For Dummies (which I hope to review soon).
Since Pride & Prejudice is published by quite a few publishers, the book I ended up getting is a hardback by Dover Publications. It's full of pen & ink illustrations by Hugh Thomson that give you a glimpse into some of the activities taking place in the story. So thank you, Catherine, for introducing me to a truly enjoyable read.
I'm so glad I recommended that book to you! I forgot I ever had! You see, it's so a part of your life now, I forgot it ever had to be introduced. I'm looking forward to delving into my copy of "Jane Austen for Dummies." I have to admit, I haven't read it yet because I'm saving it for a treat. It shouldn't be called a Dummies book. It's really just some great historical critiquing and reviewing. Very excellent. And sometime, you might like to pick up a copy of Pride and Prejudice by Norton Critical Editions. There's some fab essays in there on P&P and an interview with Colin Firth! Norton Critical Editions are a lot of fun.
Posted by Catherine A. (not verified) | Fri, 03/16/2007 - 11:37pm | reply