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A review by nothingforpomegranted
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don’t remember the first time that I read Pride and Prejudice, but this reread is truly one of the best reading experiences I’ve had in ages, and I loved how many more details and humorous moments I gleaned from reading it slowly and intentionally.
In case you’ve missed it, the novel starts with gossip, the news that a Mr. Bingley is coming to stay at Netherfield and, as far as anyone can tell, has no wife or intended. The five Bennett sisters and, more especially, their mother are incredibly excited for his arrival, and the announcement of his attendance at a ball sends everyone into a frenzy. While Mr. Bingley dances with the eldest sister, Jane, his friend Mr. Darcy snubs her sister Elizabeth and stands off to the side rather than dancing with her.
The story progresses with the quietest drama of all time. Jane gets sick at Netherfield, Elizabeth goes to care for her, Darcy realizes he might have made a mistake, Mr. Bingley’s sister fawns over Darcy’s handwriting and Elizabeth responds to every conversation with sarcasm and a healthy degree of hauteur. The plot thickens with the introduction of Mr. Wickham, Mr. Collins, and the de Bourghs, all of whom have surprising connections to both the Bennett and the Darcy families.
The slow burn is palpable and believable, and this reread really enabled me to appreciate the beauty of Austen’s writing. Our primary couple—Lizzie and Darcy—don’t switch suddenly from hating to loving each other (despite the prevalence of that message in the 2005 adaptation), nor does Lizzie fall for Darcy just because Pemberley is beautiful. The book is rife with little moments between the two of them that are so nuanced and sweet, and “pride and prejudice” are such dominant themes. Lizzie and Darcy are incredibly prideful characters, used to being beloved and accepted and right; the way they challenge each other to question their own first impressions and opinions is fabulous, and I just love it.
Also, Mr. Bennett is truly hilarious and everything he says makes me laugh, especially when it has to do with Mr. Collins. He makes me laugh out loud.
In case you’ve missed it, the novel starts with gossip, the news that a Mr. Bingley is coming to stay at Netherfield and, as far as anyone can tell, has no wife or intended. The five Bennett sisters and, more especially, their mother are incredibly excited for his arrival, and the announcement of his attendance at a ball sends everyone into a frenzy. While Mr. Bingley dances with the eldest sister, Jane, his friend Mr. Darcy snubs her sister Elizabeth and stands off to the side rather than dancing with her.
The story progresses with the quietest drama of all time. Jane gets sick at Netherfield, Elizabeth goes to care for her, Darcy realizes he might have made a mistake, Mr. Bingley’s sister fawns over Darcy’s handwriting and Elizabeth responds to every conversation with sarcasm and a healthy degree of hauteur. The plot thickens with the introduction of Mr. Wickham, Mr. Collins, and the de Bourghs, all of whom have surprising connections to both the Bennett and the Darcy families.
The slow burn is palpable and believable, and this reread really enabled me to appreciate the beauty of Austen’s writing. Our primary couple—Lizzie and Darcy—don’t switch suddenly from hating to loving each other (despite the prevalence of that message in the 2005 adaptation), nor does Lizzie fall for Darcy just because Pemberley is beautiful. The book is rife with little moments between the two of them that are so nuanced and sweet, and “pride and prejudice” are such dominant themes. Lizzie and Darcy are incredibly prideful characters, used to being beloved and accepted and right; the way they challenge each other to question their own first impressions and opinions is fabulous, and I just love it.
Also, Mr. Bennett is truly hilarious and everything he says makes me laugh, especially when it has to do with Mr. Collins. He makes me laugh out loud.