I bought a paperback of this book in 2018/19 and never read it, and unhauled it sometime last year. This year I tried to restart it on ebook in August, and after getting to chapter 5, avoided the book entirely because I just couldn't bring myself to enjoy or fully understand it. An Instagram friend suggested trying it on audiobook, and this was a HEAVEN SENT solution. For some reason I was able to grasp the material so much better when listening to it, and finished it in a matter of days (even though it was over 11 hours long). For the second half, I pulled up my ebook to follow along as I listened to the audiobook by Josephine Bailey.

I have so many thoughts about this book but I didn't take notes while reading it, so I may edit this review eventually with something more coherent. I'm not a very critical reader when it comes to symbolism or hidden meanings so I'm sure some finer points were lost on me... but I enjoyed this book so much. I don't know why I'm surprised, but the plot, conflict, and topics in this book feel so fresh. Not only to contemporary writing, but to contemporary writing of historical romances, which I love.

Of course there are differences between this and a recently published historical romance, as this book was considered a contemporary from the time it was written, and it focuses on the middle class rather than the aristocracy. This book also took place over a long period of time, and weeks/months were written away over a chapter. This book featured a ton of narration over dialogue or the inner thoughts of even Mr. Darcy - but again, this is probably a reflection of the time period it was written and of course I wouldn't expect it to be the same as a modern romance. I was able to read it and appreciate it for what it was, and I quite liked the narration style even if I did wish for a more behind the scenes glimpse at Darcy's emotions.

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Mrs. Bennet... you insipid fool. Jane Austen's writing of such a ridiculous matchmaking mama was hilarious, cringeworthy, and perfect. Josephine Bailey did an excellent job narrating her and her poor nerves. Did I hate her? Yes. But I think that was kind of the point so well done to both of them.

Mr. Collins - a villain. He was so pompous, so ridiculous, that I couldn't help but laugh every time he came on the page. When Elizabeth turned him down and he kept praising her for her modesty and that it made him adore her more... hilarious.

Miss Bingley... bitch disgusting. Again I think she was so well written. The scenes of the group at Netherfield were so funny, as she followed Mr. Darcy around and hung onto his every word... commenting on his letter, trying to mimic him by pretending to read. And at the end of the book, when Elizabeth made a comment about if she were to sit by him and comment on how straight his lines are.

While I liked Jane, I found her kind of annoying. She was so kind, so amiable. She refused to believe badly about anyone to a fault and didn't really have a spine.

Of course I liked Elizabeth but do I wish she shared a bit more communication with her family - or at least Jane, who was her closest friend and sister? Yes. How many things could have been resolved or hurried along by sharing conversations or letters? This is just me being impatient and I say the same thing about modern books too when miscommunication or lack of communication is a plot point.

And Mr. Darcy... while I think he is a grumpy soft boi, I think part of my adoration for him is because I keep seeing Pride and Prejudice TikToks of the 2005 movie and I think the actor who plays him is the cutest. I wish we had gotten more of his feelings, his love, his relationship with Elizabeth after they reconcile. Their conversation on their walk was amazing but I always want more fluff.

Look mom, I read a classic!!