In keeping with my reviews of romance novels this week, I thought I could take us back to 1813, when the wonderful Pride and Prejudice was first published. Jane Austen's novel is one of perfection. But, would you expect anything less from one of history's first known independent women?
The novel begins with our protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet, or Lizzy for short. Her mother has found out that a very rich bachelor, Mr. Bingley, has moved to their small town. She knows that he must marry one of her 5 daughters because someone has to save her from being thrown on the street after Mr. Bennet, Lizzy's father, dies. You see, women cannot inherit land during this time, so Mr. Bennet's nephew, Mr. Collins will inherit the estate when his uncle passes.
When the Bennet family, along with Lizzy's best friend Charlotte Lucas, goes to a local public ball, they have a run-in with Mr. Bingley. He takes an immediate liking to Jane, the eldest and prettiest of the Bennet sisters. But she is shy so she keeps her feelings to herself for the most part...even though she likes him a great deal. Bingley has brought along his two sisters and his companion (BFF) Mr. Darcy. Darcy is even richer than Bingley, and very proud. This is evident when Bingley asks him what he thinks of Lizzy, and he says, "She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me." (OH NO HE DIDN'T!)
Thus ensues a very long "cat and mouse" type game between Lizzy and Darcy. And--as the novel progresses--we come to find that Darcy isn't half as bad as he seems. In fact, he's just a shy, awkward man...which I feel like we can all relate to on a spiritual level. Still, Lizzy has so many obstacles to get through before she can realize this. Her sisters' romantic entanglements, her own admirers, Miss Lucas's marriage, her family's ignorance, and--ultimately--her own ignorance all get in the way of her discovering who she really belongs with. So, the question is, does she ever figure it out? Read the book and find out! (:
Austen writes perfectly imperfect characters with the grace and ease needed to make a perfect novel. In fact, this novel is way ahead of its time in regards to feminism, despite it being a romance novel. The strong character, Elizabeth Bennet, doesn't let looking for a man to marry get in the way of her own happiness. She doesn't even care if she ever finds a man, expecially one who doesn't share her love of reading and witty remarks. Lizzy Bennet is as bad-ass as a woman can be in the early 1800s, and she's one of my literary heroes!
I love it when I read a novel and I look up to one of its characters. When I feel the need to emulate a character, like Lizzy, I know the author is doing her/his job! Because who wants to read a novel that doesn't immerse them into the story? For a brief moment, while reading this novel, I was Elizabeth Bennet, and she was me. And, yes, there is a mini series version that starred Colin Firth. And there is a movie version that starred Keira Knightley. I've only seen the latter, but it follows the book in almost perfect harmony. I highly recommend reading the novel then watching the movie...they both really are that good!
For all of the reasons stated above, I give this novel 5/5 stars.
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Photo Credit #02: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/69/ca/99/69ca999ca728a799fb9894d366fc566a.jpg
As an English major, I'm embarrased to admit that I never read Pride and Prejudice, even though I own two copies. Your review really makes me want to read it, so hopefully I'll find time this summer to do so!
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