Pride and Prejudice (book) Review

As one of the most revered British classics, Pride and Prejudice certainly carries with it great expectations, and while the book most definitely differs more my usual milieu, which is a stage consisting of thrilling, fantastical, and enigmatic themes, I can certainly say that Jane Austin's prized work certainly left a good impression on me, which of course was a genuine surprise. The book is a romantic drama, and perhaps the first of that genre which I have read. So you can imagine my shock when I was completely hooked into the plot, and eagerly reading much more than I perhaps should have, neglecting other aspects of my life simply for a few more pages. In fact, I was in the belief that I was not going to enjoy this book, and would simply read it for the sake of having read what many people consider to be one of the greatest classic novels of all time.

The plot chiefly concerns the upper middle class family of Bennet's; a father and mother whose relationship was long devoid of any deep love, and five daughters whose chief concern is marriage, both because it is unfortunately their only option in life, and because their mother's will is strong in the matter. And it is strong because of another misfortune of society at that time: Women were not allowed to be bequeathed property, and thus when Mr. Bennet died, his wife and daughters would be thrown out of the house by the next tenant, who was a nephew of Mr. Bennet's whom they had never met.

But Mrs. Bennet's prayers are soon answered, and an incredibly wealthy man and his family and friends move into an estate near theres, and there is soon a romantic spark between this Mr. Bingley and Jane, the Bennet's eldest daughter. There is also a dislike created between Elizabeth, the second oldest, and Mr. Darcy, a close friend of Mr. Bingley's whose affluence is on the same scale. She accuses him of incredible pride and vanity, the former of which he most certainly possesses, and she herself is captive to obstinate prejudices. If they are to grow as people, they must overcome these barriers, hence the title Pride and Prejudice.

The characters of this book are perhaps what make it such a compelling read, for while the messy web of 19th century British romance is an intriguing venture, this book is very character driven, as are all good books. The book follows Elizabeth in the third person, though an omniscient narrator is present, and she is particularly engrossing because she is decidedly more astute than her peers, and does not pine after men in the same manner that most women her age do. Mr. Darcy, her chief rival in the book, is also well written, for in his character there lacks vanity, though Elizabeth certainly perceives some, and he is simply prideful of his family and noble heritage. Even the side characters of Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Bennet, the other sisters, and a slew of family relations and friends are all very unique, and when reading it's quite easy to imagine the mannerisms and countenance of each character, and a reader is allowed for formulate their own opinions on said characters, which is a subtle trait of good writing.

I can't fault this book for the sometimes melodramatic and definitely flowery writing, as that was the custom at the time of publishing, and it was perhaps quite normal to hear people talking in the manner they do. This book is definitely not without flaws, but it's a dense read, and it'll take me a few cracks at it to really discern any negative aspects which detract from my experience.

Pride and Prejudice is a worthy book to add to one's repertoire, if they're willing to sometimes be baffled by archaic writing and dialogue, though I did find is understandable at almost every point. Yes, a dictionary must be at hand when reading Jane Austen, but is it really that bad of a thing to learn something while reading an interesting bit of fiction? Honestly, I felt a bit like a middle aged woman watching a soap opera while reading this book, and was amazed at how deeply I was engrossed in the happenings of the characters as I regaled them to my father in serious tones lacking any irony. I suppose that really strikes at the heart of what makes Pride and Prejudice great; it truly feels as though the reader is right there alongside Elizabeth as she struggles to overcome her own personal flaws for the sake of her happiness. A recommendation is but a formality at this point, as you already know my feelings, but if you haven't read this most famous Jane Austen classic, then I would definitely recommend it.