Reviews with content warning for Adult/minor relationship - Pride and Prejudice

This is a book I've read many times, and with each reread I have a different experience.

This time I read along with Jennifer Ehle's reading on youtube and what an absolute delight. I adore her as Elizabeth, so it was just perfect. That aside though, I found that this may have been my favorite read of the book. I've always enjoyed it, but I really took my time with it this time and had a more immersive experience with the audio.

For those of you who don't know what this book is about, it takes place in 1800 England and follows the Bennet family - a family of 7 (Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and their 5 girls - Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty and Lydia) - and particularly the story of Elizabeth and Jane and their journeys in finding love. There's so much more to it than that, but that's the smallest nutshell version.

It's got tons of brilliant banter and wit, feminism (for the time period) and chemistry. It really is a phenomenal book (though not my absolute favorite of Austen's, though Darcy is probably my favorite hero from the lot...).

I had a fantastic time rereading this and definitely plan on doing so again in the future.

Content Warnings

hollystopreading's review against another edition

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lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Surprisingly easy to read! Some words are ofc out of date but they are few and far between.

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raconteur's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A classic we all grow up knowing about. I loved it so much! The characters are complex, the writing style is amazing (witty, shady and funny).

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stoola_pz's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted 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

"there are very few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well. The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and everyday confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of either merit or sense."

the amount of disappointment I felt when I found out that Mr Darcy didnt actually say “you bewitched me body and soul and I love I love I love you and wish from this day forth never to be parted from you” in the book was truly painful

still 5 stars

Content Warnings

jayecard's review against another edition

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funny reflective fast-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

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kaz_brekkerrr's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted relaxing slow-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

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isabezza's review against another edition

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challenging emotional lighthearted slow-paced

2.5

Jane Austen's comedy never fails to impress. It is another layer to her literary genius that surprises me every time. This novel is far more plot-driven than other novels (such as my personal favourite, Persuasion); focussing on the actions and attachments of young women. I would recommend reading the introduction of the edition to provide context and understanding of how this novel was perceived.

The character's are excellently constructed, nuanced, and human. Our protagonist is both powerful and flawed. Although the exploration of miscommunication and misjudgement of each-other between Elizabeth and Darcy was engaging, I did not find this as easy a read as Austen's other stories, nor did I personally find it timeless in the representation of women's experiences (like Northanger Abbey may be). There were many quotes I would have loved to highlight and share, especially in regard to Elizabeth, but have picked my favourites here.

“Upon my word sir,” cried Elizabeth, “your hope is a rather extraordinary one after my declaration. I do assure you that I am not one of those young ladies, if such young ladies there are, who are so daring as to risk their happiness on the chance of being asked a second time. I am perfectly serious in my refusal. You could not make me happy, and I am convinced that I am the last woman in the world who could make you so.”

In spite of his being a lover, Elizabeth really believed all his expectations of felicity to be rationally founded, because they had for basis the excellent understanding and super excellent disposition of Jane, and a general similarity of feeling and taste between her and himself.

“I have said no such thing. I am only resolved to act in that manner which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me.”

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