A review by sami_leigh
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

funny hopeful lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.

And Mrs Bennet will stop at nothing to have her five daughters married off favourably, ignorant to the fact that her less-than-amiable personality and advances would have her prospective-sons-in-law running for the hills - literally. It is no wonder so many stories have adapted or borrowed from Austen’s classic when it is a tale so easily relatable, no matter the time, place or people; two people forced to overcome their pride and unlearn their prejudices in order to accept and love each other. I couldn’t not love Elizabeth’s forthrightness, her calculation and easy ‘management’ of her mother, her wit and wordiness. I also admired the ability of both MCs to reflect upon their assumptions and admit wrongdoings, despite existing in a culture where to lay down one’s pride is a sin to society. I audibly snort-laughed too many times to count through my reading, the standouts being; Mr Collins’ man-spraining monologues of self assurance paired with Elizabeth’s dry reactions; Darcy’s proposal #1; Mrs Bennet’s tactlessness and inability to be self aware; Mr Bennet’s reaction to Collins’ proposal; Lydia being Lydia; Mr Bennet’s last letter to Collins. 

“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.” -Elizabeth

📖 Third person omniscient narration
📖 Enemies-to-Lovers
📖 Meddling family
📖 Misunderstanding Trope
📖 Well established secondary characters and storylines; I will audibly chortle at Collins’ proposal until the end of my days!
📖 MC growth
📖 A window into 19th century England’s norms for marriage, class divides, and the position of women.

“You might have talked to me more when you came to dinner.” 

“A man who had felt less, might.”

⚠️ Death of a parent, toxic relationships, deceitful advantageous marriages, 19th century social norms.
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