Who is not familiar with the plot of Austen’s best-known novel (although I would argue that Emma is her best)? The headstrong Elizabeth Bennett meets the prideful Mr. Darcy, he forms prejudices against her family, she forms prejudices against him, but he still falls in love with her. He then shows her his true character, and she falls in love with him, and at the end, there is a wedding, of course.

This was my second reading of Pride and Prejudice—the first was in high school, I believe—but even if you are familiar with the story only from the numerous film versions, the book is worth a read. The most interesting character is the one the movies often gloss over: Mr. Bennett, Elizabeth’s father. Indeed, he represents the theme of the novel: the folly of an ill-chosen marriage. He has no respect for his wife, admits he squandered his income and thus put his five daughters at risk for poverty, and retreats from his life to his library whenever possible. Next to Mr. Darcy and even his own brother-in-law, Mr. Bennett is an ineffectual man, brought down by his own poor decisions. His one fear is that Elizabeth will follow the same path. Of course, she does not, and is rewarded with both bliss and riches.

It is an awesome book! I am fully enjoying it.

I can’t believe anyone would think it boring. But… Maybe it particularly speaks to women, though, since Elizabeth is such a strong character.

Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austin.

Yawn!