Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Stephanie

It takes a lot to give a book the distinction of one of the best books ever written, but Pride and Prejudice has definitely deserved it. The predecessor of the modern romantic comedy, Pride and Prejudice is funny, romantic, and insightful, with some of the best characters ever created in literature.

Elizabeth Bennet is shunned by the rich and proud Mr. Darcy on the first day of his being in town, and thus she swears that he is the last man on earth she would ever marry. It's too bad that she can't avoid him, however, for her older sister Jane has fallen in love with Darcy's friend Bingley. There are numerous reasons against this marriage of course, namely the difference of their fortunes and the impropriety of the Bennet family.

Elizabeth's dislike of Mr. Darcy is further sharpened by the story of Mr. Wickham, a young, good-looking man who tells a pitiable tale of having his life ruined by Darcy. Unbeknownst to nearly everyone, however, Darcy is struck by Elizabeth's wit and beautiful eyes. He struggles to suppress his feelings for her, but it is futile. But with all these misconceptions of one another's characters going on, not to mention that they move in different spheres, how can there ever be a happy ending?

Austen uses a lot of difficult wording, but they really contribute to the wit of this book. The characters are memorable, and nearly every girl wants to meet a Mr. Darcy. Excellent books make you care for the characters, and Pride and Prejudice will make you wish you were living in Lizzie's time.