Pride and Prejudice

Reader reviewed by Katya

I have read this book so many times, and each time I remember exactly why I love it so much.

The word 'timeless' is often used in reference to 'classic' books, but in this case I think it's justified. Everyone knows someone like Mrs Bennet, silly and money grabbing, or Lydia, who's desperate to be noticed by a boy - any boy, or Jane, who's a lovely person but not great at standing up for themselves.

A lot of people miss the humour in the book too, which is a real shame - lines like 'Mr Collins had only to change [his affections] from Jane to Elizabeth - and it was soon done - done while Mrs Bennet was stirring the fire' always make me giggle, but are lost on people.

This is, perhaps, one case where seeing the film or the series (go for the BBC series, it's much better!) might help you understand the book if you're struggling with the language, which is old fashioned. But it's definitely worth it in the end.

Go, read it! You can get it online if you don't want a paper copy - try Project Gutenberg, or the Jane Austen homepage.

Reader reviewed by aleks

I really loved this book. Its a romantic classic, typical of Jane Austen's work. This book shows English society in the early 1800's. The book sort makes a break at the end between the rich and middle or poor societys by combinig them together. This book is written from the woman's point of the middle sister Elizabeth, who lives with her 4 sisters and her silly mother and quite father. The mother tries to marry of her oldest daugthers, Elizabeth and Jane. Jane the oldest follows in love with Mr.Bingley, who is a rich getleman while his friend Mr.Darcy have this love hate relationship with Elizabeth Bennnet

Reader reviewed by Melanie

W-O-W!!!

I absolutely fell in love with this book! It was amazing! The characters are just like real people in real life...only back then! Keep on writing!!!

Reader reviewed by charlene

My favorite book yet! Granted, it is a difficult read, but you have to progress in your reading skills somehow. The story totally compensates for the reading difficulties.

It is about a woman in England, early 19th century, who ONLY wants to marry for love. When she meets a very rich man who eventually proposes, she refuses because she thinks him arrogant. Great insight in Edwardian society also given.

On the whole a WOW book, that is a must for all Bridget Jones's Diary fan (the plot is based on that of Pride and Prejudice). An all-time hit!

Reader reviewed by shopgirl

Elizabeth Bennet lives among a family obsessed with money, good names, and ensuring that all five of the Bennet daughters (Elizabeth included!) marry only worthy men, preferably ones who are loaded and come from good families.

However, Elizabeth longs for more. She longs for true love. She entertains a mild flirtation with the mysterious Wickham, who isn't quite what he seems. She has to fend off advances from her creepy cousin Mr. Collins. And despite his rudeness towards her, Elizabeth's interest is piqued by the proud Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, who has plenty of money and doesn't hesitate to say what he means.

Though the Bennets talk a good talk, the problem is, they do not have a great deal of money, nor do they have many reliable and upstanding family members to speak for them. So, that basically eliminates Elizabeth from Darcy's interest. Or so everyone, including Darcy and Elizabeth, think.

I love this book. The constant "who is Elizabeth going to end up with, if anyone?" plot kept me hooked on this novel.

The language is very formal and dated, but it is not impossible to understand. If you take the time to acquaint yourself with the language, it will quickly become easy to comprehend. Plus once that happens, the humor and cheekiness of these characters really comes to life.

I would recommend this to anyone who wants to read a fantastic novel about love and greed, but also enjoys humor, wit and sarcasm as well.