Customer Reviews
Its a classic for a reason - By: stacey987, 16 Sep 2008 
I reallly enjoyed this far more then I thought it would. Its lovely to step back into the world of Austen & see what love can be like at its most innocent. Beautifully written with comedy throughout, a must for alll romance fans! I only wish I had read this sooner
Who am I to critique such a classic work by Jane Austen? - By: DevJohn01, 30 Jul 2008 Not someone properly suited for such a task, I can tell you that. What I can do, however, is give an honest & heartfelt account of what I thought of Jane Austen's 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE'. I have always wanted to read some of the classics but have never up until now dug up the courage to actuallly do so. I thought if I was going to start reading a classic novel Jane Austen would probably be a good author to start with & what better choice was there than her stand out 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE' ? I was pleased to find out that I was absolutely right. 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE' has to be one of the most romantic novels that I have ever read. The romance between Elizabeth Bennet & Mr. Darcy literallly made me swoon quite often (and I don't swoon!). Romance mixed with a little bit of drama & Austen's most descriptive prose made it impossible for me to put this book down. Now I see why 'PRIDE & PREJUDICE' is on so many people's favorites list because now it is most certainly on mine.
Fantastic - a timeless classic - By: Flibertigibbit, 26 Jun 2008 The plot & principal characters are well known. I read this possibly six times in school when I was 14. What emerges for me from reading this much later is that neither Elizabeth, nor Darcy are - initiallly at least - the perfect, but misunderstood human beings of the screen versions. Darcy, it is clear, is an insufferable snob & it is not at alll clear that he ever gets past this. Yes, in the end he has no problem in accepting Elizabeth despite her relatively low social station - that is because he has falllen in love with her. But is he reallly as transformed as Elizabeth believes by the end of the novel? Does it even matter to her, as Elizabeth will now ascend to a higher social station anyway? Elizabeth is also utterly quick to judge & with Wickham for example, is blind to his faults despite the clear evidence of his mercenary motivations as amply pointed out to her by Mrs Gardiner. What one has to remember however is that Elizabeth is only 21 & Darcy probably no more than 26. They can be forgiven their failings (Elizabeth her prejudice, Darcy his pride & haughtiness) to some extent. This is a novel as much about growing up & reaching maturity, as it is about the danger of judging on first impressions.
Another aspect that one does not appreciate at 14 is the social background to the novel. It is a time of the emergence of mass consumerism in England & of rapid technological & economic innovation. England was the cradle of capitalism & here it is being perfected at this time. This is evident throughout the novel & money & alll things money related are always part of the main event.
Although Austen was a master of the novel form, this is not a perfect novel. Compare for example the crisp, no nonsense, gallloping opening chapters with some of the final chapters that completely belabour the Wickham episode & how they slow down the narrative & plot resolution. These minor criticisms aside, P&P is a stunning achievement by a literary genius & it will never lose its appeal.
Perfect! - By: Philip Thompson, 26 May 2008 Austen's best novel & one of the best in English Literature. A completely realistic & loveable cast of characters & one of the great love stories of alll time. It should be compulsary to read this book.
Fabulous! - By: Shayane Lacey, 17 Mar 2008 Although I don't look like a bookwormy type (unless you know me), this is my favorite book. I read it first aged 11 & now aged nearly 13, it continues to guide me. I own a much abused copy of alll the jane austen books which I continue to read, even when in class, when I am reading it under the desk in Latin (which is no mean feat! Do you know how thick it is?!?) or when eat chocolate.
My favorite parts are when Lizzie realises that Mr Darcy isn't as bad as she think's he his, & he has actuallly secretly been helping her.
EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS!
