Pride and Prejudice
Despite being regarded as one of the greatest writers of english literature I’ve never had the slightest interest in reading any of Austen’s works. I find 19th Century prose hard work.
So what on earth motivated me enough to put in the effort to read this novel?
A modern day adaptation of the story told through the medium of videoblogs called The Lizzie Bennet Diaries started earlier this year on Youtube and I’ve been watching and becoming ever more invested in the story since the beginning. It got to the stage where I needed to know where the story was headed. I turned to the famous BBC adaptation from the 90s, which somehow only served to deepen my interest until eventually I cracked and started to read the novel proper.
It’s a book of subtle and sly wit with a tremendously appealing rather flawed protagonist. I still struggle with the language (which is why it’s an A- rather than an A+) but the power of the tale is undeniable. Once you hit the proposal in Hunsford you’re firmly gripped and the story isn’t going to let you go until it’s finished.
I have to admit I still find myself preferring The Lizzie Bennet Diaries as a piece of entertainment but I would definitely recommend the book. Get yourself a free copy from the internet and stick with it and you will find real rewards.