Pride and Prejudice

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Summary: Pride and Prejudice is a Wickedly Realistic Story
Review: Pride and Prejudice had me hooked by the first page. It was so amazingly colorful and witty that I read the whole thing in less than twenty-four hours. I couldn't put it down. If you like reading a book that sends you off in twists and turns that throws both irony and realism in your face, then you'd better not delay. The book is about a twenty-one year old girl struggling with three stupid sisters and an arrogant mother, with only her father and elder sister as her true friends. Even though it was written almost 200 years ago, you'll be able to recognize the similarities in human behavior that has followed our species since the dawn of time, in this remarkable romance. So true is the title..

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Summary: The best source of joy on an island on Valentine's Day.
Review: This book is a fabulous read for anyone interested in almost in aspect of nineteenth century literature. It encompasses Austen's fabulous use of irony, wonderful examples of females subverting the economic conditions that control them through their wit, and a wonderful contrast in descripitions of landscapes that are prevelent in all of Austen's books. However, this book stands out as one of the best of the nineteenth century for many reasons. The first is that Austen's use of irony in this book is readily apparent, especially in the dialogue and actions of the characters. The wit that Lizzie exudes, especially in her conversations between Mr. Darcy, her unexpected love interest, and the Lady Catherine de Burgh provide endless entertainment for the reader. The reader develops a line of sympathy for Lizzie as she struggles to make the best of her unfortunate financial situation. Another reason to love the book not only includes the wit of Lizzie Bennet, but of her father and Mr. Darcy, which provide wonderful view into the superior workings of Austen's mind in terms of her characters' personalities. The landscapes would provide a wonderful escape for someone stranded on a deserted island because they provide many Romantic countrysides with transcendental descriptions along with wonderful descriptions of London that make the reader feel as if they really are staying with Mrs. Gardner with Jane. The description of Pemberley alone provides a wonderful example of the grandeur of nineteenth-century estates in England. Since I am supposedly stranded on this island on Valentine's Day, the love story contained within Austen's indirect ocmmentary on the hardships of economics on women in the nineteenth century, provides a hope that each person will meet not only the perfect person, but that person will also recognize them as their destined mate. This book incorporates the Romantic notions of Byron and Wordsworth into Lizzie, while allowing her to retain pieces of realism that makes her supreme to all of the other female characters. Austen also provides a wonderful sexual tension between Mr. Darcy and Lizzie that has never been equalled in any book that I have ever read, and being an English major, there have been many. I have read this book many times and still find motifs, themes, images and nuances in the plot that provide me continually with enjoyment. For this reason alone would I be content with having this book as my sole company on a deserted island. The villains in this novel are also so much fun to hate because they prove to be the very foces that try to keep Lizzie and Darcy apart. The two characters, however, persevere, which would be a very important theme for a person stranded on a desert island. Perseverence would be the only way one would survive the lonliness, aside from an excellent book, of course. Austen was truly ahead of her time as critic after critic will tell you, but only after you have read one of her greatest works will you understand why it has crossed the time and custom boundries and to this day remains a wonderful piece of literature that will continue to provide enjoyment to each new reader that endeavors to read it. Enjoy! By the way, I only noticed your sample e-mail address after I finished this review

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Summary: One of the best books ever written
Review: This enchanting novel tells the story of Elizabeth Bennett, a young English woman with one elder and three younger sisters. Elizabeth's younger sisters are silly young girls who favor their senseless mother. Her father loves her dearly. He adds humor to the novel with his near-sarcastic views of his family. The other characters in the novel range from her completely silly and senseless cousin Collins, to the conniving Miss Bingley, to the indescribable Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth's beau. Austen uses the perfect combination of humor, romance, and suspense in this unforgettable story. I was unable to put this book down, but I regretted it not being any longer

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Summary: Quirky and intellectual -- Austen's best masterpiece!
Review: As always, Austen ridicules the conventions of the time, but acknowledges that they must be accepted. Women must find men (hopefully rich) to marry them; any feelings of love or respect in marriage are wonderful, but not always necessary or relevant. The characters are far from perfect --- pompous, superficial and greedy. Even the heroine of the novel, Elizabeth, is prone to prejudice. She is a willing participant in the titillating conversations with the proud Darcy and the envious Bingley sisters which serve to amuse and entertain the reader

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Summary: If you think life in the 1990's is complicated, try life in
Review: the English countryside during the 1800's.

Imagine this: you are the second eldest of five sisters, you have a flighty mother who is fixated on marrying you all off, and you have a father whose indolence and disillusionment with life have led to the faulty upbringing of your three younger sisters. What would you do when an attractive, rich man moved in next door and fell in love with your older sister (who is the most beautiful and eligible woman in the surrounding countryside)? You would be happy for her and you would do everything you could to help her marry the man she loves...and you'd be pretty upset if his best friend stepped in and talked him into not being in love with your sister and thus removed your sister's chance at happiness and an improved situation in life. Then what if your socially inept, silly, pedantic cousin asked you to marry him after you had only known him three days? Oh--then what would you do if he proposed to your best friend the day after you refused him, and she accepted?! To top it off, what if the same person who took away the love of your sister's life fell in love with you and asked you to marry him?!

Well, that is Miss Elizabeth Bennett's position at the outset of this hilarious and endearing novel which details a year in the life of a genteel English family and their neighbors. During the course of the novel, three proposals of marriage are made to Miss Elizabeth; one proposal is made to Jane (the eldest Miss Bennett); and their youngest sister (who is only sixteen) elopes with an English Army officer who has a worse reputation with the ladies than Wilt Chamberlin. Jane Austen is a masterful storyteller who is able to sketch characters through a plot that is never quite what the reader expects. This is a tale of life, and much can be learned from the proud and/or prejudicial acts of its participants which is applicable even today.

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Summary: All the greatest authors are dead, long dead
Review: Like most of Austen's novels, P&P immerses you in early 19th Century England with its peculiar (to us) practices, traditions and attitudes. It's richly drawn characters, totally credible and intensely likeable or hateable, are the anchor point of this wondrous story which leads the reader on a journey of discovery, mystery and uproarious humour (yes honestly). One can learn a great deal about oneself by reading this book as it examines the complexities of human relationships and emotions still valid today, almost 200 years after it was written. Other priceless titles by Austen that rate a '10' are Emma and Mansfield Park. Don't miss them, you'll kick yourself if you do

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Summary: Hard to put down
Review: I loved this book because it really grabbed my attention from the beginning. It also kept me away from the fridge for a good while so I skipped out on a lot of fatty snacks. I lost five pounds reading this book. Never mind "The South Beach Diet". Read "Pride and Prejudice".

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Summary: Realationships
Review: If you want to understand "relationships" better ( I would like to think we all do) and you have limited time, that you can use to read, say, "Pscychology Today" and watch Oprah and Dr. Phill -- or read Jane Austen's great work -- I say go with Jane. You will learn more and enjoy a classical reading experience in the process.

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Summary: My favorite classic!
Review: I had to read this book my senior year in High School and I was afraid that it would be a boring, long read. But I was so wrong! It's an amazing story of...well pride and prejudice! Jane Austen is very witty and I found myself laughing and sighing and worrying as I read. Elizabeth is a wonderful heroine that you find yourself relating to and wishing to be! What a life those young women must have led! And Darcy, well I fell in love with him immediately. You can't get any better than Darcy when looking for a man who would do anything to protect and help you. I loved reading about the cynical Miss Bingley and her sister; silly Lydia and Kitty; obnoxious Mrs. Bennet; and hilarious Mr. Collins. This book is my favorite classic! I strongly recommend reading it BEFORE watching the movie!

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Summary: 10 Stars!
Review: Pride and Prejudice is by far my favorite novel. I read it for the first time in 10th grade and have read it 4 times since. Every time I get something new out of it and the story never loses its charm!

Austen is an undeniably talented author and Pride and Prejudice is arguably her best work. All of the characters are wonderfully developed and full of life. The plot seems to have a mind of its own, twisting here and there. Unlike some books were the plot doesn't seem to fit together in the end, Austen has worked out every detail.

I also think this book is wonderful for the social commentary that it provides. Again, some novels I have read do not do so well with balancing social commentary and plot/character development. This is not so with Pride and Prejudice. This book is a true gem. Witty, fun, shocking, scandalous, romantic, and entertaining!