Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen

FRIDAY FAVE~PRIDE & PREJUDICE

Before there was Chalamet and Styles, before Bridgerton and Anthony falling in the lake, there was Firth in a billowing shirt. I will die happily on this hill, the 6 hour BBC adaption is the best of them all BY MILES, Darcy getting out of that water was an important *cough* cinematic moment, and Alison Steadman as Mrs Bennet stole the show in every single scene. 

I came to the book after falling head over heels for the series as a teen. Classical literature can seem obtuse, lofty and a genre reserved for the very intelligent, and if you haven’t read much in this category but want to start there is no better place than P & P.

It’s just so readable, witty and well paced. Austen is one of those must read authors, no best fiction list of all time is acceptable without her. This novel, published in 1813 is one of her best, remaining utterly timeless and relatable. One of the original “fake relationship” stories, the Bennet girls will become your sisters, their mothers overbearing voice ringing in your ears long after the final page.

Austen transcends the romantic comedy genre, exploring the impact of class and status, developing characters and giving them real depth, unpicking tension within a familial setting. Every other line drips with a sardonic irony and humour that as a young reader I didn’t appreciate as much as I do now.

Our Bennet girls have 3.7 million ratings on goodreads and are my favourite set of fictional sisters. In fact all of the characters, even the minor, are archetypes of their category, setting the bar for all others. This is such a good autumnal, cozy read, perfect for a night under a warm duvet with a pile of snacks by your side. It is a truth universally acknowledged that Austen is in a league of her own ~ Chaya.

Order yours here.