Pride and Prejudice (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

Edition Review:The Chiltern classics are classy, collectible, and most definitely giftable. Each copy is a work of art in the gorgeous raised cover art, gilt-edged pages, thick paper stock, ribbon bookmark, and well formatted pages and font. Just above the size of a paperback and comfort-cushioned hardbound feel in hand. Readers will love this edition.Book Thoughts:The Bennets of Longbourn are a frolicking family of five daughters, a bookish father and a fluttery mother. A young man of fortune moves to the neighborhood and all the matchmaking mamas are on point with Mrs. Bennet leading the way especially when he is joined by a friend of even more wealth and status.Too bad, the imminently handsome and wealthy Mr. Darcy makes a terrible first impression and his struggles to deny his attraction for second Bennet daughter Lizzy are dismal and he slips in love with a woman who is unlike any he has ever before encountered.Of course, there are other iconic characters and they invariably do their best to throw a spanner in the works for Darcy and Lizzy.But, a few fortunate twists of fate and the generosity of Lizzy's Gardiner relations give them another chance if youngest Bennet daughter Lydia's escapades don't scotch it all for good.Each time I read or listen, something different captures my attention. With this time around, it was eldest and beautiful tranquil Jane and also Mr. Bennet father to five grown daughters and husband to a woman of simple mind and purpose with an overwrought set of nerves.After reading the dialogue between Jane and Lizzy discussing Wickham's 'woes' and Darcy's perfidies, I was never more struck by just how intensely determined Lizzy was in her prejudices. Gentle Jane made good sense in her observations and advice even if her own tranquil nature and boisterous relations messed up her own romance, but Lizzy was determined to think her quicker, livelier mind was superior to her sister's when it came to knowing people.Then there was Mr. Bennet. I get a kick out of those opening pages each time when he enjoys teasing his wife and girls about Mr. Bingley when he secretly went and introduced himself so the family had a chance of meeting him at the neighborhood social gatherings, but he pretended to not have bothered. I think he was a lousy parent in many ways, but he is a comic addition to scenes several times. So droll!All in all, another delightful outing with a favorite classic.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane AustenRecently I went on a drive home to California and back. It's about 7 1/2 hours each way (because I actually go the speed limit!!!) and I wanted to try something new while driving. So, I decided to try an audio recording.I found one from my local library of Pride and Prejudice. : Why not go with a classic book for the drive home?So, I listened to Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.Pride and Prejudice is the story of the Bennet sisters, Elizabeth and Jane. Both are of marriageable age but do not come from the wealthiest of families. However, they live in a time when marriage to someone with wealth is of utmost importance.Since they have no brothers, when their father dies his estate will go to another male relative, as they are unable to inherit.One summer a new family comes to live nearby, and Mrs. Bennet, their mother insists that Mr. Bennet make an acquaintance with Mr. Bingley, the new bachelor who is very wealthy. At a ball one evening he is immediately taken with Jane Bennet who is admittedly beautiful, of a sweet nature, but perhaps below the standard of wealth into which he is expected to marry.But the problem really is his friend, Mr. Darcy. A haughtier more proud man has never existed, and though that same night at the ball many women did not have partners as men were few, Mr. Darcy makes it clear that he thinks pretty negatively of Elizabeth Bennet. He is cold, unfriendly, and seemingly unkind . . .Mrs. Bennet is determined to see her daughters married and encourages Jane and Mr. Bingley, but is desperate to make a match for Elizabeth, including pushing her to accept the proposal of marriage from her most insipid cousin.We follow the story of the Bennet family as others do everything they can to keep Jane and Mr. Bingley apart, and Elizabeth is forced into close proximity with the awful Mr. Darcy repeatedly.Will Jane and Elizabeth ever find true love that others will accept? Or will their less wealthy state be their destruction?Read Pride and Prejudice to find out!This is a total and complete classic. There are over 2 million copies sold worldwide, hundreds of editions, and quite a few different audio recordings, not to mention TV and movie versions of this story.If you haven't actually read Pride and Prejudice you simply must! It's a beautiful, wonderful story full of lively characters with personality oozing from them. Mrs. Bennet is incredibly silly, a trait which seems to have rubbed off thoroughly on several of her daughters. But Jane and Elizabeth took far more after their father with much more sense. It's the story of how pride and prejudice can keep you from truly seeing another's character, and how opinions can change when someone is given a true chance.I highly recommend this book to everyone!5 out of 5 stars!

Honestly, when I started to read I thought the book was going to be dull and painful. Now, and after finish reading it, I can say I was mistaken.Each character has its unique psychological background and identity, as well as their conflicts, prides, and prejuices.