blakehalsey's review against another edition
5.0
First read in February of 1998: Hands down, one of my favorite books of all time. Austen is a master of creating a riveting story out of the every day things of life in the 18th century.
Reread 3/30/09: There is simply nothing that can compare with the world of Jane Austen. Her books are definitely "comfort" books for me, but that does not negate the elegance and excellence of the writing. They are the book nerd's comfort books. The ending is usually a happy one, despite the drama that may lead the reader there, but the path taken is one of such uniqueness in style and form that the reader is caught up in the brilliance of the language. It's simply beautiful. I have read few other authors who so amazingly accurately as well as beautifully describe human behavior in everyday life. It is hard to imagine that a world like Austen's actually existed, it is so far from our own, but that it did and I'm glad for it so that I am able to be caught up in that world. At the same time, the themes and issues that the characters face are not so different from our own and even in our enjoyment of beautiful writing and eloquent wit, we find ourselves understanding the character more than we might have expected.
Reread 3/30/09: There is simply nothing that can compare with the world of Jane Austen. Her books are definitely "comfort" books for me, but that does not negate the elegance and excellence of the writing. They are the book nerd's comfort books. The ending is usually a happy one, despite the drama that may lead the reader there, but the path taken is one of such uniqueness in style and form that the reader is caught up in the brilliance of the language. It's simply beautiful. I have read few other authors who so amazingly accurately as well as beautifully describe human behavior in everyday life. It is hard to imagine that a world like Austen's actually existed, it is so far from our own, but that it did and I'm glad for it so that I am able to be caught up in that world. At the same time, the themes and issues that the characters face are not so different from our own and even in our enjoyment of beautiful writing and eloquent wit, we find ourselves understanding the character more than we might have expected.
astefreads's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
bibliotequeish's review against another edition
5.0
I read Sense and Sensibility, and was not a fan ... then I read Pride and Prejudice, how is it possible that the Dashwoods, came from the same mind as Elizabeth Bennet.
Despite the "time" it was refreshing to see a man chase a woman for once. Elizabeth Bennet wasn't going to Marry Mr. Darcy simply because he asked.
He had to fight for her, and prove himself to her.
The differences between Elizabeth and her mother are staggering and I loved reading the interactions between the two.
Despite the "time" it was refreshing to see a man chase a woman for once. Elizabeth Bennet wasn't going to Marry Mr. Darcy simply because he asked.
He had to fight for her, and prove himself to her.
The differences between Elizabeth and her mother are staggering and I loved reading the interactions between the two.
readtiltheworldisblurry's review against another edition
4.0
Yeah, yeah, I know it's taken me QUITE some time to finish this, but I finally did. The plot was really great, the characters were all very intriguing, and Elizabeth and Darcy's will-they-or-won't-they romance was a lot of fun to follow.
The only thing that bugged me was the old fashioned writing. It was a little confusing and difficult to comprehend. But it's a good story, nonetheless.
The only thing that bugged me was the old fashioned writing. It was a little confusing and difficult to comprehend. But it's a good story, nonetheless.
bookdxryl's review against another edition
3.0
I feel so bad giving this book a 3 star. I read this because I wanted to read THE classic romance novel and Im glad that i read it. But it’s a 3 star because of a few things. I’ll start with what i liked.
I liked the characters. They seemed like real people and they were very well developed. I liked the plot. It was boring as ever in the beginning but it picked up really well towards the middle. I liked the audiobook narrator.
I didn’t like the writing sometimes. I could barely get through the book. I put it down for a minute because it was just so hard to get through. But it’s old english so that’s understandable. I definitely recommend listening to the audiobook. It saved the book for me. I was going to DNF but i’m glad I didn’t. But that’s not the main problem with the writing. I didn’t like the meandering blocks of passages and dialogue. It was boring and my mind would wander off time to time.
I also didn’t like the romance. I know that’s the main point but I didn’t really feel the love between Elizabeth and Darcy. Maybe it’s because I was struggling with the writing but idk. I just didn’t feel any feels. I still love them as characters though. I just wish they spent more time together.
So all in all i’m glad that i read this book. It taught me a lot on structuring a romance novel. I feel better versed in the romance genre now that i’ve finished this. I recommend it to anyone who reads or writes a lot of romance and wants to study one of the most popular ones.
I really respect this book for what it’s done for the romance genre. Im honored to be able to read it. Give it a try.
I liked the characters. They seemed like real people and they were very well developed. I liked the plot. It was boring as ever in the beginning but it picked up really well towards the middle. I liked the audiobook narrator.
I didn’t like the writing sometimes. I could barely get through the book. I put it down for a minute because it was just so hard to get through. But it’s old english so that’s understandable. I definitely recommend listening to the audiobook. It saved the book for me. I was going to DNF but i’m glad I didn’t. But that’s not the main problem with the writing. I didn’t like the meandering blocks of passages and dialogue. It was boring and my mind would wander off time to time.
I also didn’t like the romance. I know that’s the main point but I didn’t really feel the love between Elizabeth and Darcy. Maybe it’s because I was struggling with the writing but idk. I just didn’t feel any feels. I still love them as characters though. I just wish they spent more time together.
So all in all i’m glad that i read this book. It taught me a lot on structuring a romance novel. I feel better versed in the romance genre now that i’ve finished this. I recommend it to anyone who reads or writes a lot of romance and wants to study one of the most popular ones.
I really respect this book for what it’s done for the romance genre. Im honored to be able to read it. Give it a try.
helmiiida's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
resaspieces's review against another edition
5.0
Greatest love story of all time. Love it. Read it again July of 2010. Watch it regularly. :) Read again 2022.
tigerbell's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
diamond12wolf's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
After many years of struggling to start this bool, I have finally read it and am so glad I did. Elizabeth is ome of my favourite fictional characters ever now
halberdbooks's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I am so pleased to have finally experienced this work. It is charming and fun.