A review by james1star
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

hopeful lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I won’t explain the plot too much as other reviews can probably tell you and I honestly don’t want to. It’s kinda like an enemies to lovers romance set in the regency era centring on the MC Elizabeth Bennet with many other characters, taking place in various locations but primarily the Bennett’s home of Longbourn in Hertfordshire and varying twists/events. Some parts of the story were a little repetitive and annoying but overall I did enjoy it, it mostly made sense and I guess I was pleased at how it all came together. 

The writing was mostly readable despite being over 200 years old and it did follow well enough. There were certainly words/phrases I didn’t fully get but - with the help of following along with an audiobook - I understood the story as a whole. It’s quite descriptive, brining characters and locations to life which I did enjoy. Austen’s talent shone through and it’s clear why Pride and Prejudice has stood the test of time becoming a classic. 

The characters were not all fully love/likeable but they were definitely well developed, analysed and growth was integral to the story. Elizabeth was by far my favourite character, she did ikr me at points but I liked how headstrong she was not really hiding her true self no matter to whom was her company - this was most apt with Lady Catherine (I liked her power but she was a boaster, looking down on people) where she refused to dull herself down - and her personality grew on me as the story developed. Jane Bennet was a pleasant, kind person who was wronged but it turned out well in the end. The other sisters weren’t all that involved - Lydia the most and I did not like her, ugh she was so ‘ooh look at me, I’m married and now I’m better then all of you’ = ewww - and the dad again somewhat absent, the mum was a strong character who too spoke her mind and didn’t let her position as a woman hold her back mostly. Mr Bingley was, like Jane, a nice personality and contrasted against the afronted Mr Darcy. He had the most character growth in the book, at first his actions were rude, acting in accordance of his own pride and prejudice (fitting title Jane Austen - I’m impressed) but we later learn some actions were done with good intentions certainly becoming a nicer person. Mr Collins and Whickham we’re just eww, the former such a passive boaster - being like I hope our small rooms, etc were of your pleasing when it’s obvious they were big and making many a comment on material things - and the latter a bad mouthing manipulator. The Gardiners were pleasant, well meaning and supportive relatives. Charlotte Lucas (and her family to whom aren’t that developed) was fine I guess, made for a decent friend for Elizabeth and I hope good things came for her in Kent. 

I could talk a lot more on this book and go into more depth but don’t want to spoil much, especially as certain events are integral. Overall, I did enjoy it but some things annoyed me at times. The characters and writing added life with some elements of humour and wit that I liked. A good book and would recommend but it’s nothing amazing in my (proudly contemporary loving) opinion. 
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