Tuesday, June 6, 2006

Pride And Prejudice

by Jane Austen
1813

In early 19th century England, a family of five girls is marked for marriage by their rather silly mother, Mrs. Bennet. More than one suitor comes calling; Elizabeth, the second oldest, is courted by the wealthy and arrogant Mr. Darcy, but she finds him insupportable. Will his snooty relatives crush her sister’s chance of marrying their friend Mr. Bingley? Will the foolish youngest sister, Lydia, lead them into ruin with her wanton ways? Will Elizabeth never find happiness with Darcy? The answers, of course, are obviously negative – but this delicate, intricate novel kept me turning the pages (all 375 of them) eagerly. Written with a superb verbal dexterity, laced with rich and subtle wit, this novel is truly a classic.

five stars