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Margaret M - (having a challenging time and on GR as much as I can)'s Reviews > Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
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”Pride has often been his best friend”

Perfection in a book!!! One of the best stories and most wonderfully written books of all time. My favourite Jane Austen book because of this magnificent character sketch of pride and prejudice, it’s weighty themes and witty dialogue.

Lively, spirited, humorous, and romantic. A carefully orchestrated story of love and deception, manners and impropriety, and of course pride and prejudice, all of which secures this book’s place in the Hall of Fame for classic literature and its continued popularity among many.

Simply put a masterpiece. A comedy of manners and marriage!!!.

The Plot

With the opening line "Any man in possession of a large fortune must be in want of a wife”, there is no doubt of Jane Austen’s intent. This is matchmakers’ paradise where wealth, class, marriage, courtship, social standing and the arrogance of the elite are pitched against those who wish to marry into fortune. Except not all young ladies believe wealth is more important than love.

The storyline is simple. New arrival Charles Bingley, a rich bachelor from the North of England, rents the Netherfield estate close to the family home of Mr & Mrs Bennett. Keen to have her daughters married to wealthy husbands, Mrs Bennett asks her husband to pay a visit that secures an invitation to the Netherfield ball where the eldest daughter Jane, captures the attention of Charles Bingley.

The same cannot be said of Eliza Bennett who elicits one of the most condemning remarks, in the book, from Bingley's friend, the aristocrat Mr Darcy, who does not see her as his equal. At this stage of the book Darcy is described as “haughty, reserved, and fastidious, and his manners, though well bred, were not inviting”. Of himself, he declares…

“The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and everyday confirms my belief of the inconsistencies of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of merit or sense.”

Not exactly wrong of the time and characters but this sets the tone and backdrop for more heated exchanges and clashes between wealth and principle. As the exchanges between the two couples intensifies, their respective relationships are tested by the arrival of other possible suitors and a chain of events that sees the Bennett’s good name all but destroyed, until Mr Darcy intervenes. Not out of goodness but as he declares to Lizzy, he only thought of her.

Coming out of nowhere, Darcy makes a marriage proposal to Elizabeth which almost seemed like a sport if it were not for the harsh exchange between the two main characters, and is so iconic I can’t remember how long ago I first encountered this memorable exchange.

“You are mistaken, Mr. Darcy, if you suppose that the mode of your declaration affected me in any other way, than as it spared the concern which I might have felt in refusing you, had you behaved in a more gentlemanlike manner."

Alas, the story does not end there, and all comes good in the end.

Review and Comments

The themes of marriage, wealth, class, education, male inheritance, and social expectations are no surprise for books written in this period. However, what was so refreshing and captivating about this book is the balance of good versus evil, the steadfast principles held by some in contrast to the immoral behaviours of others. We are treated with a range of fabulous characters and the standout from the book – well it’s the humour!!! with scenes like Mr Collins' absurd, awkward, and fumbling proposal to Elizabeth.

However, one of my favourite book lines, was Mr Bennett’s riposte to his hypochondriac wife,

“I have the highest respect for your nerves, they are my old friends.”

A delightful, charming, easy to read classic with some explosive scenes and despicable characters that encapsulated so many themes. However, it is the two main characters that personfiied the predominant theme of the book - Pride and Prejudice.

The unquestionable 'pride' of Darcy who initially failed to appreciate Elizabeth for the intelligent and high-spirited person she was and for failing to contemplate a rejection or her feelings with his insensitive and misjudged marriage proposal. It is almost comical that Darcy goes to length to point out Eliza's inferiority during his offer of marriage, and reminds her that his love for her is "against his will, against his reason, and even against his character". Wow!!!

Not without faults, it was Lizzy who then embodied 'prejudice' for misjudging Darcy's and being blinded to his other virtues and goodness because of his class. Yet you can only adore Elizabeth for her freedom of thought, feminism and her ability to pervade her class and offer well voice’s opinions amidst so much snobbery and spite.

The way in which the subplots, characters, themes and humour are so intricately woven into this wonderful story is what makes Pride and Prejudice one of my all time favourite books. A true masterpiece that had never aged, in my opinion.

Other favourite quotes

“Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.”

“Laugh as much as you choose, but you will not laugh me out of my opinion.”

“From the very beginning— from the first moment, I may almost say— of my acquaintance with you, your manners, impressing me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain of the feelings of others, were such as to form the groundwork of disapprobation on which succeeding events have built so immovable a dislike; and I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry.
Ouch!!!

If you haven’t watched the mini series or read the book I would encourage you to do both. It is no accident I chose to read ‘Pride and Prejudice’ as my first book of 2024 and to complete the experience I indulged in the BBC’s TV adaptation of the book for the 20+ time. Having watched different adaptations of the book, for me personally there is and can only be one Mr Darcy and it’s Colin Firth. In fact the whole cast is superb so I highly recommend this mini series over any others. I promise you will get an equally enjoyable but different experience with the book and this mini series.
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Reading Progress

January 14, 2024 – Started Reading
January 14, 2024 – Shelved
January 17, 2024 – Shelved as: favorites
January 21, 2024 – Finished Reading
March 14, 2024 – Shelved as: classic-favourites
September 25, 2024 – Shelved as: best-reads-2024

Comments Showing 1-50 of 229 (229 new)


Amina Gorgeous review, M! Also you have me convinced to watch the Colin Firth version!!!!


Graham “Smell the Ink” A fab review Margaret and what a way to set the New Year off with a well known rated Classic. One I have not read, but on my list and purchased. Happy reading for 2024. 📚💕


message 3: by Kay (new) - rated it 4 stars

Kay Wonderful review Margaret!❤️


Margaret M - (having a challenging time and on GR as much as I can) Amina wrote: "Gorgeous review, M! Also you have me convinced to watch the Colin Firth version!!!!"

Thank you so much Amina 💖 No other TV adaption comes close to this mini series. Colin firth is Darcy!!!


message 5: by Romina (new)

Romina Dimenza What a magnificent review Margaret, you have made me want to read it again!


Margaret M - (having a challenging time and on GR as much as I can) Graham “Smell the Ink” wrote: "A fab review Margaret and what a way to set the New Year off with a well known rated Classic. One I have not read, but on my list and purchased. Happy reading for 2024. 📚💕"

The Classics aren't everyone's cup of tea but this one is superb. Its actually quite witty and comic with some important themes. I hope you enjoy, Thank you so much for the comments Graham 🤗


Margaret M - (having a challenging time and on GR as much as I can) Kay wrote: "Wonderful review Margaret!❤️"

Thank you so much Kay 💖


message 8: by Dee (new) - rated it 5 stars

Dee - delighting in the Desert :) BEST BOOK EVER!!!


Catherine (alternativelytitledbooks) - behind yet again!! One of my ALL time favorites and the book that sealed the deal for me on being a lifelong Austen fan! 💞 Beautifully written review, Margaret!! 🥰


message 10: by N (new) - rated it 5 stars

N One of the formative books of my childhood, loved the BBC series, the 1939 movie, even the 2005 movie


message 11: by Lisa (new) - rated it 5 stars

Lisa "Perfection in a book!!!"

You could have stopped right there.
I'm in complete agreement; this one is an all time favorite which I have read multiple times.


kendyl ʚ♡⃛ɞ (review slump) lovely review as always margaret<3


message 13: by Mary Beth (new) - added it

Mary Beth Terrific review! 🩷 Glad you found a five star. Looks like I need to read this one.


Jeannie Great review, I agree this book is a masterpiece!


Marilyn (not getting notifications) Wonderful review, Margaret!💜


message 16: by Teres (new)

Teres Ah, a true classic! Mr. Darcy may have been my very first book boyfriend. 😉


message 17: by Tracy P. (last edited Jan 14, 2024 07:53PM) (new)

Tracy  P. Spectacular review, Margaret! ♥︎


Lesley (new puppy taking my time) Unbelievable review Margaret!! Thanks for your wonderful thoughts!! 😊💕


message 19: by Amina (new)

Amina Exceptional review for an exceptional book! Love the five stars, Margaret! 🩷


message 20: by Angela (new)

Angela The first thing I saw was "Perfection in a book" and knew I had to read on. Terrific review just doesn't cover it. Your review Margaret was just outstanding. Thanks for reviewing this classic!


message 21: by Connie (new)

Connie You can't go wrong with Pride and Prejudice! I didn't even know there was a mini series, I will have to check it out! Wonderful review, Margaret! 💛


Margaret M - (having a challenging time and on GR as much as I can) Thank you so much Romina 💖


message 23: by Esta (new)

Esta Amazing review of this classic Margaret 🥰


message 24: by Dab (new) - rated it 5 stars

Dab You are so right about this book and the BBC mini series! Combining the two is a great idea, I should try that too. Spot on review 💕


Rebecca Agree with everything you said! Colin Firth is my Mr Darcy as well


message 26: by Leonie (hiatus) (new)

Leonie (hiatus) Amazing review! This is such a gorgous cover


message 27: by Mark (new) - added it

Mark Porton A stellar review Margaret, you've MADE me add my first Austen!! I love the quotes you pulled too!!!


Maureen Amazing review of this classic Margaret ♥️


message 29: by Darla (last edited Jan 15, 2024 03:54AM) (new) - added it

Darla A magnificent review, Margaret. One of my favorite books of all time! And without a doubt, Colin Firth is Mr. Darcy. There is no contest.🥰


message 30: by SK (new)

SK Fantastic review Margaret <3


message 31: by Sara (new) - rated it 5 stars

Sara Machado (on hiatus) Wonderful review Margaret 💜 This is my favorite Austen book as well, immediately followed by Persuasion. It’s a shame I haven’t watched the tv series, Colin Firth should be the perfect Mr. Darcy.


Srivalli Rekha Brilliant review, Margaret. Indeed a wonderful read!


message 33: by Barbara (new)

Barbara Margaret your reviews are astounding! Your prose is enviable to me. I love reading them. It's like a warm hug in kindness and delight. Thank you Margaret for always lifting my day. Yes, Ms Austin deserves a gushing review!!


message 34: by Tara (new)

Tara Spectacular review, Margaret! 💗


message 35: by Jax (new)

Jax Classic for a reason!


message 36: by Jayme (new)

Jayme Wonderful review! 💞


message 37: by Holly (new)

Holly  B (slower pace!) Stellar review Margaret! 🤩


Lilyya ♡ loves this book 🥺 awesome review, Margaret 🫶🏼


message 39: by Kaceey (new)

Kaceey Fantastic review Margaret!💗


message 40: by Canadian Jen (new)

Canadian Jen Glad this classic has stood the test of time. Great review, Margaret!


theliterateleprechaun Great classic! Great review! 💗


Tina Margaret a sparkling review of such a great classic that I love too!! ✨💖✨


Margaret M - (having a challenging time and on GR as much as I can) Romina wrote: "What a magnificent review Margaret, you have made me want to read it again!"

Thank you so much Romina 💖 I could watch and read this again and again. I love this story. Glad you do too


Margaret M - (having a challenging time and on GR as much as I can) Dee wrote: "BEST BOOK EVER!!!"

I agree Dee, Fabulous


Margaret M - (having a challenging time and on GR as much as I can) Catherine wrote: "One of my ALL time favorites and the book that sealed the deal for me on being a lifelong Austen fan! 💞 Beautifully written review, Margaret!! 🥰"

This is for everyone even those that don't normally opt for the classics because of the writing style. Glad this is a favourite. Thank you so much for the comments Catherine 💖


Ceecee Wonderful review of a wonderful book! 💙


message 47: by Annette (new)

Annette Fantastic review Margaret. I love her writing. I think I saw all versions of movies based on her books :)


message 48: by *TUDOR^QUEEN* (new)

*TUDOR^QUEEN* Brilliant review! 🙋🌹


message 49: by aly (new)

aly ☆彡 glad ure enjoying this! great review margaret :>


Margaret M - (having a challenging time and on GR as much as I can) Nam wrote: "One of the formative books of my childhood, loved the BBC series, the 1939 movie, even the 2005 movie"

You are a fan then Nam. It is such a memorable book, I have that rejection speech printed in my mind :)


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