Review : Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Title : Pride and Prejudice Author : Jane Austen Reading Dates : 13 Nov - 17 Nov 2010
From goodreads:
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." So begins Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen's witty comedy of manners--one of the most popular novels of all time--that features splendidly civilized sparring between the proud Mr. Darcy and the prejudiced Elizabeth Bennet as they play out their spirited courtship in a series of eighteenth-century drawing-room intrigues. Renowned literary critic and historian George Saintsbury in 1894 declared it the "most perfect, the most characteristic, the most eminently quintessential of its author's works," and Eudora Welty in the twentieth century described it as "irresistible and as nearly flawless as any fiction could be." "The wit of Jane Austen has for partner the perfection of her taste." --Virginia Woolf

Book Review of Pride and Prejudice.
Pride and Prejudice remains my favourite Jane Austen novel. This is the only book I’ve ever re-read 5 times in a row the first time I picked it up. And no matter how many times I’ve re-read it since, I still love it.

There are really just 2 main reasons for this. The first are the characters. I enjoy them all especially the sillier ones. I can never quite decide who is the more ridiculous and funny. The things they say and think are so absurd that it’s hard to dislike them even when they are behaving abominably. The story and characters just leave me with a warm feeling until the end.

The second is of course the main characters, Elizabeth and Darcy. It was rather lovely to read how they progressed from dislike to love. I like that Darcy isn’t attracted to Elizabeth because of her looks but because of her personality. He doesn’t see her as beautiful until after he is in love. And once in love, proofs more than once how important Elizabeth’s happiness is to him. Vice versa, I also like that Elizabeth only falls in love with him after he earns her respect and gratitude.

My conclusion : An absolute must-read.

Want to ...

• read the book for free?
• purchase a copy of your own from Amazon?
• read quotes from Pride and Prejudice
• read another review by Bookish in a Box
• read another review by Geeky Blogger's Book Blog
• read another review by Books are a Girl's Best Friend

Which versions of Pride and Prejudice below have you seen ?

Review : Persuasion by Jane Austen

Title : Persuasion Author : Jane Austen Reading Dates : 18 Oct - 22 Oct 2010
From goodreads:
'She had been forced into prudence in her youth, she learned romance as she grew older - the natural sequel of an unnatural beginning.' Anne Elliot seems to have given up on present happiness and has resigned herself to living off her memories. More than seven years earlier she complied with duty: persuaded to view the match as imprudent and improper, she broke off her engagement to a naval captain with neither fortune, ancestry, nor prospects. However, when peacetime arrives and brings the Navy home, and Anne encounters Captain Wentworth once more, she starts to believe in second chances. Persuasion celebrates romantic constancy in an era of turbulent change. Written as the Napoleonic Wars were ending, the novel examines how a woman can at once remain faithful to her past and still move forward into the future.

Book Review of Persuasion.
I like Persuasion but it is the one I like the least of Jane Austen's completed works.

The only complain I have about Persuasion is the build up to the happy ever after of the main protagonists in the story. I know that the couple has a history and because of that their tale would not start at the beginning. But still, I always have this feeling that I missed something in the middle because of the abrupt change from Captain Wentworth's ignoring Anne to being in love with her again. No matter how many times I've re-read this, when Captain Wentworth finally declares his intentions I always have this moment of puzzlement where I wonder if I missed something.

As for the characters in the story, none of them really stand out to me. We've basically seen them before in other Austen books. While they do not bore me, I really think their foibles were somehow funnier and more prominent in her other books.

What I do enjoy though is trying to work out Captain Wentworth's feelings for Anne throughout the story. Did he never stop loving her and was merely pretending otherwise ? Or did he fall in love with her a second time after being reminded of her good qualities ? I never can decide. What do you think ?

My conclusion : An enjoyable read for Jane Austen fans.

Want to ...

• read the book for free?
• purchase a copy of your own from Amazon?
• read quotes from Persuasion
• read another review by Should Be Reading

Which versions of Persuasion below have you seen ?

Review : Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Title : Northanger Abbey Author : Jane Austen Reading Dates : 5 Sep - 9 Sep 2010
From Amazon:
Catherine Morland lives for much of her time in a fantasy world of romance and mystery based on the Gothic novels of her time, the early 1800s. But a stay in Northanger Abbey leads her into a series of misjugdements and a farewell to her Gothic world, only to be dealt a cruel blow in the real one.

Book Review of Northanger Abbey.
This was another enjoyable read by Jane Austen.

While Catherine Morland is not the epitome of the usual heroine, being rather plain and silly, I still liked her. I suppose it is because I believe life might be simpler if we all could be like her. Absolutely unpretentious and never having to worry about any meaning beyond exactly what is said, even such things as little white lies. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all could be like the Morlands who are able to assume that no one they meet has ill intentions until proven otherwise ?

The other reason I like this particular story is the romance between Catherine and Henry Tilney. It certainly doesn't progress like any of the romance books I have ever read; the reasons for their falling in love with each other is in fact rather funny. Certainly I doubt if any other book has ever had the male protagonist fall in love with the heroine for the same reason that Henry does. At least, not stated so plainly.

And Henry is another of Austen hero that I find interesting. For the choice that he makes at the end, he obviously has principles. But there is enough playfulness in his character to ensure that he isn't a boring main character either. I've also realized while re-reading Jane Austen's books that I much prefer less than perfect characters. What about you ?

My conclusion : One of my choices for a re-read when looking for a light read.

Want to ...

• read the book for free?
• purchase a copy of your own from Amazon?
• read another review by Reading with Tequila
• read another review by The Allure of Books

Which versions of Northanger Abbey below have you seen ?

Review : Emma by Jane Austen

Title : Emma Author : Jane Austen Reading Dates : 18 Aug - 20 Aug 2010
From Amazon:
Emma has long played matchmaker for her friends and believes her own heart immune from the lures of love. This is a fascinating, hilarious coming-of-age tale of one woman seeking her true nature and finding true love in the process.

Book Review of Emma.
Emma was a fun read which I enjoyed very much.

The heroine of the story, 21-year old Emma Woodhouse, is a lovable snob who reminds me of Mrs. Norris from Mansfield Park. But where Mrs Norris happily decides how reasonable certain expenditures are when they are not her own, Emma assigns her own estimations of Harriet Smith's eligibility as a bride. Until that is Emma realizes that the man Harriet has set her sights on is also the one she loves. Then, of course Harriet's value plummets dramatically.

The most entertaining part of the story though is how highly Emma rates her ability to see through others, yet does not understand her own self. Not only does she believe herself in love with someone when she isn't, she also does not recognize her first pangs of jealousy. It actually takes the possibility of losing the person in question before she realizes that she's in love.

Another reason I found this story interesting was Emma's preoccupation with the distinctions of class. This is also another common theme in the other Jane Austen books. I wonder if this is a true or exaggerated reflection of the thinking of the time ? Another thing to note is the absence of the usual recycled plot elements I mentioned in my review of Mansfield Park.

My conclusion : A light read to relax with.

Want to ...

• read the book for free?
• purchase a copy of your own from Amazon?

Which versions of Emma below have you seen ? I myself, have only seen the version starring Gwyneth Paltrow.

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

Title : Mansfield Park Author : Jane Austen Reading Dates : 12 Aug - 14 Aug 2010
From Amazon:
Dependent on the benevolence of her aristocratic relatives, young Fanny Price develops into the moral center of a family gone astray and restores the tranquility of her adoptive home. Written in the full flower of Austen's maturity, this work offers an entertaining study of the interplay between manners, education, and ethics--enlivened by an amusing cast of busybodies, never-do-wells, and social climbers.

Book Review of Mansfield Park.
I enjoyed Mansfield Park well enough but I would not recommend it to first time readers of Jane Austen books.

Mainly, this is because plot wise, nothing of much significance occurs. The story itself is just a way to demonstrate certain attributes or eccentricities of the characters. Which is why I alternated between being bored and amused as the story progressed.

The most interesting parts of the story belong to the less virtuous characters which populate it. They may not be as likeable but they are definitely more entertaining. One of my favourite characters is Fanny's thrifty and mean-spirited aunt. Mrs. Norris's attempts to appear benevolent at no cost provides some of the most amusing conversations in the book.

Another favourite is Henry Crawford. Like John Willoughby from Sense and Sensibility, he is a rascal but one with the luxury of not betraying his feelings for Fanny. It is for this very reason, that I remain undecided regarding the ending of Mansfield Park every time I read it, changing my mind from believing Fanny would be happier with him or with Edmund Bertram. He certainly ranks among my favourite heroes from Jane Austen's books.

Aside from that, I've also started to notice that Jane Austen tends to recycle certain plot elements. The marriage of opposites bringing discontent, the elopement of a family member as a tribulation to the main characters and the avaricious ambitions of false friends are among the most obvious. Not that it really matters to me since what I enjoy most is her descriptions of the characters and their interactions. What about you ? What do you think ?

My conclusion : Recommended reading for Jane Austen fans.

Want to ...

• read the opening sentence?
• read the book for free?
• purchase a copy of your own from Amazon?

Which versions of Mansfield Park below have you seen ?

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Title : Sense and Sensibility Author : Jane Austen Reading Dates : 12 Jul - 15 Jul 2010
From goodreads:
Marianne Dashwood wears her heart on her sleeve, and when she falls in love with the dashing but unsuitable John Willoughby she ignores her sister Elinor's warning that her impulsive behaviour leaves her open to gossip and innuendo. Meanwhile Elinor, always sensitive to social convention, is struggling to conceal her own romantic disappointment, even from those closest to her. Through their parallel experience of love—and its threatened loss—the sisters learn that sense must mix with sensibility if they are to find personal happiness in a society where status and money govern the rules of love.

Book Review of Sense and Sensibility.
One of the reasons I love Jane Austen's books is her characters. I always feel as if they were based on actual people she's met or known. Best of all is the way she puts all their faults and idiosyncrasies before us without being mean about it. Case in point is the contrasts between Mrs. Jennings, her daughters and their husbands personalities. I was amused by their behavior and attitudes but I also feel a certain affection for them. That, I believe is because its the way the author feels about them.

Of all the characters though, the one I identify with most is Elinor. In part, because I see some of myself in her. But mostly because I'm seeing the story unfold from Elinor's eyes and so understand her thoughts, reasoning and feelings. To illustrate, I'd like to share one of my favorite passages from the book :

"We think now," said Mr Dashwood, after a short pause, "of Robert's marrying Miss Morton."
Elinor, smiling at the grave and decisive importance of her brother's tone, calmly replied: "The lady, I suppose, has no choice in the affair."
"Choice! how do you mean?"
"I only mean, that I suppose from your manner of speaking, it must be the same to Miss Morton whether she marry Edward or Robert."
"Certainly, there can be no difference; for Robert will now to all intents and purposes be considered as the eldest son; and as to anything else, they are both very agreeable young men - I do not know that one is superior to the other."

Funny, isn't it the idea that either brother will do as a groom since Miss Morton is after all marrying the eldest son of Mrs. Ferrars ?

Inevitably, certain similarities in the characters will bring up comparisons with Pride and Prejudice. The Dashwood sisters at times reminds me of Jane and Elizabeth Bennet. Mr. Palmer's behavior seems to arise from the same malady as Mr. Bennet. Younger sisters in both tales are silly though the Dashwood sisters appears to have drawn the better lot. In the end, Pride and Prejudice remains my favorite because it has both a better storyline and far more interesting main characters. This doesn't mean that Sense and Sensibility is bad, just that its not as good.

My Conclusion : A wonderful read and definite keeper.

Want to ...

• read a teaser?
• read the book for free?
• purchase a copy of your own from Amazon?

I've only watched the first one below. Which versions of Sense and Sensibility below have you seen ?