Summary (incl. main characters, stakes, setting)
Elizabeth Bennett is one of five sisters of a moderate upbringing in Longbourn. Wealthy Mr. Bingley and his even wealthier friend Mr. Darcy come to town and Mr. Bingley takes to her eldest sister Jane. Elizabeth and Darcy have a love/hate relationship, which eventually culminates in two proposals and finally getting together in the end.
How I discovered it (rec, why now)
This is my first Jane Austen! Of course I think I’ve known of it my whole life but I decided to read it now after watching several Austen film adaptations in recent months, and wanting to read at least one Austen before visiting her exhibit at the Morgan.
How I felt (thoughts on writing, themes, plot, pacing)
Austen’s writing is supreme! The book was really well paced with main and sub plots, though I did have trouble keeping track of Elizabeth’s sisters. I loved reflecting on how pride can obfuscate our own prejudices towards others—thinking about how I used to be so turned off by cocky people when that was a mask for my own fear of projecting confidence. The characters were all very alive and the romance was fantastic.
Who would like it
Romance lovers! Anyone who wants to reflect on love!
Top quotes
- You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends.
- I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.
- Reflection must be reserved for solitary hours; whenever she was alone, she gave way to it as the greatest relief; and not a day went by without a solitary walk, in which she might indulge in all the delight of unpleasant recollections.
- The power of doing anything with quickness is always much prized by the possessor, and often without any attention to the imperfection of the performance.
- Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other, or ever so similar before-hand, it does not advance their felicity in the least.