“Pride and Prejudice” : Jane Austen

Yes. I am fully aware of the fact that I’m writing a review on a book which was first published almost two centuries ago. But when placed in context of the fact that it continues to be a favorite among fans of literature today (ref. list item #2), it makes sense. This is one of the well-recognized classics of English literature.

Although I was aware of the existence of this particular piece of literature, as well as its prolific nature, it was not until friend M recommended that I read the book for myself that I borrowed it from the British Council Library. Again, the popularity of the book was evident from the condition in which I found my copy – dog-eared, torn, taped, penciled-over and in a general state of well-use that is the ultimate state for any good book.

The book is principally divided into 3 volumes, and revolves primarily around Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, with several other characters including the Bennets, the Bingleys, the Lucases, the Darcys, the Collinses and Lady Catherine de Bourgh, to name a few. The plot itself concerns with society, relationships and matrimony in the 19th century. Despite being divided into 3 volumes, there really isn’t a fissure in the storyline, with events in the third volume successfully referring to events of the first.

As soon as the casual reader begins to drink in the words, he/she will waste no time in realizing that this book isn’t necessarily everybody’s cup of <insert favorite hot beverage>. The liberal use of free indirect speech, which is distinct from normal indirect speech, can be quite disconcerting at first. Also, it won’t take long for the reader to notice how several pages consist of pure dialogue, with little to no narrative text. And at the same time, several other scenes are relegated to the narrative – dialogue, description and all. This marked inconsistency in the way the story is presented tends to warp the sense of passage of time. Indeed, upon further inspection, the reader is likely to observe that not much actually happens in the book. There are few events. More conversations. Add to that the general juiciness of the plot, and one can understand why it was adapted into a number of movies and TV shows.

As for the plot itself, well simply goes on to show how important money, position in society and breeding were 19th century when it came to matrimony. It’s also mildly surprising to see how it supersedes all other criteria such as conjugal happiness and general compatibility. Perhaps it was exclusive to the Bennets, but the general notion conveyed by the book suggest otherwise. In addition, the alarming rapidity with which no acquaintance quickly transforms into happily married, in some cases, a matter of a few days, rather redefines the meaning of a hasty decision. Motives for such a decision can be explained by the order of priority of criteria for selection of life partners.

At the same time, there are a few positives to the novel. Although it has been debated that the name of the novel was commercially influences after the success of Sense and Sensibility, both the protagonists show both traits in Pride and Prejudice. But it’s all very predictable, and almost natural. There are not many gripping passages of revelation. But then, this book wasn’t designed to be a thriller was it? But the overall fickleness of mind displayed by several characters does make you want to both put away the book, and read on in a sadistic manner, at one and the same time.

But overall, as a read, the book failed to excite me. Unlike my last read – A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini - this book was in no manner of speaking unputdownable. In fact, on several occasions, I had to force myself to pick it up. This may have been due to some local situations, but overall, there was no motivation to be done with the book in a day or two. What I’m trying to say is that this book might not really be appreciated by all audiences. However, having sampled a Jane Austen novel, I can safely say that I won’t be picking up another one for a while…