Most of the time we think of “the classics” as books that were created with the sole purpose of confusing us with large words we don’t understand. They are seen as novels that could only be loved by English teachers, librarians, or any person over the age of 60. But my co-blogger and I promise, Pride and Prejudice is a book you can understand. And, if you give it a chance, we are sure you will love it.

Admittedly, this is kind of a chick book. (Sorry, fellas, we’ll have some suggestions for you next week.) Any of you out there who adore romance and intrigue, but are sick and tired of modern-day supernatural clichéd plot lines, this is definitely worth your while.

Pride and Prejudice is set during the 1800s and follows the story of young Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She is the second eldest child in a five-sister family, with an obnoxious mother and a sarcastic father. Elizabeth’s intelligence and wit are the character traits that set her apart from the average female of her day.

It is when Elizabeth meets prideful, anti-social, Mr. Darcy that she discovers her own flaws and prejudices. (See what we did there? Pride…. prejudice. Get it?) Darcy and Elizabeth first meet at a ball where their instant distaste of each other begins to manifest. The unlikely duo are forced to spend time with each other when their closest friends, Jane (Elizabeth’s sister) and Charles Bingley (Darcy’s confidant), begin to fall for one another. After many plot twists, Darcy and Elizabeth are able to see that they are perhaps not as different as they had first come to believe.

Ms. Austen weaves a tale of unexpected plot twists and sophisticated characters whose varying personalities will hold the interest of any reader. The interactions between these characters are full of entertaining wordplay and underlying tension. The dialogue, so full of banter, enhances the interesting plot.

Part of the reason the dialogue is so unique is Austen’s use of old-time diction. Compared to some of the more simple writing of today’s literature, this text is refreshingly unique and sophisticated, but also easy to understand. Austen’s use of language and dialogue allows the reader to make their own judgments and observations about each character, rather than plainly telling you what they are like.

We highly recommend this book. Captivating characters, surprising twists, and moral intrigue await you.