What to Read if you Love Pride & Prejudice

What is not to love about this classic? Jane Austen’s novel is a biting social commentary from the very first line: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” The tale has been re-told in countless modern books like Pride and Prejudice. It has been shown in films, from Hollywood to Bollywood. It is a captivating tale of courtship and marriage set in 19th century England.

But if the setting is so different from our own, why does this story still sing to us?

It is a smart book

The writing style sparkles with wit. The author’s critical eye for the societal rules and gender roles is progressive. Austen shows us the unequal society of her time. The Bennett daughters could not inherit the family estate – this had to pass to the unfortunate Mr Collins. The daughters had to marry or face the unsatisfactory options for unmarried females in society; governess or serving positions.

But it is the author’s wry attitude to these societal “truths” that raises this novel above others; the many little jibes about Mr Collins and his marriage to Charlotte, the hints we get about the unhappy union of Mr and Mrs Bennet and the repartee between Lizzie and all the other characters about what women should be doing.

For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors, and laugh at them in our turn?

– Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is a literary Gothic novel set in 1930’s Cornwall about a young woman brought to live at the large family estate, where her new husband lived with his now-deceased first wife. There, she discovers the many disturbing characters and secrets of the place. From the very first line, “Last night I dreamt of Manderley again”, I fell into this book and could not stop reading. Read my review.

North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell is a social commentary on the Industrial Revolution in Manchester from the point of view of a young woman from the rural South of England. I love how this novel examines the power changing hands at the time, as well as the changing gender roles.

Lizzie is brave

Really, Mr. Collins,’ cried Elizabeth with some warmth, ‘you puzzle me exceedingly. If what I have hitherto said can appear to you in the form of encouragement, I know not how to express my refusal in such a way as to convince you of its being one.

– Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

The main character of Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennett, is an intelligent woman who knows what she wants and, importantly, what she doesn’t want. Her father listens to and trusts her opinion. While all of the female characters make choices about their life, Elizabeth is one of the only ones to make smart decisions and take the time to reflect on their own behaviours and attitudes.

Find more fierce females in historical fiction.

It is fiercely romantic

The love story of Elizabeth and Mr Darcy is epic. It spans class and economic status. It defies all common sense. Yet, it builds naturally and creates tension for the entire novel. There is an abiding sense of true love conquering all prejudices and character flaws, which gives is a hopeful theme.

She wished, she feared that the master of the house might be amongst them; and whether she wished or feared it most, she could scarcely determine.

– Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

Mariana by Susanna Kearsley is a time-slip novel with a love story spanning centuries. The main character finds out she can slip back in time and becomes more and more obsessed with finding out about what happened to her lover in the past. See my review.

The Rosie Project is a unique love story with an interesting main male character. Professor Don Tillman makes a list of all the required characteristics in a wife. Then he begins crossing women off it. A tale to keep you believing that love is in the every-day.

The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler is exactly what it sounds like – a group of modern housewives and one man come together to read and discuss the novels. A bit of fun for anyone who likes the Jane Austen books.

This collaboration was organized through the group Bookish Blog Hops.

I read a lot of historical fiction. Check out my book review list here.

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Some opinions from fellow book bloggers:

Brandy Potter – brandypotterbooks.com

Miss Darcy Falls in Love by Sharon Lathan

Miss Darcy Falls in Love follows Georgiana Darcy as she embarks on a in a European tour with friends after Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth return to England to have their second child. While in France she is introduced to Sebastian Butler, a talented man getting ready to pursue his music dreams at the Conservatoire in Paris. They become fast friends due to their mutual love of music; their conservative nature and genteel minds. Then along comes Lord Caxton, a teacher at the Conservatoire. The handsome and desirable man turns his eye toward Miss Darcy.

In the spirit of Jane Austen novels, we have yet another love triangle that involves morality and decisions based on the characters’ deepest principles. Georgiana Darcy absolutely blooms in this novel. You do also get some inner dialog about the infamous treatment of Mr. Wickham from the original Pride and Prejudice.

It was a decent read. I have to admit there were a few things that were done with known characters that made me twinge a bit, but please keep in mind that Pride and Prejudice is top of my all time favorites, so I may be a bit picky about things. I will say though, you have to put the ebb and flow of Jane Austen aside as this author has her own flow to things. It doesn’t make the book bad by any means, it just makes it different. Also, the book may be a bit steamier than Austen – another way that this is a different book, not a bad book. Still the story of this novel does lend to Austen’s theme of showing the characters their own heart, which is what makes Austen’s work relevant even today.

On a side note, the author has several other novels that follow Elizabeth and that most romantic of characters, Fitzwilliam Darcy (sigh…). I have not read them but I hear that if you like Pride and Prejudice, you may want to check them out!

 

 

Becki – abookloversadventures.com

Jane of Austin by Hillary Manton Lodge

Grab your cowboy boots, we’re heading to Texas! If you’re a fan of Jane Austen retellings, then you’ll enjoy Jane of Austin by Hillary Manton Lodge! Jane of Austin is a modern-day Sense and Sensibility.  
The Woodward sisters(Celia, Jane, and Margot) are trying to start a new life after their father’s fall from grace in the San Fransico business community. Their move to Austin, Texas brings a fresh start, but also a lot of new challenges. The sisters drift apart as Jane falls for an up-and-coming musician. Is Sean all he seems? Will their tea business survive the move to Texas? Will Celia’s broken heart mend with time?

This is a fun take on an old classic!

I hope all of you lovers of Austen have found some new reads here. I know my copy of Pride and Prejudice is dog-eared and losing its cover from being loved too much. There is such a big range in the suggestions, whether they are historical fiction or romance, serious or light reads. These are the best picks of many modern books like Pride and Prejudice, whether you most appreciate the love story, the wit or the courageous characters.

 

 

 

Your turn! Have you read any of these? Have you got any others to recommend?