Pride and Prejudice

Author: Jane Austen

Genre: Classic fiction (Romantic in both the literary and modern sense of the word.)

Age: High school and up.  Some very advanced younger readers could probably handle it as well.

Topics for discussion: pride, prejudice, obedience, choices, relationships

Setting: Early 19th century England.

Summary: The novel focuses on the Bennet family, a family of five girls with only their looks and personalities to recommend them.  Without a male heir in the family, their father's estate will pass to a cousin, leaving them a very slim inheritance.  When two wealthy bachelors move into town, their mother seeks to marry the two eldest daughters off...that is, until the wealthier of the two snubs the girls at a local dance and then convinces his friend not to marry Jane Bennet.  Later, the proud Mr. Darcy actually proposes to Lizzie Bennet, but she has already made up her mind about him and gives him a flat out refusal.  When Lizzie finally gets to know him a little better, she begins to regret her hasty decision, but there is no turning back now...or is there?  And what about Jane? 

Review:  I simply adore Austen's characterizations, especially of the Bennet family.  Mrs. Bennet is the most annoying busibody you can imagine, Jane is so sweet and innocent, Lizzie is wonderfully quick witted, Mary is the perfect prude, and Lydia...well, Lydia is just Lydia.  Then, of course, what girl doesn't want to have several proposals to consider at a time, even if none of them are wanted?  I think the best thing about this book is that all the main characters are flawed in some way, and must find a way to set aside or overcome those flaws in order to find happiness with each other. 

Multimedia: My absolute favorite film version is the A&E miniseries.  As a miniseries it is able to cover much more of the book than other films made for theater release.  There is a new version that is currently being filmed, but if the quality of the costuming is any indication of the overall quality of the film, things aren't looking so good. 

Christian Perspective: I highly recommend this book.  There is no overtly religious content, but there is also very little objectionable content.  My only concern would be with Lydia's elopement; she lives with her fiance before actually getting married.  Younger readers may also need some help understanding the connection between marriage and money that the book deals very heavily with.