If you don’t know already, I started a Classics Challenge this year. I actually miss reading classic books so, with that in mind, I made it my mission to read several classic books over the course of 2020. So far I’ve read Little Women and Emma . Last week, I finished another of Jane Austen’s novels Pride and Prejudice.
The novel follows the Bennet family, specifically the five different sisters, and the parents quest to see them all married. Of course, even those of us who haven’t read the novel will know, this is really the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy.
I fared better with this Austen novel than I did with Emma, but not by much. The characters were interesting in their own ways, and definitely more interesting than the characters in Emma, but halfway through I found myself lost in the very elaborate and detailed words so much so that I’d forgotten who most of the characters were by the end!
I’m a sucker for brilliantly written books but, even with a degree under my belt, I struggled to keep an interest in the plot, dialogue and characters. It felt hard to follow after a while as there were so many different characters being introduced around every corner.
Another thing I wasn’t wowed by was the romance. I had it in my head, despite knowing full well what the outcome was, that Elizabeth would end up with Mr Collins or even George Wickham (either of whom I think would’ve been a better match). Instead, I had to sit through a trope I’ve become used to in several YA novels I’ve read in the past love-to-hate. Even though it was obvious what the outcome would be, I just didn’t get involved with their romance. Mr Darcy fell into the category reserved for other Byronic heroes, endearing to some but a complete horror where I’m concerned. Saying that, I think the romance between them was a great form of revenge against meddling parents and strict social classes.
I wanted to like this book, I really did, but something about it just didn’t click with me.
What are your thoughts? Are you reading any classics at the moment? I’d love to chat in the comments! 😊
Jen Rose Writes🌹 
In fairness to Pride and Prejudice, Austen’s use of the ‘love to hate’ trope was before YA fiction.
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That’s true! I think she uses it a lot better than some YA writers do
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I’m sorry you didn’t like it! It was one of the first classics I’ve ever read and I read it when I was 14 so it holds a special place in my heart.
I read Emma and I struggled more with that than with any other Jane Austen books. (Sense and Sensibility was tough for me as well, though).
I know the “enemies-to-lovers” trope is very common in todays literature but for that era, it was something revolutionary and new. That’s the only thing I don’t quite agree with.
I’ve literally just purchased Little Women (after I read it in my own language when I was… 12? 13?) and I’ve just seen the movie so I’m really excited to start it!
What other classics are you planning to read? I’d be interested in checking out your list and maybe get some inspiration! xxx
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That’s really sweet! Yeah I get that, I think I meant it feels similar to that rather than it actually is that trope …it made more sense in my head probably 😂. I’m planning on reading Dracula and some others, I’ll put up the full list once I’ve completed them.
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That’s great! I’m looking forward to reading your reviews!
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Austen’s way of writing for this book had always captivated me. I actually really enjoyed reading the book even though its outcome was blatantly staring me in the face. But I do have to agree that it follows the now very cliched enmity to love plot.
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Yeah the writing was really interesting I do agree. I just think it wasn’t my thing but I’m glad I read it regardless . Thanks for giving this post a read 😊
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