Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."

This first line has become one of the most famous in English literature.

When Mr. Bingley arrives at Netherfield, Mrs. Bennet sees this as an opportunity for one of her girls. Jane (the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet) captures Mr. Bingley’s attention, but disapprove by his arrogant friend, Mr. Darcy.

Although the beginning of this story is about Mr. Bingley and Jane but as the story proceeds further, the focus is shifted to Elizabeth (the second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet) and Mr. Darcy. The story tends to tell us that our first impression or personal judgement can be a mistake which possible can cost the happiness of our life, but can be corrected with honesty.

"I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun."

I can’t believe that I will love this story, just like how both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy fell in love in the story. I’m not a fan of romance stories, but I felt this is really a beautiful love story.

Most of the time, I can explain why I like or don’t like certain books, but I can’t find the reasons why I was really hooked on this story. I can’t explain why I just wanted to keep reading it. I even did some research on Internet for clarifications on certain parts of the story. I feel there’s a certain level of satisfaction after I finished such a remarkable classic story. It’s not only because it’s a classic but another major reason for me is because this is a romance novel.

Initially, I was worried that I will give up halfway because classic literature might be too difficult for me, which I experienced it before when I was in high school 15 years ago. We need to read the book ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ by Arthur Conan Doyle and Shakespeare’s poems as part of our English Literature class. We have to understand each verse, all the metaphors and different points of views. I felt it was a torture at that time. I guess I will feel the same if I read this story 15 years ago. I don’t think I will understand the beauty of the story and the writing style if I read this at that time. I feel great that I’ve read this book in my life and probably this is the only romance novel that I loved so far.

The most favourite part for me will be Mr. Darcy’s confession of love to Elizabeth. It was so beautifully written when thinking of an arrogant man trying his best to be modest and lower himself to confess his love to his loved one.

"In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."

Rating: ★★★★★
More reviews can be found on Goodreads: Pride and Prejudice