I got a really nice set of Jane Austen novels from Easton Press some time ago. I have only read "Pride and Prejudice" previously and, it being the first volume of the set, just re-read it. This version is beautifully illustrated and each of the books in the set have a part of a scene on the spine to make them stand out on a bookshelf. I would say I love Jane Austen books, and that's probably true, but this is the only one I have actually read though I have seen film adaptations of the rest of them multiple times.
The writing in "Pride and Prejudice" is unpretentious and the novel doesn't try to be grandiose or epic...it's simple, yet beautiful in its simplicity. Don't get me wrong - the prose is well written and, at times, moving....it's just also got a tone that is familiar and, well, cozy. This book is fun.
The tale is about the Bennett family, which includes Mr. and Mrs. Bennett and five daughters. Mrs. Bennett is intent on marrying her daughters off for their well-being and future happiness as they don't have much in terms of money or property otherwise. The eldest daughter, Jane, becomes infatuated with a new resident to the region in Mr. Bingley. There's friendly conversation, intriguing drama, and, of course, a ball. Mr. Darcy, a close friend of Mr. Bingley, also makes an appearance though initially comes off as abrasive and difficult. Mr. Darcy has a good heart, though, as becomes clearer and clearer throughout the novel.
The second eldest daughter, Elizabeth, initially loathes Mr. Darcy, finding him arrogant and excessively proud. Throughout the book, though, she warms up to him and ends up reciprocating his love for her, which is kept secret for much of the book, with her love for him. His initial proposal to Elizabeth was adamantly refused, though.
The youngest daughter, Lydia, elopes with Mr. Wickham, who is acquainted with Mr. Darcy but isn't entirely reputable. Mr. Darcy, out of fondness for Elizabeth, goes to great measures to ensure Mr. Wickham's and Lydia's flight ends up resulting in their marriage. It's touching.
After initially deterring Mr. Bingley from pursuing Jane, largely due to Jane's modesty suggesting that she may not be as fond of Mr. Bingley as she truly was, Mr. Darcy also brings them together, too - again, out of fondness for Elizabeth. Ultimately, Mr. Darcy proposes to Elizabeth a second time and she happily accepts. It's a delightful novel and I miss the characters already.
I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the Jane Austen set I have purchased. I hope I like them even close to as much as I liked "Pride and Prejudice." It's exciting.