CBR18BINGO: Refuge (comfort read)
Has Pride and Prejudice always been this funny? I’ve easily read this at least half a dozen times, and I definitely recalled humorous moments, but my most recent re-read seemed to showcase more of them. Maybe it’s because it’s been a number of years since I read it, or that this is a new audiobook narrator for me, but either way it enhanced the reading experience.
I’ve probably loved this book since the first time I read it, back when I was in high school, and it doesn’t get old. As many times as I’ve read it, I still found myself eagerly anticipating the next plot development or some of my favorite scenes (the one with Lady Catherine at the end is just *chef’s kiss*).
The novel takes place over the course of nearly a year and focuses on the Bennet family, especially Elizabeth, the second-eldest sister. Mrs. Bennet is eager to get her daughters married, and romance develops between a couple of the sisters and eligible bachelors. Each family member and several side characters is given a distinct personality, perhaps excepting Kitty, which is quite impressive. Elizabeth will always be my favorite character, though.
Of the five Jane Austen novels I’ve read, I think this one has the best pacing (though I might need to revisit Persuasion to be sure). Elizabeth’s and Jane’s romantic relationships are believable and unhurried, and the changes undergone by Elizabeth and Darcy seem reasonable. I love the dry humor of the book, the relationships between some of the family members, and Austen’s skillful way of making me react to the most exasperating characters. Characters generally get what they deserve, but not in a mean-spirited way (although admittedly I might have enjoyed that). This will always be a 5-star read and re-read for me.
