Message from my books.....

Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen

What is it about old English that it feels as though no harsh word spoken could ever harm the receiver of them? Could it be the grace of the fluidity of speech? Or the mild but poignant way in which terms in the language is spoken? Or could it be the author, in this case Austen who despite never having married, understood the fairytale of love more than most who have experienced matrimony.
First published in 1813 but written years before under the title First Impressions, the story follows the experience of Elizabeth Bennet and Sir William Darcy, equally flawed due to their tendencies of prejudice and pride respectively. In the process of pairing the lovely Jane Bennet (Elizabeths sister) with the eligible Charles Bingley (Darcy's friend), Elizabeth come to loathe, respect and then love each other. One of my favourite parts of this read is where Elizabeth trots over to her sick sister form Netherfield traipsing though mud puddles that soils her petticoat, and presents herself with flustered glowing cheeks and wind blown hair to the genteel society. Causing a flurry of gossip from the socially superior Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst, without defending her the reader almost feels the turning in his affections for her from this point. Drama unfolds with the charmingly wicked Wickham, fear of loving beneath the social acceptance line and unwanted attentions for either the female protagonist or the male antagonist. Against all odds including time, they find each other and live in love.