Pride and Prejudice, Level 5, Penguin Readers (2nd Edition) (Penguin Readers, Level 5) 2nd edition by Austen, Jane (2008) Paperback

by Evelyn Attwood

In a remote Hertfordshire village, far off the good coach roads of George III's England, a country squire of no great means must marry off his five vivacious daughters. At the heart of this all-consuming enterprise are his headstrong second daughter Elizabeth Bennet and her aristocratic suitor Fitzwilliam Darcy—two lovers whose pride must be humbled and prejudices dissolved before the novel can come to its splendid conclusion.

Genres: Classics, Romance, Fiction, Historical, Literary Fiction

Paperback

First published January 28, 1813

Reviews

[Erin Ching]

I am glad to have read some Jane Austen, finally - she is a wonderful writer, with complex, engaging characters - but unfortunately, novels set in this time and place are not really my cup of tea. However, the scene where Elizabeth visits Pemberly was amazing, and all the rest to the end was quite enjoyable.

[Deb]

can not believe i never read this book before. loved it!!

[Kristina]

I enjoyed this much more this time than I did when I previously read it a couple of decades ago.

[Didem Can (itspreaklypear)]

Unfortunately, I had to read this graded reader edition because I couldn't find the original novel in the library. However, I wasn't convinced that I would be able to fully understand Jane Austen's original text in English anyway. Her writing style is incredibly layered, elegant, and nuanced. Even reading her work in my native language can sometimes be challenging.

As for the story itself, we follow the well-known relationship between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, and how they manage to fall in love despite all the social conventions and class expectations of their time. I have to say that it works wonderfully as a period novel. Although modern readers may find some of the attitudes and social norms difficult to understand, that was simply the reality of the era.

[Rachel]

I tried to read this book 20 years ago in high school, but did not have the patience for it and didn’t finish. It felt like it was all about people socializing and talking about other people. I have since learned to appreciate banter, probably (at least partially) thanks to watching Downton Abbey in the meantime. I was surprised at how much I liked Pride and Prejudice this time around and it was not as toxic as I expected. Actually, it wasn’t toxic at all. I guess I was expecting something like Wuthering Heights, which it definitely is not. It’s interesting how marriage back then was more of a career choice and was described as a “situation.” Marriage seems so floofy and complicated now in comparison.

[Emma_s_collins]

I’ve always been a fan of the story of Elizabeth and Darcy, the pride and the prejudicial couple. The first enemies to lovers. I knew their story by heart from the movies, but I’ve always wanted to read the book. The original one, so, when I found the opportunity I took it, and it was so much fun. I had some fangirling moments that made me scream at what was happening, and I fell in love, even more deeply than before, with their characters. I emphatized so much with Darcy, something that I never believed possible for I didn’t like him in the movies, and understood Elizabeth in another level. It was a nice emotional ride that I enjoyed a lot and probably will repeat sometime in the future.

[Mary]

Worth the wait. I started reading Pride and Prejudice for the first time ever at Chatsworth House, where they filmed Darcy's Pemberley Estate, sitting underneath a tree in the field, watching tourists go by on horseback. Having been a fan of both movies, I'd have to say that reading the book gave a more in-depth view of Elizabeth's true feelings. I didn't realize she fell for Darcy as early as she did. Such a great read.

[bibus]

I thought I was gonna enjoy this but I was wrong. I liked the first chapters where Lizzy and Darcy were actually enemies but that genuinely lasted for maximum 5 chapters and then she fell in love. lame. What intrigued me more was the love story of Jane and Bingley and the story behind mr Darcy and mr Wickham s past friendship(?).
“That is very true,” replied Eliza, “ and I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not wounded mine.”

[Shirley]

One of my all time favourite books, I've read it many times.

[Amanda]

Jane Austen is a genius. End of Review.

[Vanessa]

My favorite book!

[Kevin]

I was a lot more invested than I expected to be. I'm very happy I read this classic.

[Paige Slater]

Feel like the films had a lot more stuff going on but I will always be Mary or lizzy. Two best characters

[Shuting]

The supporting characters are all so lively depicted. The shallow minded Mrs Bennet, the abominably stupid Lydia, and the clumsy, stuffy Mr Collins, the mean Miss Binley, etc.

[Susann Mitchell]

A great classic - funny how it still applies today!

[Ann]

A heartfelt story of love, understanding, and empathy overcoming pride and prejudice, revealing the inner beauty of each other's soul.

[Annabelle Moore]

Austen’s writing and use of language will always captivate me

[Leila Petroski]

I appreciate the descriptive language of this book; I thought at first it would be difficult to read and understand but I was proven wrong. An amazing read for anyone who loves romance.

[sara]

Fun! Read it in Norwegian. It felt so long, but it took me less than a week to finish it! Loved it, to be honest.

[Miguel Miranda]

Read the Longman Simplified English version.

This book is important because it's a window into the lifestyles of people living in the 18th century.

I have to admit the dullness of the interactions mixed with the third person omniscient style (which lacks emotions) did not give me a good first impression of the novel. Yet, due to curiosity as to why this is a classic I decided to keep going. As far as petty drama goes I was pleasantly surprised upon reaching 3/4 of the book.

When the youngest sister Lydia ran off with the sleazy Mr. Wickham the plot took an interesting turn which significantly changed my opinion. The title of the book is also very fitting.

Pride = Mr. Darcy
Prejudice = Elizabeth

The story about two unlikely people that fall for each other while overcoming their flaws.

[Yukina Sawada]

-Time 09/21 40minutes 09/22 50minutes
-7 words summary: Sisters Party Refuse Prejudice Neighbor Reconciliation Marry
-Discussion question
1 What do you regard as the most important thing when you marry?
I will regard conpatibilities as the most important thing.

2 When do you want to marry?
I want to marry within 10 years and I want to have my family as soon as possible.


I couldn't finish readind this book. I will finish reading this book by this weekend.

[E]

I have no excuse. I have a copy of this friend on my phone in case I find myself waiting somewhere without a book. After a while I couldn't read it in small pieces anymore. I set down the bound book I was reading and gobbled the rest of this darling all up. Sometimes I just can't help myself.

(I searched goodreads for a while before I found a version that could be added as a separate title.)

[Stephen]

Brilliant analysis of the complex interaction between men and women. (And, yes, a wonderful love story.)

[Natalia González]

YA TENGO LIBRO FAVORITO DE TODA LA VIDA! 😭😭😭😭
NO QUERÍA QUE TERMINARÁ NUNCAAAA!
TE AMO DARCY!

[eminka]

my standards after this book and movie 📈

[Enara]

VIVA MR BINGLEY

[Nicha Wachpanich]

Really love this.And Elizabeth.And surely Mr.Darcy.