Review - Pride and Prejudice by Laura Wood

 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, a retelling by Laura Wood.

Witty, intelligent Elizabeth Bennet has no desire for a marriage of convenience. And when she meets the handsome, wealthy Mr Darcy, her opinion of him is quickly set: he is aloof, selfish and proud - the last man in the world she would ever marry.

Until their paths cross again, and again, and the pair begin to realise that first impressions can be flawed... But as Elizabeth and Darcy become entangled in a dance through the strict hierarchies of society, will there be space for true love to bloom?

This title has been specially written and edited to provide an accessible entry point for those who may struggle with the length or language of the original text - bringing a timeless classic to even more readers.

So before I start, I really should declare that I've never read Pride and Prejudice before. I'm pretty well aware of most of the story through my little sister's repeated viewings of the Colin Firth/Jennifer Ehle version, but that's really the extent of my knowledge of the original story.

Having said that, I really, really enjoyed Laura Wood's retelling of it. It sparkled with humour and wit, and Lizzy Bennett really is a fantastic heroine. Mister Darcy was all brooding and mysterious, and yeah I get the appeal now. There's social commentary in there, whether it's the proper behaviour of young women interested in a man or criticism of Lydia running away, and most of it was delivered with the kind of cutting wit I associate with Austen. There was also swoon-worthy romance aplenty. 

I can't really comment on how much of the original story was excised, though I know from conversations with Laura that it was a difficult adaptation because Jane Austen didn't have a superfluous amount of prose. Yet somehow it has all been presented in a very accessible short novel, with all of the adaptations we come to expect from Barrington Stoke, a publisher prized for the accessibility of their books, particularly for reluctant readers or anyone with reading difficulties.

For younger or reluctant readers wanting to experience Austen but put off by the idea or length of the classics, this really is the perfect adaptation. And for anyone else who just wants to read Laura Wood's sparkling adaptation over a few hours I also heartily recommend it!

After reading this, I want Laura Wood to write every book!

Five moons for Laura's retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

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I was given an ebook proof of Pride and Prejudice in return for an honest review through Netgalley. It is published by Barrington Stoke on 6th January 2022.