'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife'. And with that world reknowned opening sentence, I once again sank blissfully into the depths of P&P for the umpteenth time this week! There are just times in my life when reading my all time favourite book, becomes an overwhelming desire. It's like my favourite comfort blanket, or lying on my back floating in the sea, or hugging a long missed loved one...totally rejuvenating to my soul. Each time I enjoy it as much as the first time. I still smile at certain lines, marvel at the great period details and the ease of the writing style. This is the first time I have read it since the P&P film with Keira Knightley was released. And I have really been struck by how closely the makers followed the book word for word in parts. Now I know why I fell in love with it instantly and treasure it in my DVD collection. But no film or TV adaptation can ever be totally true to the book, although the BBC 'Colin Firth' adaptation is the closest. And so reading it again has refreshed my memory of the intricate details that make it one of the all time great classics. Even 30 years on from my first reading, it still enthralls me to the very end and it's one of my great loves. Do you have a book that means this much to you?
7/27/09
Still as great as the first time....
'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife'. And with that world reknowned opening sentence, I once again sank blissfully into the depths of P&P for the umpteenth time this week! There are just times in my life when reading my all time favourite book, becomes an overwhelming desire. It's like my favourite comfort blanket, or lying on my back floating in the sea, or hugging a long missed loved one...totally rejuvenating to my soul. Each time I enjoy it as much as the first time. I still smile at certain lines, marvel at the great period details and the ease of the writing style. This is the first time I have read it since the P&P film with Keira Knightley was released. And I have really been struck by how closely the makers followed the book word for word in parts. Now I know why I fell in love with it instantly and treasure it in my DVD collection. But no film or TV adaptation can ever be totally true to the book, although the BBC 'Colin Firth' adaptation is the closest. And so reading it again has refreshed my memory of the intricate details that make it one of the all time great classics. Even 30 years on from my first reading, it still enthralls me to the very end and it's one of my great loves. Do you have a book that means this much to you?
Jane Austen books have a density of detail and an ease of writing alright. They require attention to the subtleties of what is going on.
ReplyDeleteThe only books I have read multiple times is "Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain. - I get something new every time I read it and Blue Highways by William Heat Least Moon. It is a non-fiction road book. I love road trips to nowhere in particular.
This is one of my all time favorite books. I can read it over and over and never get tired of it. I still get nervous that Elizabeth and Darcy won't get together. :)
ReplyDeleteI have many books that I re-read: The Good Earth (amazing book), The Count of Monte Cristo, Mansfield Park, and A Tale of Two Cities. All wonderful and familiar, like old friends.
I love it too and I go back to all her books time and again but this one is definitely my favourite. Very witty and so dry wasn't she. I love the different characters but especially Lizzie.
ReplyDeleteThe Keira Knightley film was good but I still love the BBC version best. Maybe because the pleasure of watching it lasted so much longer.
Winifred I completely agree about the BBC version, it is 14 hours long I think and just so satisfying for any fan. Plus there's the 'Colin' factor ;-)
ReplyDeleteI have never read the book or watched the movie and I dont think I know why I havent. I am going to get it from the library today with that and Little Women which I have nevr read either. I will get the movie of netflix and watch it also. Thanks for recommending it xx
ReplyDeleteUnbelievably, I have never read anything by Austen. I have read some of the Brontes (after a visit to Haworth...divine!) But the book that I re-read every great once in a while is the classic Gone With the Wind which is nothing like the movie and everyone should read. I always get something different out of it each time I read it. In fact, I'm feeling the urge to go pull it off the bookshelf and get at it. Meanwhile, I am STILL trying to get through Under the Tuscan Sun . This is definitely a case where the MOVIE is better than the book. At least it has a plot.
ReplyDeleteI do .. its Stephen King's The Stand, unabridged version. Every 5 yrs or so I re-read it, I always begin reading on the 4th of July because that's when the story begins ...
ReplyDeleteI too love P & P! Glad you were able to read it again. Just like an old friend, right! I love reading The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly. But I also read Rebecca by Daphne Du Murier. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteSarah & Pam - yes unbelievable lol! Pam I really struggle with the Bronte's, just too dark for me.
ReplyDeleteSherri I have had the Tea Rose & Winter Rose on my Amazon Wishlist forever, I need to get them ordered.
I am getting some great reading suggestions from you all thanks.
Oh I love that book too and re-read it on a once a decade basis! Also love, for completely different reasons, The Darling Buds of May, which makes me giggle. Love to read it in May... just because!
ReplyDeleteSaw those two words, "Colin Firth", and I suddenly can't keep my mind focused on anything but his face! Thanks a lot. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThis is also one of my favorites. Checked it out several times, finally bought a permanent copy. Everytime I read it I pick up something new. I'm not usually a re-reader, I want to read as many books as possible. Besides this one, the Harry Potter books are the only ones I have read more than once. (And rereading the Potter books was more for stress relief -- an easy, quick, fun read)
ReplyDeletePride and Prejudice is my daughters favorite book, and she rereads it every year. I don't reread books, so I guess I don't have a favorite.
ReplyDeleteAn Arkies Musings
The movie is sitting in my bag, waiting to be viewed.
ReplyDeleteBooks like that for me? Narnian Chronicles and Lewis's space trilogy, especially That Hideous Strength.
Onions in the Stew : Betty Macdonald..............awesome book.
ReplyDeleteAnna Karenina, and the first line is even better than this one.
ReplyDeleteNO I don't but I did like P&P the few times I;ve read it adn loved Keira Knightley's version best of all. One of my faves.
ReplyDeleteBTW, join me her if you care to.