Throwback Thursday: Pride and Prejudice

In which I share vague recollections of books I read long ago that have stuck with me.

This is hardly a throwback really, because I feel like Pride and Prejudice is always with me. I watch the BBC adaptation regularly and, occasionally when I don't have 5 hours to devote to it, the more recent version with Keira Knightley. I've read Bridget Jones's Diary multiple times and, more recently, a retelling by Curtis Sittenfeld called Eligible (post coming soon!)

But it's been longer than I realized since I read the source material, because it's not even listed on my Goodreads, which I started using in 2008. Clearly it's time for a re-read. I might listen to the audio this time, because a coworker just did so and really liked it. I read it in print the first time, and only after watching the BBC movie a few times already. If you're not familiar with the story, it's about a family with five unmarried daughters whose estate is entailed away from their line so they are not in great financial shape. The mother, Mrs. Bennet, is obsessed with finding rich husbands for her daughters and is beside herself with excitement with a rich man named Mr. Bingley moves into the neighborhood. He brings his friend Mr. Darcy who is even richer, but also very proud and unfriendly. Lots of romance, drama, and hilarity ensues. (I basically want to live in this story, except that things really weren't great for women. But still.)

I am judging you. Sexily.

Because my first experience of Pride and Prejudice was the BBC adaption, I will always and forever picture Mr. Darcy as Colin Firth. It is not to be helped, nor do I wish it to. I will also admit right here for all the world to see that I liked the movie better than the book. There, I said it. Don't get me wrong - it's a good book. But it was really brought to life for me by the actors, who I think improved upon the humor and the Lizzie/Darcy chemistry. That is not to say that the Keira Knightley version isn't worth watching. I'll admit that I was skeptical, but honestly it's also a pretty good adaption. If you don't have time to watch the other version (though I highly recommend you make the time), it is still satisfying.

Have you read Pride and Prejudice? Seen an adaption? Read retelling or other sort of spin-off that you can recommend? Please share below in the comments!