Like most book bloggers, I read a lot (kind of a prerequisite!). But there are some things related to reading that I’ve kept secret – until now. This feature is my chance to confess what I’ve done or what I’ve not done related to reading.
I have to confess something - something big. I’m not sure I can even type it. It may change how you think of me and my reviews...there’s no sense putting it off any longer...deep breath... I’ve never read any Jane Austin. This means I’ve never read Pride and Prejudice. I’ve not seen any adaption of the book – not the critically acclaimed BBC version with Colin Firth or the Oscar nominated film version with Keira Knightley. Even worse I’ve never even wanted to.
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| Colin Firth as Mr Darcy...in THAT scene... |
I know it’s a major fail. Somehow I’ve managed to pick up the whole story – complete with jokes and twists (mostly thanks to Bridget Jones!), but the idea of actually picking up the book just doesn’t appeal to me. I’m not a huge fan of that style of writing and romance has never had a big appeal to me (unless there’s a hot werewolf involved!). Yes, it’s a classic and yes, it’s on most people’s favourite book list, but an old fashioned comedy of manners and society doesn’t tickle my fancy.
So here’s the challenge - is there anyone out there that can persuade me to actually pick up the book? What can you say that will make me try this classic? Or perhaps you too are a secret non-Austin reader? Let me know!
PS - I’ve never read anything by any of the Brontes either! J
Mel! I'm...uh...OMG! I've read P&P over, and over and over again its one of my faves. The only thing I can say is DARCY DARCY DARCY!! DARCY!
ReplyDeletePersonally, yeah it might not be to everyones liking, but I think Pride & Prejudice is a timeless classic. I feel every avid reader should at least give it a go. Even if you pick it up, read a few pages see how you go. If you simply think 'God this is awful' then put it back down. At least if you try you can say 'Yeah I gave it a go. Didn't like it' you don't want those to words 'What if' hanging over your head?
Anyway, P&P is a classic. Darcy is amazing. The BBC version is stunning and sticks closer to the book than the Keira Knightly version. I think try it, see how you go; if you don't enjoy it, at least you've tried? :)
Anyway I'll stop spamming you now.
Jessica
P.S I haven't read any Bronte's either. They're a little too dark for me.
I have all six Jane Austen novels on my TBR stacks ... uhm ... so there they sit ... and wait ... so don't feel bad about never having read any of her books ;-) because I will probably read mine at age 87 or so, because old people do prefer the classics ... I think *lol*.
ReplyDeleteYou are not alone, never read them,never wanted to either!
ReplyDeleteI haven't, either. Now, for my blog that's not too unusual, since what I read and review tends to be fantasy, speculative stuff, not what most people consider high literature. But I also have a strong interest in the Victorian era and times shortly before and after, so you'd think I'd have read so many of the famous books from that time.
ReplyDeleteExcept as fascinated as I am by the time period, the literature of the day mores me to death and I just can't get into it at all!
Psaw, no biggie :) I have read Pride and P, cos I read in in High school, I think we had to read a classic. And I did read Northanger cos I needed to know the story.
ReplyDeleteThe rest are all movies :D
Hey try some of the P&P contemps. You might enjoy those variations. Oh, and at least see Jane Eyre. You don't have to read it, but see it at least once. ;)
ReplyDeleteI read P&P only after watching the Colin Firth mini-series (which was slow to start with, but amazing once it picked up). I loved reading P&P once I had a basic idea of what was going on. After enjoying it, I got on a bit of an Austen high and read Emma straight away, but I just didn't get on with that one too well. So my vote is watch the mini-series :)
ReplyDeleteBut.... but... but... your British?
ReplyDeleteOkay, that is a bad fallacy on my part, that all Brits have read classic Brit lit. Sorry Mel.
Well, don't feel bad. I hadn't read a JA until I was in my mid twenties, and I've never read any Brontes.
You know what might help? I had a friend in the same predicament as you. Never read any Austen. She she had trouble getting into it, so I suggest she listen to the audiobook, and she LOVED it!
Maybe you would too?