Pride & Prejudice

Written by Jane Austen

Narrated by Geoffrey Giuliano and The Spire

Welcome to the world of Jane Austen, one of the most beloved authors in the English language. Austen's works are known for their wit, social commentary, and romantic storylines that have captivated readers for generations.

This audiobook is an introduction to the life and works of Jane Austen and will provide a glimpse into her world and the literary legacy she left behind. From her early years as a writer to the publication of her most famous novels, including Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma, we will explore the themes, characters, and settings that make Austen's writing so timeless. Here you will discover the nuances of Austen's prose, the subtleties of her humor, and the depth of her insight into human relationships. Whether you are a longtime fan of Austen's work or new to her writing, this audiobook is the perfect starting point for exploring the world of Jane Austen.

Pride and Prejudice is a novel written by Jane Austen, first published in 1813. The novel explores the themes of prejudice, love, and the role of women in society. The story revolves around the Bennet family, particularly the second-oldest daughter, Elizabeth. The novel explores the consequences of judging others based on appearance or reputation rather than getting to know them. The characters in Pride and Prejudice are well-developed and memorable. Elizabeth is a strong independent woman not afraid to speak her mind. She can also be stubborn and impulsive. Mr. Darcy is a wealthy and powerful man who initially comes across as arrogant and aloof. However, as the novel progresses, we learn that he is a complex and sympathetic character with a strong sense of honor and loyalty. Other important characters include Jane Bennet, Elizabeth's older sister, who is kind and gentle, and Mr. Bennet, the girl's father, who is sarcastic and witty.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Icon Audio Arts
• Release date: Mar 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887678382

Jane Austen

Born December 16, 1775, Jane Austen is one of the most celebrated authors of the English language. Her fiction is known for its witty satires on English society. Austen wrote anonymously during her life and wasn't widely recognized as a great English writer until after her death in 1817.

Reviews for Pride & Prejudice

[lsh63 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I must admit that I have avoided reading this great classic for many years. I am glad that I finally read it and I enjoyed it tremendously. It has everything romance, a happy ending, humor and a good background of the social customs of the 19th Century.The matriarch of the Bennett family, makes it her life's mission to see that all five of her daughters are "suitably" married to the "proper gentlemen". She is looking out for their future as well as her own. Elizabeth, the second oldest of the Bennett family, meets Mr. Darcy, dismisses him as an arrogant snob. You just know they are destined to fall in love.Now that I have taken the plunge, I will be reading more of Ms. Austen.

[watershrew17 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

All time favorite. Jane Austen's masterpiece, sharp and sarcastic.

[eavans-914612 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I didn't want to read this. I know, wild.

I started my foray into Austen a few years previously, for some god forsaken reason attempting to read her books in the order they were published. Jesus Christ, don't do this. You'll probably hate it and get turned off from the author, and I've done that more times than I care to admit. Author's first works are usually way off from their more mature work and there's no shame in reading an author's most popular work. Tell that to 14 year old Eavan though, jeesh.

After getting a ton of recommendations from followers and friends on my blog, I went into it with a clear slate. It was Austen's ultimate second chance. I told them that if this was a dud, Austen was canceled. I didn't let my dislike of Sense and Sensibility cloud myself though, and I just read. And read. And 70 pages in, I knew this was going to be a keeper.

What was this?! Austen a keeper?! Reader, I'm afraid I found myself having some serious fun. I totally underestimated the clichés in it –and I can't believe I'm saying this– but I ate it up. I can forgive old novels for cliché, and I totally see this novel as the o.g. of the classic enemies-to-lovers trope. It was everything a good fanfic had: the melodrama and surprise, the page turning dramatics making me almost giddy. I may seem like some serious, boring reader, but I love ridiculous drama like there's no tomorrow. Downton Abbey isn't my favorite show of all time for nothing.

And I can't complain about that.

That's not to say I didn't recognize and appreciate the art of the novel, far from it. I'm not going to beat a dead horse about the literary merits of Pride and Prejudice though, for god's sake leave that to teachers or something. I'm just here to gush about it. I found the satire pretty keen and fresh surprisingly, I don't know if I just read boring stuff most of the time, but Austen's remarks of her society were totally welcome and surprisingly modern. The plot was pretty tight (both literally and figuratively) and the ways Elizabeth and Darcy learn from each other's "pride" and "prejudice" and change each other for the better... into that... Okay, I'm done with that boring part you already now, promise.

Anyways, I was a little surprised by the language of the novel; I read classics quite often but there was something a bit difficult for me this time. I got over it quickly, but it did make me question myself at times. Scary stuff though.

Will I give Austen another try? I'm almost tempted to say no. I know after all that I probably sound crazy, but I've heard from some that this is her best novel, and I sort of don't want to sully her good perception in my head further than my loathing of Sense and Sensibility. I see her genius though, and I'm glad I was able to enjoy this book– coming over my own prejudice on the way.

[bookishpeach240 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

First of all, I'm so proud of myself for finishing this book! Although it took me nearly 2 months to finish it, it was the first classic novel that I ever read and not being fluent in English it was very difficult for me to read.
I had no idea what to expect of this book with it being the first classic I've ever read but I ended up loving it. Though it was a tough book for me I'm glad I ploughed through it because I've always been interested in English literature and have always wanted to read classics and now I know that it is possible for me to read them. Another reason I'm glad I finished this book is, of course, Mr. Darcy! Even before I read this book, I knew Mr. Darcy to be the hero of this book but I was doubtful where that came from the first 60% of the book. But after the letter and his being so kind and generous and gentleman-like, I understood what everyone else was going about. He's become one of my favorite characters of all time!
I'm so glad I read this book and I plan on reading more classics soon.

[drakhir · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Enjoyable, satirical, funny, and a great slice of 18th century bourgeois life, but I am surprised this is anyone's favourite book as there is no story at all. However character development is beautifully crafted, and the sense of how people negotiated the mores and morals of the time is superb.
I do have a few criticisms, though, although these may not be entirely valid, as the way in which people were able to behave, particularly women, when JA wrote this, may have something to do with it.
I would however have put in a couple of showdowns, one with Mr Collins, which was relegated to a line in a letter from Mr Bennett, and the other with Lady Catherine, which so should not have been ex camera.
Worth a read, surely, and I will read again I am sure, and what greater accolade for a book could there be?

[yukikon_5 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I thought it was difficult for me to read this novel because I assumed it was too formal. But, I loved it immediately. Both Elizabeth Bennet and Mr.Darcy are really human, which made me fall in love with the characters. I would love to read it again and I am sure that will give me another impression on this book. It will be fun.

[harrod_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Always a favorite

[fmrox · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Title says it all.

[kathryncsn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It is a truth well known to all the world that an unmarried man in possession of a large fortune must be in need of a wife”. The undertone is very clear: the foundation of the marriage at that time is not emotion but possession.People always think that Austen was an expert at telling love stories. In fact, the marriage in her book is not the result of love, but the result of economic needs. After reading this book, I know the truth is that a poor woman must be in need of a husband, a wealthy man.In “Pride and Prejudice”, the sister of Mr. Bingley strongly opposed his plan of marrying Jane because the Bennets don’t much lower than them. From this, we can see there are a lot of obstacles for a not very rich woman to marry a wealthy husband. The society, the relatives would not allow them to get married.In modern society, although the marriages of economic needs have decreased rapidly, the concept of “money determines everything” is still rooted in some people’s mind. A lot of parents try hard to interfere their Education background, possessions, jobs remains the main reason that may influence one’s marriage. Marry for money is still a big problem in our society. We can’t help thinking: can money determine everything

[pennma05-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Probably my #1 OTP of all time, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Oh, how I adore this book. I've read it countless times, watched the different adaptations countless times, and read so many P&P retellings.... The writing in this novel is superb. Favorite book of all time.
I love the humor in this book. Mr. Collins is comically ridiculous and his lines always make me giggle. Lady Catherine definitely deserves a pie in the face. And I love to hate Mr. Wickham. Such a great cast of characters all in one novel.

[cmeps · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The mother of romance novels,.

[russelllindsey · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Simply one of my favorite books of all time. This copy traveled with me to Spain and back.

[karenzukor · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My favorite book ever. What else can you say?

[merryann-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A lovely romance. In the past I've found some classics a chore to work my way through and so I generally avoid reading them. This one read quite nicely and inspires me to give some other unopened classics a try.

[diavoletto-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

was kinda confusing at first but good

[stephxsu · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It takes a lot to give a book the distinction of one of the best books ever written, but Pride and Prejudice has definitely deserved it. The predecessor of the modern romantic comedy, Pride and Prejudice is funny, romantic, and insightful, with some of the best characters ever created in literature. Elizabeth Bennet is shunned by the rich and proud Mr. Darcy on the first day of his being in town, and thus she swears that he is the last man on earth she would ever marry. It's too bad that she can't avoid him, however, for her older sister Jane has fallen in love with Darcy's friend Bingley. There are numerous reasons against this marriage of course, namely the difference of their fortunes and the impropriety of the Bennet family. Elizabeth's dislike of Mr. Darcy is further sharpened by the story of Mr. Wickham, a young, good-looking man who tells a pitiable tale of having his life ruined by Darcy. Unbeknownst to nearly everyone, however, Darcy is struck by Elizabeth's wit and beautiful eyes. He struggles to suppress his feelings for her, all in vain. But with all these misconceptions of one another's characters going on, not to mention that they move in different spheres, how can there ever be a happy ending? Austen uses a lot of difficult wording, but they really contribute to the wit of this book. The characters are memorable, and nearly every girl wants to meet a Mr. Darcy. Excellent books make you care for the characters, and Pride and Prejudice will make you wish you were living in Lizzie's time.

[moukayedr · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I am going to fall into the minority when I say that I was not crazy enough about the book to give it five stars. It is not the fault of the writing or the story, it is just the fault of the tiresome high society which the novel is supposed to satirise, and did a good job of this.

The characters are well-drawn and colourful but nothing really happens in the story apart from the inner musings of the characters which makes for a long drawn out monologue. I found the final bit especially tiresome with the long drawn out denouement which could have been finished in one or two paragraphs. I did not need long explanations of why Darcy fell in love with Elizabeth, and when.

The pompous cousin Mr Collins was good for a laugh, like the empty-headed mother, with her constant nerves and endless scheming to secure matches for her daughters, while having a very superficial view of what constitutes a good match. The father is the stereotypical male who escapes from the drudgery of his domestic life into books and male hobbies. The two younger sisters are wonderful in their preoccupation with fashion, boys and uniforms. And the middle girl, Mary, is fascinating in her rebellion and escape into the intellectual world. I would have loved to read more about her.

It is amazing how much nuance Austen managed to pack in this story where nothing much happens, in terms of action. I understand the timeless appeal of the book as it talks to universal themes. Some of the characters in the book remind me of people I have known in modern life, and the moralising is also familiar to me from middle eastern society. The story can be very successfully adapted to a modern day Middle Eastern family drama.

[thatotter-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It's been awhile since I reread this...so awesome. I think what I love best is how every interaction is so incredibly awkward and embarrassing, and what a big freak Darcy is.

[libraryscat · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was one of my earliest loved books and I have read it hundreds of times. I have seen it on the big screen, but nothing compares to this book or the others written by Jane Austen.

[agentjade · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is one of my all-time favorites, and also the book responsible for introducing me to the literary brilliance of Austen's novels. I most particularly enjoy her flair for wit and irony, and her keen grasp of social nuance. Her ability to make the commonplace, every-day life an entertaining plotline is also among my favorite Austen talents. However, I will allow that for many of these same reasons (and also because many of these social and intropsective nuances are so inherently "female"), some men I've known don't enjoy Austen as much as I do.I agree with conventional wisdom that this is probably her best work--at least, it's her most mature and developed story. (Makes sense, the manuscript sat around for ten years). And what woman among us can feign disinterest in the dishy Mr. Darcy? All in all, a great read that flies once you've absorbed yourself into the story. It had me gasping and squealing aloud the first time I read it.

[irene.ghattas · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love absolutely everything about this book. I love the style it is written with, and I love the story. I love how much Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's characters develop. Every time I read this book I love it more than I did before...and that's saying something, because it's been my favorite book since the first time I read it.

[thothj · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The most romantic novel ever written. If you enjoyed this, then please read the interesting re-telling "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies". It is hilarious!

[debnance_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a book I have always wanted to read...a good read...not myfavorite...a good read nonetheless....

[yoshikawa_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

No wonder this book is a classic; it's awesome!

[tsunaminoai · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Given all of the hype surrounding this book, I was expecting a miracle whirlwind romance. Instead, I got a lot of gossip, sitting around, and bad mothering. Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennet only appear together for about a quarter of the book. I will concede, though, that the characters (those two only) are quite charming in themselves. The last handful of chapters are where Miss Bennet finally shows her true, endearing character, but it is a slog to get there.

[penny1996_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the most popular books of all time. It is usually the introduction book to Jane Austen. Many movie(usually bad) adaptations have been made of all her books but because of the book' s popularity it probably has the most. I own the Penguin2005 edition. Has notes, chronology of Jane Austen's life, annotations. Recommended for HS and above age groups.

[katyo-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Favourite classic. Tea and scones novel

[librarycin · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Pride and Prejudice is about five sisters in 19th century England. Their mother would like nothing more than to marry them all off to handsome rich men. Mr. Bingley, a young single rich man arrives in the area, and immediately falls in love with the oldest sister, Jane (and vice versa). Mr. Bingley's friend Mr. Darcy has an immediate dislike for the second sister, Elizabeth, as she does for him...or so it seems... I wasn't sure if I would like it, but I really did. I'm not a big fan of 19th century literature, which is what made me a bit hesitant to try Austen, though I kept thinking I should. I finally have, and I really enjoyed it! Sometimes she goes on a bit, and I found my mind wandering on occasion, but mostly I really liked it, and I will read more of her books!

[ashraks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A timeless classic by Austen...this is one of the few books that I've read over and over.

[wanderlust_lost · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It is a truth universally acknowledged that this is Jane Austen's tour de force. Although my favourite Austen novel is, in fact, Persuasion, I recognise that this novel is Austen at her best. A beautifully written, lasting story about love and perceptions and indeed pride and prejudice. It's a gorgeous novel and Austen's works have gone on to inspire all kinds of modern interpretations from "Clueless" (a modern teen-twist on Emma) to "Bridget Jone's Diary" (a modern novel inspired by the ideas of Pride and Prejudice and in which P&P is routinely referenced and the two male love interests parallel the two P&P love interests exactly). Pride and Prejudice is a classic and a must-read for any human.