O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell

GENRE

Adult Historical Fiction / Retelling (306 pgs.)


SYNOPSIS

Before Juliet Capelletti lie two futures: a traditionally loveless marriage to her father's business partner or the fulfillment of her poetic dreams, inspired by the great Dante. Unlike her beloved friend Lucrezia, who looks forward to her arranged marriage into the Medici dynasty, Juliet has a wild, romantic imagination that takes flight in the privacy of her bedchamber and on her garden balcony. 

Her life and destiny are forever changed when Juliet meets Romeo Monticecco, a soulful young man seeking peace between their warring families. A dreamer himself, Romeo is unstoppable once he determines to capture the heart if the remarkable woman foretold in his stars.

The rich tale of passion, revenge, and tragedy on the cusp of the Italian Renaissance: a fresh twist on the Bard's beloved Romeo and Juliet. 


MY REVIEW


I will start off this review by saying that this novel has earned the honor of making me cry for at least a good five minutes after I finished the book. Not quite sure if that is an honor, but there it is. Not many books have really made me genuinely cry, rather than just tear up and sniffle. I can assure you there were many tears, a runny nose, and many tissues involved. It was a good cry.

That being said, I immensely enjoyed this book. The main reason I enjoyed it so much was that as an aspiring author, this is the genre that is dearest to my heart. It is something of a sub-genre to traditional Historical Fiction. This genre takes a well known story/legend (Romeo and Juliet, King Arthur, etc.) and retells it, kind of in a "What really happened," sort of way that makes the legend/story historically accurate and real, if that makes sense. I think this genre is just so instrumental in really bringing the legend to life. 

Robin Maxwell did a fantastic job of integrating the famous story of Romeo and Juliet into the historical time period of the Italian Renaissance. Throughout the story she was able to maintain the delicate balance between the famous tragedy we all know and a new, historically-accurate twist. 

Both halves of the tragic couple were very well written. Juliet was a strong, fierce character who I was instantly drawn to. I could really relate to her love of writing poetry, and her strength in continuing to write it no matter how badly  it was frowned upon at that time in history. Romeo was just as well written, and possessed such a great depth of character. Rather than being the swoony-heartthrob romancy-cliched Romeo, he was full of life; vibrant, soulful, and most definitely intriguing. 

The historical setting of this novel was truly breathtaking. Robin Maxewell's decision to set her novel in Florence rather than in the traditional Verona was an extremely good choice on her part. Since Florence was really the epicenter of the Italian Renaissaince, it just added so much more depth to the story. 

The way Robin Maxwell reinvented the plot of this story was absolutely amazing. I really could not put this book down. The way Maxwell is able to draw you into the story and make you completely absorbed in the plot was alarmingly good. I found myself (when Juliet is in trouble) yelling at my book, which to me, is a sign I am completely and irrevocably in the story.

All in all, this was a fantastic read. Robin Maxewell's historical re-imagining of Romeo and Juliet was truly breathtaking, in every sense of the word. It was absolutely moving and beautifully written. I definitely think Shakespeare would be proud.


MY RATING

5*****




Appropriateness Factors

There are a couple of bedroom scenes, not to graphic, but they are there. As always, take it for what it's worth.


Book #1 in Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

Phantom by Susan Kay

GENRE

Adult Historical Fiction / Mystery (468 pgs.)

SYNOPSIS

A child is born... his mother's only gift is a mask. Precocious and gifted, he will live friendless and alone. Taunted and abused, he will flee, only to find himself caged again--as a freak in a Gypsy carnival.

A brilliant outcast... the world is his home. Filled with bitter rage, he will kill to escape, becoming a stonemason's apprentice in Rome... a dark magician at the treacherous Persian court... and finally the genius behind the construction of the Paris Opera House and the labyrinthine world below.

Lacking one thing only: a woman's love. Cloaked in secrets, his power complete, he will see the exquisite Christine and for the first time know what it means to love. Obsessed, he will bring her to his eerie subterranean world, driven to possess her heart and soul.

A haunting story of power and darkness, of magic and murder, of sensuality and betrayal, and ultimately, the unforgettable story of a man and woman and the eternal quality of love.

MY REVIEW

The story of the Phantom of the Opera has held a special place in my heart since I was first introduced to the Andrew Lloyd Weber musical way back. I was very excited on my discovery of this book, as I really don't think there are many retellings of the original Gaston Leroux novel out there. I had to read it.

This novel is an absolute feast for the senses in every meaning of the phrase. The way Susan Kay re-tells Erik's (The Phantom's) story is absolutely incredible. It invokes every single human emotion... fear, hate, love, disgust, sadness. It connects with a reader on an entirely different level, but remains faithful to complete human fragility.

The characters are all stunningly written. I especially appreciated Susan Kay's treatment of Erik and Christine. Instead of making Christine a zombiefied puppet always in the Phantom's trance, Susan Kay delves deep into the world of psychology to explain her complicated relationship with the Phantom. Because when you think about it, what would draw someone to a creepy stalker with the face of a corpse? Yet the ALWeber musical is the longest running stage musical, ever. There is something very deep that draws us to the Phantom, and Susan Kay does an excellent job of explaining that strange relationship.

And Erik's story... wow. Absolutely heart-wrenching. It really shows the Phantom in a new light, and explains the "method behind the madness," if you will. Like I mentioned before, when you are reading this interpretation of Erik's story, every imaginable emotion is brought out in you.

The setting of this novel, from Paris to Persia, was very well written and superbly described. The history was also very well researched. I went into the story expecting more focus to be on the story, but Susan Kay managed to include well-researched history, which made the story come to life.

Gaston Leroux's novel was a bit dry on the actual "story" side, because it was written as more of a Mystery/Thriller. But this novel keeps the reader absolutely engrossed with every turn of the page. The story is never dull. It is all too easy, in fact, to get lost in the Phantom's world.

This novel was really, really excellent. Not only did this book interrupt me from reading another book, it kept me up till around 5am on more than one occasion. Any "phans" of the story of the Phantom of the Opera must read this book. Please believe me when I will say you will not be disappointed by this masterpiece.

MY RATING

5*****

Book #17 in Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

GENRE

Classic Literature (236 pgs.)

SYNOPSIS

A wonderfully entertaining coming-of-age story, Northanger Abbey is often referred to as Jane Austen's "Gothic parody." Decrepit castles, locked rooms, mysterious chests, cryptic notes, and tyrannical fathers give the story an uncanny air, but one with a decidedly satirical twist.

The story's unlikely heroine is Catherine Morland, a remarkably innocent seventeen-year-old woman from a country parsonage. While spending a few weeks in Bath with a family friend, Catherine meets and falls in love with Henry Tilney, who invites her to visit his family estate, Northanger Abbey. Once there, Catherine, a great reader of gothic thrillers, lets the shadowy

atmosphere of the old mansion fill her mind with terrible suspicions. What is the mystery surrounding the death of Henry's mother? Is the family concealing a terrible secret within the elegant rooms of the Abbey? Can she trust Henry, or is he part of an evil conspiracy? Catherine finds dreadful portents in the most prosaic events, until Henry persuades her to see the peril in confusing life with art.

MY REVIEW

Aside from Pride and Prejudice, this has to be my next favorite of Jane Austen's novels. I think Jane Austen was really trying to get in touch with her Gothic darker side when writing this novel, and I heartily applaud her for that.

There is just something about the protagonist, Catherine Morland, that continually draws me to this story. I think it's maybe the way Catherine has a problem with separating the fact from the fiction, or the story from real life, which I can definitely relate to. She is undoubtedly a hopeless romantic, which I knowingly acknowledge myself to be. And she has such a vivacious passion for reading! Alright, I admit it... I see very much of myself in her. She is definitely one of my favorite literary heroines.

I also admire that Catherine lends a certain vulnerability to the story. She is certainly not the perfect heroine... she doesn't answer every question perfectly, she makes mistakes, and she has yet to be crossed in love. Definitely easier to relate to the shy, unassuming character in her.

I absolutely love Catherine's love interest, Henry Tilney! He is such the charmer, but still manages to maintain his sincerity towards Catherine. Definitely a step away from the likes of Mr. Darcy, but still absolutely wonderful in his own right. My favorite Henry quote:

"'Now I must give one smirk, and then we may be rational again.'"

Not only are the characters engaging, the story is very well written. Once again, more of a step away from the traditional Austen novel, but definitely not short on the intrigue. Lots more of the Gothic-ness that was becoming increasingly popular during that literary time period. But I think it adds a nice excitement to the story.

All in all, one of Jane Austen's finest, in my humble opinion. But then again, which one of her works isn't great?

MY RATING

5*****

P.S. The Masterpiece Theater version of Northanger Abbey is absolutely terrific. Felicity Jones is outstanding as Catherine Morland, as is JJ Field as Henry Tilney. Watch the trailer here!

Part of Jane Austen week, hosted by Historical Tapestry.

Be sure to check out my "For the Love of Jane!" Giveaway!

For the Love of Jane! Giveaway (Closed)

First of all, I'd like to welcome everyone to Jane Austen Week, hosted by Historical

Tapestry! Throughout the week, I'll be posting my favorite Austen-inspired reviews, news, and fun stuff! I hope you'll join me in celebration of all things Austen.

In honor of Jane Austen Week, and in honor of one of the greatest authors of all time, I've decided to do a giveaway! Two (2) winners will be selected to win either a copy of...

The Complete Novels of Jane Austen

or...

The Favorite Jane Austen Novels Set

(Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, & Persuasion)

This giveaway is open Internationally (i.e. wherever the Book Depository ships!) . You do not have to be a follower to enter, although you get extra entries for being one. This giveaway will close on October 24th at 12:00 AM, Pacific Standard Time. Also, check out the button I made (I decided to get fancy on myself!). You get extra entries for posting it somewhere and sending me the link!

<a href="http://untouchabletreasure.blogspot.com/2011/10/for-love-of-jane-giveaway.html"><img border="0" src="http://untouchedtreasures.webs.com/Blog/For%20the%20Love%20of%20Jane.jpg" /></a>

Best of Luck!

Pride and Prejudice... On Stage!

After seeing an advert in our local newspaper that Pride and Prejudice was going to be on stage at one of our favorite performing venues, my mother literally leaped to the computer to buy the tickets (she is without a doubt completely obsessed with P&P! I mean it... all the P&P fanfics, continuations... she reads them all!). So last night we headed out to the South Coast Repertory to see Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, as adapted for stage by Joseph Hanreddy and J.R. Sullivan... and I have to say, we both absolutely loved it!

The play starts out a little differently than expected. At the beginning, we see a 'typical' modern teenager (complete with pink hair and skinny jeans) forced to read Pride and Prejudice. She starts out reading on an e-reader, which glitches and fizzles out. But then a mysterious figure comes along (Elizabeth Bennet) and hands her the real, hard-cover novel of P&P, and that's where the excitement begins.

Throughout the play the teenager remains somewhere on stage, reading, as the story unfolds before her. Though I liked the theme that P&P is so timeless that it even touches today's readers, I could have done without the teenager. She had no speaking part whatsoever, and just kind of hung out in the background throughout the play.

The actors/actresses were all fantastic in their roles. The actress who played Mrs. Bennet was absolutely amazing! She had her down so well, and she was hilarious. The same goes for Mr. Collins! Absolutely side-splitting at times! Elizabeth was really fantastic. I swear, she looked and sounded exactly like Anne Hathaway! It was scary! But she did a wonderful job of portraying Lizzy's vivaciousness and enthusiasm. Mr. Darcy did very well in his role as well (plus he was tall... and handsome!)

The dialogue of the play remained very true to the novel. There were a few changes here and there, a couple of funny quips, but it did not hurt the play whatsoever. For those of you who are "purists," so to speak, I think you will definitely enjoy it.

This play was really fantastic. All the actors played their characters so very well. If you are in the general LA area of California, it is definitely worth your while to go see!

My Rating: 5*****

Tickets and Info Here: http://www.scr.org/calendar/view.aspx?id=4207

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

GENRE

Classic Literature / Historical Fiction (127 pgs.)

SYNOPSIS

The Old Man and the Sea is one of Hemingway's most enduring works. Told in language of great simplicity and power, it is the story of an old Cuban fisherman, down on his luck, and his supreme ordeal--a relentless, agonizing battle with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream. Here Hemingway recasts, in strikingly contemporary style, the classic theme of courage in the face of defeat, of personal triumph won from loss.

MY REVIEW

I picked up this title at my local bookstore because it was a required read; not for me, but for my younger brother. Let's just say he is quite the opposite of me when it comes to reading... he will rarely read a book, and if he does, it's almost always required. So, I told him we would tag-team read this, making it much less painful for him.

I was very surprised by this little book. And believe me, it is little. If it were just me reading it, I probably would have finished in a few hours. But I am glad I got to tag-team this read; it gave me just a bit more time to savor Hemingway's classic work.

I think the beauty of this novel resides in its simplicity: the prose is plain, unadorned, and very easy to read. But this contemporary prose holds so much power over the reader. It makes you really focus on the story, which is a masterpiece in its own right.

The old man's story is one full of triumph and loss, elation and sadness. He is such a simple fisherman struggling against something so much bigger than himself. It is the classic "man vs. nature" story. The old man realizes what it is to be human, and in turn, so does the reader.

So many lessons can be learned from this little novel... patience, humility, perseverance. It was really quite a good story, and beautifully written. And it's so short, you'll be done in no time.

MY RATING

4.5****/*

Book #9 in Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

Book Haul: Paris, France

So, I went to Paris over my spring break. Yeah, it was pretty darn fantastic. Okay, it was amazing to put it lightly. Of course, I couldn't come home to dreary old America without bringing back some books from some pretty awesome locations to liven things up. Here's a peek!

Notre-Dame de Paris by Victor Hugo (Genre: Classic Literature)

Three extraordinary characters caught in a web of fatal obsession are at the center of Hugo's novel. The grotesque hunchback, Quasimodo, bellringer of Notre-Dame, owes his life to the austere archdeacon, Claude Frollo, who is in turn bound by hopeless passion to the gypsy dancer Esmeralda. She, meanwhile, is bewitched by a handsome, empty-headed officer, but by an unthinking act of kindness wins Quasimodo's selfless devotion. Notre-Dame de Paris is a monument to Romanticism at its most colourful and vigorous.

(I bought Notre-Dame at a bookstore about a block from our hotel, called Galignani, which just happened to be the first English bookstore established on the European continent! Only in Paris.)

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (Genre: Classic Literature)

Strange things are going on at the Paris Opera House: a mysterious phantom--a skeleton in dinner dress--is wreaking havoc amongst the singers and the backstage staff. When new managers take over, and dismiss the rumours of the Opera Ghost, the terror really begins. Who is the mysterious figure stalking the stage at night? How can he be everywhere at once, and enter and leave locked rooms at will? And what is his connection to the beautiful and talented young soloist, Christine? Gaston Leroux's brilliant and disturbing book is steeped in Gothic tension and haunting horror.

(Of course, I bought The Phantom at the Opéra Garnier, a.k.a the Paris Opera House. I have been a huge Phan of the Phantom for years now, and lets just say I walked those haunted halls squealing like the Phangirl I am. Anyways, thanks for listening to me blather on, happy reading!)

P.S. Oh! And another literary thing I forgot... I was walking down the main street next to our hotel, called the Rue de Rivoli, and right where you have to cross the street to get to the metro station, there's a building there with a marble plaque on it that reads: "Leo Tolstoi lived here." Once again, I can say, only in Paris!

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

GENRE

Classic Literature / Fiction (194 pgs.)


SYNOPSIS

Oscar Wilde brings his enormous gifts for astute social observation and sparkling prose to The Picture of Dorian Gray, his dreamlike story of a young man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty. This dandy, who remains forever unchanged—petulant, hedonistic, vain, and amoral—while a painting of him ages and grows increasingly hideous with the years, has been horrifying, enchanting, obsessing, even corrupting readers for more than a hundred years.
Taking the reader in and out of London drawing rooms, to the heights of aestheticism, and to the depths of decadence, The Picture of Dorian Gray is not only a melodrama about moral corruption. Laced with bon mots and vivid depictions of upper-class refinement, it is also a fascinating look at the milieu of Wilde’s fin-de-siècle world and a manifesto of the creed “Art for Art’s Sake.”


MY REVIEW

I have always wanted to read this book. I had heard from many others that this was a great classic fiction read, and being the classic fiction afficionado that I am, I just had to try it.

The Picture of Dorian Gray, to put it frankly, is one huge mind game. This philosophy in here will literally blow your mind. The way our main antagonist, Lord Henry Wotton thinks--how he views the world--is absolutely astounding. This heavy philosophical factor was both a good and bad thing... on one hand, it makes the reader really think, really presents them with a new perspective. But on the other hand, during some passages, I actually had to stop and comprehend what I was reading, which got a bit tedious at some points. But I really enjoyed that element of the book.

I loved Lord Henry Wotton's character. He's the kind of man who you should be best friends with, and whom you should never be enemies with. His witty quips and his philosophies about life are amazing. In some ways, by bringing out your "bad self," he makes you show your true character, your true colors. And I quite enjoyed that about him.

Poor Dorian Gray. If that's not a tortured soul, I don't know what is. He starts off a perfectly, well, perfect human being, but thanks to the corruption of Lord Henry, he becomes a dark, twisted being who drives people to suicide on more than one account and is capable of murder. His hunt for eternal perfection, eternal youth ends up killing him in the end. Such a tragic man, but such a dynamic character at the same time. He stands for so much in this story.

I loved the fact that just because this novel is set in Victorian England doesn't mean its tea parties and balls all of the time. Oscar Wilde did an outstanding job with writing the scenery in this novel. It's really reflective of Dorian Gray's character. In the beginning, when Dorian was still "pure," the sceneries are lush, romantic, typical Victorian-esque settings. But when Dorian turns darker, so does the world around him. London becomes a dark place... it becomes less of the prim and proper, and more seedy taverns and opium dens. I really admired Wilde's writing of the setting... it just brought everything together.

The ending is so epic! It couldn't have ended better in my opinion. This is one of those times where I have to say, "you just have to read it for yourself."

Overall, Dorian Gray was quite a twisted story. Don't go into reading this book thinking it's a typical classic Victorian novel... it is far from that. The dialogue is mind bending, the scenery fantastic, and the characters incredibly dynamic. If you are a classic literature lover, this is a must read! In fact, it's a must read for everyone!

MY RATING

5*****

Book Haul: Borders

Greetings and happy Sunday everyone! I had the fortunate chance to stop by Borders today. No, I didn't come back with a huge haul, but it's enough to make me happy... for now. Here's a sneak peak at my two new titles...

Ten Cents a Dance by Christine Fletcher (Genre: Y.A. Historical Fiction)

With her mother ill, it's up to fifteen-year-old Ruby Jacinski to support her family. But in the 1940s, the only opportunities open to a Polish-American girl from Chicago's poor Yards is a job in one of the meat-packing plants. Through a chance meeting with a local tough, Ruby lands a job as a taxi dancer—a girl paid ten cents to dance with any man—and soon becomes an expert in the art of "fishing" as she works her patrons for meals, clothes, even jewelry. Drawn ever deeper into the world of dance halls, jazz, and the mob, Ruby gradually realizes that the only one who can save her is herself.


The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (Genre: Fiction / Classic Literature)

A dreamlike story of a young man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty. This dandy, who remains forever unchanged—petulant, hedonistic, vain, and amoral—while a painting of him ages and grows increasingly hideous with the years, has been horrifying, enchanting, obsessing, even corrupting readers for more than a hundred years. Taking the reader in and out of London drawing rooms, to the heights of aestheticism, and to the depths of decadence, The Picture of Dorian Gray is not only a melodrama about moral corruption.

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

GENRE

Fiction / Classic Literature (235 pgs.)


SYNOPSIS

The Scarlet Letter is the story of three New England settlers at odds with the puritan society in which they live. Roger Chillingworth, an aging scholar, arrives in New England after two years' separation from his wife Hester to find her on trial for adultery. For refusing to reveal her lover's identity, she is condemned to wear a letter 'A' sewn onto her clothes. Roger resolves to discover and destroy the man who has stolen his honor.


MY REVIEW

Some of you may be wondering why I bothered to review this book. "Dude, I totally had to read that in high school. You're not supposed to review required reading books, because they all suck." Well, I assure you this novel is one of the few exceptions. Bear with me.

As I first picked up my dreaded summer reading list for AP Language and Composition, I noticed this title was on it (Yes, I readily admit that I did not read this book just for fun... at first). I picked it up at my local Borders, sat down with highlighter and pen in hand ready for annotations, and began to read away. The funny thing was, I couldn't put this book down.

One of the first literary heroines (and one of the best, in my opinion), Hester Prynne is a character that transcends time. She is a very modern-day woman stuck in the realm of early American Puritan harshness. She does not let others get the best of her, no matter what the obstacle, no matter what the situation.

Roger Chillingworth is the perfect villain. Twisted by hate and jealousy, he is willing to stop at nothing to have his revenge on his unfaithful wife. Devious, he infiltrates at the heart of the mystery, just like any good modern villain would do.

The Rev. Dimmesdale, despite his characteristics of general wimpiness, has a love for Hester that is strong and true. Sure, he's not the breathtakingly romantic type, but he fights hard in defense of his love Hester.

I have no idea what could have made a novel off of my summer reading list so appealing. Maybe it was Mr. Hawthorne's fascinating style of writing, with his symbolism and vivid imagery. Maybe it was the deep connectiong with nature present throughout the book, so characteristic of the Romantic period, that made the story fresh and real. Maybe it was the plot, masterfully crafted, shrouded in mystery, full of cliff-hangers and hidden secrets. It read like a modern historical fiction/mystery novel, only better. I ate it up.

This novel truly transcends time. It is so perfectly written, so shrouded in dark mystery, so passionate. Really, I couldn't put it down. This book, to me, was really exciting. A truly great work of classic fiction.

So if any of you high-school teenagers out there are reading this post, and are required to read the Scarlet Letter for school, PLEASE don't pass up the opportunity. You will regret it. Step out of the box and give the book a try. You won't be dissapointed.

Lastly, just a quick warning about wordiness. Yes, this book was published in 1850, but trust me, the story makes up for that fact.

MY RATING

5*****

An interesting tidbit... a new movie called Easy A is coming out this summer, and is a modern take on the Scarlet Letter. It actually looks really good! Trailer below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL7W6pEuAW0

First Love by Ivan Turgenev

GENRE

Classic Literature / Fiction (107 pgs.)

SYNOPSIS

When the down-at-heel Princess Zasyekin moves next door to the country estate of Vladimir Petrovich's parents, he instantly and overwhelmingly falls in love with his neighbor's daughter, Zinaida. But the capricious young woman already has many admirers and, as she plays her suitors against each other, Vladimir's unrequited youthful passion soon turns to torment and despair - although he remains unaware of his true rival for Zinaida's affections. Set in the world of nineteenth-century Russia's fading aristocracy, Turgenev's story depicts a boy's growth of knowledge and mastery over his own heart as he awakens to the complex nature of adult love.

MY REVIEW

First Love by Ivan Turgenev details the story of Vladimir Petrovich, Russian schoolboy who falls helplessly in love with his neighbor's daughter Zinaida, despite competition from many older suitors. I first discovered this book after watching the move "Lover's Prayer," which is based on this book. I'm so glad that I found this novella... I discovered a hidden gem.

Turgenevs' prose is lilting and intoxicating. Throughout this short read, I felt as if I should have been reading this book lying in a field wildflowers or something. I know it sounds goofy, but it's true. The pages of this novella are simply bursting with feeling, which is exactly what our young protagonist is doing. One of my favorite quotes:

"Oh, gentle feelings, soft sounds, the goodness and the gradual stilling of a soul that has been moved; the melting happiness of the first tender, touching joys of love - where are you? Where are you?"

Because this book is written about a sixteen-year-old boy's First Love, it's practically raw emotion, all the time. When Vladimir's heart aches for the lovely Zinaida, you can feel it. You can feel his despair when SPOILER he finds out that the one Zinaida truly loves is his own father. END SPOILER You can clearly sense his undying devotion to his love.

Speaking of our protagonist, Vladimir stole my heart. SO incredibly romantic... and so devoted, undyingly. He would do anything for his love. Call me what you will (love-sick fool!), but I'd take Vladimir anyday.

The scenery is breathtaking. I have NEVER wanted to visit Russia, but this book made me want visit Russia and to stroll aimlessly through the Russian countryside. Prefferably with Mr. Vladimir. ; )

Don't be discouraged by the fact that this book was written in 1860. It is simply written and easily understandable. And it is truly a beautiful read.

MY RATING

5*****

Watch the trailer for Lover's Prayer here (but read the book before you watch the movie!):

Lover's Prayer Trailer

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

GENRE

Classic English Literature, Fiction.

SYNOPSIS

'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.' Thus memorably begins Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, definitely one of the world's most popular novels. P&P, as it is sometimes so amiably nicknamed, follows the story of a young woman, Elizabeth Bennet, one of five sisters who is impelled constantly by her mother to marry rich, as she confounds and charms the arrogant, prejudiced, and wealthy Mr. Darcy. Set in regency England, this story is the classic tale of love at all costs.

MY REVIEW

I thought a review of this novel would be an excellent way to start off my blog! What can I say that hasn't already been said by so many others? Pride and Prejudice is just simply the best. Jane Austen's incredible wit and amazing character development really truly never gets old. I absolutely adore the whole Mr. Collins visit, and Mr. Bennet's many witty quips to save the day: "From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents.--Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do."

The emotion in this novel practically springs from the pages of this book, and really seeps into you, making you really care about the characters. On a personal level, I can see some of myself in Elizabeth Bennet, P&P's main protagonist, and she is probably one of my favorite literary heroines of all time. And what's not to like about the handsome, brooding, regency heartthrob known as Mr. Darcy? Can anyone say super history crush?

My favorite part of this novel is the confrontation between Lady Catherine and Elizabeth concerning Mr. Darcy's offer of marriage. Jane Austen wrote this with such eloquence on Elizabeth's part, it never ceases to amaze me. Lizzy's character just shines so bright in this part, as she tells Lady Catherine off, and I can't wait till the end every time I reread it... just simply a wow moment.

All in all, one of the best reads of all time. Gripping story, lovely characters, incredible charm. Get ready to enhance your reading level by a bazillion points, though; it can be pretty wordy at times (in the best of ways). First timers to the wonderful Ms. Austen might find it semi-challenging.

(P.S. After you're done reading this amazing novel, be sure to watch both the Keira Knightley version and the BBC miniseries version of Pride and Prejudice! Both are excellent.)

MY RATING

5 *****