A Fresh Twist on a Classic: Darcy and Lizzy Take on the Undead in ‘Pride and Prejudice and Zombies’ Book Review

A Fresh Twist on a Classic: Darcy and Lizzy Take on the Undead in ‘Pride and Prejudice and Zombies’ Book Review

A Fresh Twist on a Classic: Darcy and Lizzy Take on the Undead in 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies' Book Review

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Book Review

“Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” is an imaginative twist on Jane Austen’s classic story, blending the elegance of 19th-century literature with the unexpected thrill of a zombie apocalypse. It’s a unique mix of old and new, appealing both to fans of traditional literary styles and those who love a bit of sass and creativity.

At its core, the book remains true to Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” We still follow the spirited Lizzy Bennet, but this time, she’s as skilled with weapons as she is with wit. Mr. Darcy retains his proud demeanor, and the dynamic between him and Lizzy is familiar – but now, they’re both zombie slayers. Each encounter not only highlights their growing chemistry but also their sword skills.

Initially, I was skeptical about this unusual combination. The idea of blending a literary classic with zombie fiction seemed odd at first, especially when I saw the book for the first time. However, the film adaptation changed my mind. The trailer depicted the characters and story in a way that piqued my interest. Watching the movie after reading the book turned out to be an enjoyable experience.

The book delivered plenty of laughs. The cast members from the film, Lily James as Elizabeth Bennet, Sam Riley as Mr. Darcy, and Matt Smith as Parson Collins, kept popping into my mind while reading. Despite a strong start, I felt the story dragged a bit in the middle. However, it picked up towards the end. The frequent zombie attacks, while central to the theme, sometimes felt a bit overdone. A few less might have made the story even more compelling.

Overall, “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” is a delightful read. The characters remain as lively as ever, with Elizabeth Bennet showing even more spirit. Seth Grahame-Smith’s additions blend seamlessly with Austen’s original dialogue, maintaining the tone of the book.

If you’re open to a radical reimagining of a classic, this book is a fun adventure. It stays true to the original timeline but adds a layer of exciting chaos. Watching Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters fight zombies instead of doing needlework is quite a treat.

Adaptation Recommendation

The book has already been adapted into a film featuring Lily James and Sam Riley. If you enjoy Austen mashups like “Lost In Austen” or “Austenland,” you’ll likely appreciate this one. “Warm Bodies,” a contemporary romantic comedy involving zombies, is also worth checking out.

Overall Rating

“Hello, Gorgeous.”

Romance Rating

“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”

Book Info:

Page Count: 335
Publisher: Quirk Books
Genre: Romance / Fantasy

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