It's the two hundredth birthday of Pride and Prejudice, a novel that has a special place in my heart. Though anyone acquainted with the Jane Austen industrial complex - notebooks, cookbooks, keychains, miniseries, finger puppets, etc. - would probably say that's hardly unusual. Particularly among the straight, female, bookish breed I belong too. However, some things that may set me apart: I'm not holding out for a Mr. Darcy, though I finally stumbled across a few guys who appreciated my wit and reading. They just weren't independently wealthy or good horsemen. I don't wish to be transported back to Regency England, as I appreciate the right to vote and decent dentistry. And finally, it's not even my favourite Austen, because Persuasion exists.
Still, I do think it's an incredible novel, both gracefully written and socially astute. I'm tired of critics looking to the work as a key to the secret dreams and desires of women. Considering the historical context, the stakes for Elizabeth in this novel are more than a happy marriage, but a bearable life and financial survival as well. If you're one of the few, unfortunate (and mostly male) readers who've ignored the book because you think it belongs to silly women who own more tea than ideas, please put your prejudices aside and read the book. You won't regret it.
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