XLeptodactylous

Having never seen an adaptation of Pride and Prejudice but knowing the story almost completely through conversation and the media, my first impression of the book has always been based upon preconcieved images. The first thing that springs to mind would be good old Mr. Darcy - the handsome rogue who sweeps people off their feet and makes them swoon. Despite this idea that is floating around in the real world, I was not at all disappointed when I read the book: it was a refreshing entry into the Austen world and I would recommend anyone start with this book if they are keen on giving Austen a go.

My very first Austen book I have read is 'Emma', which is suitably similar in storyline and plot, but the directions that Austen takes you makes them perfectly acceptable as different. They are beautifully styled as you would expect any 19th Century novel to be, particular so since it was written by a female writer, and you can clearly tell with the fluent way it is written. Saying this, there are similarities between other 19th Century writers, such as Elizabeth Gaskell, but Austen's polite and gentle hand is clearly marked in both Pride and Prejudice and Emma, with the comforting humour that leaks out through the pages, though is not altogether too strong for the type of book that it is.