Pride and PrejudicePride and Prejudice
What it's about
In early-1800s England, the Bennet family has five unmarried daughters and no son to inherit their home, so their mother is desperate to see them married well. When wealthy Mr. Bingley moves in nearby with his proud, aloof friend Mr. Darcy, sharp-witted Elizabeth Bennet takes an instant dislike to Darcy, and he to her family. What follows is a comedy of first impressions, misunderstandings and pride on both sides.
Why it's worth reading
It's the original enemies-to-lovers romance and still one of the funniest, smartest novels ever written. Elizabeth Bennet is endlessly quotable, and the book's insights into people haven't aged a day.
You'll love it if you liked
Little Women, Anne of Green Gables or Wuthering Heights
Good to know
The language takes a chapter or two to tune into, then it flies. It's a comedy of manners, so the drama is in the conversations, and they're delicious.
By the numbers
- Readers89 out of 100 · counts 40%+41
- Critics55 out of 100 · counts 14%+8
- Bestseller79 out of 100 · counts 32% (its stronger lane)+28
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 15%+0
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero.
On 3 canon lists, including Bokklubben World Library (100 greatest books). One of the best-selling books ever (about 20 million copies). 4.30★ from 5.0M Goodreads ratings.
Where it ranks
- #2 of the 108 romances we rank
- #8 of the 520 classics we rank
- #38 of the 1,405 books we rank
Bestseller
- One of the best-selling books ever (about 20 million copies)
On the lists
- Bokklubben World Library (100 greatest books)
- PBS Great American Read
- BBC's The Big Read
Reads as
Moving
