14 March 2010

Review: Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen (Graphic Novel)

When I learned that Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice was turned into a graphic novel, adapted by Nancy Butler and Hugo Petrus, I had to get a copy for myself.

The graphic version follows the original story line but leaves out several minor characters and scenes, and we barely see Kitty and Mary. Although a true fan of P&P (like me) will want to read the adaptation, the book is more like a colorful CliffsNotes summary than the classic novel. The important plot points are covered, familiar dialogue is presented, but the reader is not drawn to the characters and does not become lost in the tale.

The drawings themselves are well done, but the Bennett sisters (as was pointed out by other bloggers) have a somewhat modern look. Mr. Darcy is handsome enough, but Mr. Wickham is not as charming as he should be when we first meet him.

Regardless, if you can't get enough Austen and if Pride & Prejudice is a favorite book, you'll want to add the graphic novel to your collection. The scanned page is from beginning, and shows the artwork and dialogue. (Click on the image to enlarge it.)


Published by Marvel Comics, 2009
ISBN-13: 9780785139157
Challenges: Graphic Novel, Buy & Read, 100+
YTD: 22
Source: Bought (see review policy)
Rating: C
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20 comments:

  1. Eva3/14/10, 8:44 AM

    Ewwwwwwwww. I love P&P and Austen, and that scan just horrifies me. There's no way I want to read this...I express my fanhood by just rereading Austen's book every couple years! ;)

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  2. Julie P.3/14/10, 9:01 AM

    It's interesting in concept.....

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  3. Beth F3/14/10, 9:18 AM

    Eva & Julie: your comments totally cracked me up. I just couldn't resist reading and owning the P&P graphic novel. I didn't say the book was great!

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  4. caite3/14/10, 9:21 AM

    To each their own..I guess. I can't really see the appeal. But then I am not a graphic novel fan.

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  5. Louise3/14/10, 9:54 AM

    I've only read a few graphic novels (if not counting cartoons as grahic novels), but this is not one I would want to read. I'd rather read the "real" story which - gasp - I haven't read either. But I've seen the movie ;-)

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  6. Sandy Nawrot3/14/10, 10:02 AM

    To me it kinda loses the romance in this form! I am in the graphic novel challenge, but I'm not sure this will be one of my choices! But heck, every other person has adapted P&P, why not this?

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  7. bermudaonion3/14/10, 10:26 AM

    I think this would be interesting to read, but I don't think I'd want to own it.

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  8. Amused3/14/10, 12:55 PM

    I like the original but I wonder if it would appeal to teenagers more?

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  9. JoAnn3/14/10, 1:00 PM

    I think the colorful Cliff Notes comparison is a good one. This wasn't really my cup of tea, but I couldn't resist purchasing and reading it either. Was going to do a giveaway, but my daughters couldn't bear to part with it!

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  10. Margot3/14/10, 2:06 PM

    I've now read two graphic novels so I consider myself a semi-expert on the subject. (That was sarcasm.) So, in my expert opinion, this looks rather good, kinda sweet. I'm going to see if I can find it and give it a try. But having read more Austen books than graphic novels, I'm sure I will remain true in my affections for Austen.

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  11. Robin M3/14/10, 3:58 PM

    I've never read a graphic novel. I guess it is a good way to get teenagers interested.

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  12. Unknown3/14/10, 6:23 PM

    Graphic novels aren't just for teens. As a teen, I had an unrivaled disdain for them. As an adult, I've learned to appreciate and adore them.

    *want**want**want**want*

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  13. Sheila (Bookjourney)3/14/10, 6:24 PM

    I am so amazed in all the graphic novels out there. I still have not read one. I would like to give one a try - they king of fascinate me :)

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  14. Dorte H3/15/10, 10:20 AM

    I can see the idea of some graphic novels, especially humorous versions of heavy novels, but I don´t think I need anything but the original version of Pride and Prejudice.

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  15. Alice3/16/10, 1:57 AM

    Poor Mr Wickham... LOL. I've read P&P the original version but a graphic novel edition is going to be interesting... Thanks for the review, Beth!

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  16. Kari3/16/10, 4:57 PM

    Interesting idea...maybe for reluctant readers.

    But less Mary???? She's so miserable it's hilarious!

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  17. Ana S.3/18/10, 4:42 AM

    It's a pity (though understandable) that the reading experience doesn't even come near the original, but as a GN junkie I kind of want it in my collection. I actually quite like what I've seen of the art.

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  18. Serena3/18/10, 1:19 PM

    I've seen this book in the bookstore and thought about feeding my P&P obsession with it, but I've refrained. Now I may just have to skip it...since the story doesn't draw you in as much as the original.

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  19. Miss K3/21/10, 10:58 AM

    This piques my interest. My students have been enjoying graphic novels based on mythology lately; I wonder if they would want to read this.

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  20. Tribute Books3/23/10, 1:01 PM

    Will take a look at it. interesting!

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