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I first read, and fell in love with, Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” in high school. I always wanted to know more about the story and what happened to those beloved characters after the wedding vows.
Recently I found what I was looking for at my local library. One need only look through the library catalog to see how many Austen-related titles are available. There are a great number of books, and even some movies, available to enhance your “Pride and Prejudice” experience. And while these other versions can never compare to the original, they are a good way to lose yourself in the story of Darcy, Elizabeth and first impressions.
While there are too many titles to mention here, the books range from stories as chaste and proper as the original to wild, scandalous and blush-inducing romances.
“The Pemberley Chronicles: a Companion Volume to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice,” by Rebecca Ann Collins, is a nice answer to the question of what happened after Darcy and Elizabeth married.
Looking for a little more action? Try Linda Berdoll’s books, “Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife” and “Darcy and Elizabeth.” Sure to get your pulse racing, and not for the faint at heart; you’ll never look at Darcy and Elizabeth the same way again.
Ever wondered what Darcy was thinking after he met, and tried to forget, Elizabeth? “Mr. Darcy’s Diary,” by Amanda Grange offers a slightly less guarded Darcy through entries in his personal diary.
There also are modern-day takes on this story.
“Austenland” by Shannon Hale is my personal favorite. This story follows a present day woman in search of her own Mr. Darcy.
Another of my favorite books, “Bridget Jones’ Diary,” by Helen Fielding, is a modernized look at “Pride and Prejudice.” One of the main characters is even named Darcy. Look closely to see how Fielding modernizes the story; it took me several reads before I spotted many small details.
For those of you who prefer Austen in movie form, you’re in luck; there are very well done movie versions to enjoy.
The BBC’s 1995 version of “Pride and Prejudice” is very accurate to the original story. However, if you don’t have five hours to indulge, the Hollywood rendition, starring
Keira Knightley, is a nice alternative. This version is a more manageable length while still staying true to Austen‘s story.
There also is the movie “Bridget Jones’ Diary.” While the film loses a bit of the story, you can still see the “bones” of the original.
A fun alternative to the traditional story is Bollywood’s version, “Bride and Prejudice.” This is a fairly straight re-telling of the original, but set in today’s India.
Whatever way you prefer to get your Austen, book or movie, there is something out there for everyone. All of these titles, and the original, are available through your
La Crosse County Library, with branches in Bangor, Campbell, Holmen, Onalaska and West Salem.
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