Bring Back Yearning
By Tenzin Choyang & Veronica Paéz
Pride & Prejudice is the ultimate classic that every romance lover should read at least once. Written by Jane Austen, it’s perfect in every single way. The beloved novel was released in 1813 but gained even more attention after popular film adaptations (1995, 2005), each adored by fans worldwide. You will instantly be transferred into Austen’s world once you pick up any of her novels and never feel like putting them down.
Set in the early 19th century in a small village in England, the story follows Elizabeth Bennet, one of the five Bennet sisters. Their mother’s greatest wish is to marry off each of her daughters to a safe and happy future. One day there is news the handsome and wealthy bachelor Mr. Bingley is to stay in town, bringing hope to every woman a chance to marry him. Mr. Bingley soon hosts his first ball and is immediately drawn to Jane, the eldest of the daughters. The Bennets are introduced to Bingley’s close relatives and friends at the ball, especially the arrogant and aloof Mr. Darcy. However, Elizabeth attempts to have a dance with him but he declines and says she’s “not handsome enough”. This initiates an intense and rocky relationship between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy throughout the story.
Pride and Prejudice is the perfect novel for readers who enjoy a slow-burn romance and misjudged impressions - enemies to lovers trope. Not to mention, Austen’s exquisite writing and use of literature will leave your jaw dropped.
Although it’s a classic, it’s easy to overlook this book and other work by Austen. It can be seen as unimportant and not worthy of praise. The thing is, this book is important, a rare jewel, it holds depth and emotion that is told through sophisticated words. The intense waves of emotion people have felt reading this book changed me as a reader and a person. The passion and spirit of the characters come alive on the page. If one isn’t feeling these things while reading a book occasionally then why read at all? Pride and Prejudice does everything a highly esteemed book should do. The spirit of Austen’s novels has been somewhat lost in modern-day, the love of a slow burn has disappeared. The appreciation of the build-up has been replaced with generic romance stories with no spark or attraction to it. As time goes by, we are not only witnessing the genre of romance novels slowly losing its individuality among authors but also romance fading away in people today.
The use of social media platforms has been revolutionary in changing people’s taste for books. One notable example of this is the popular #BookTok community on TikTok. In the past five years, the demand for books has completely changed. There has been a rise in the popularity of easy-to-read smutty books. Of course, there is nothing wrong with wanting to read those books, but when your entire social media page is filled with people recommending these books it can be a bit exhausting. BookTok has created this high demand causing publishers to push authors to release books rapidly. This causes individuality and personal taste to be lost in the process which leads authors to make countless books on similar plots and conclusions. In the end, there is an overwhelming amount of average books that follow the same easy trope that is considered a hit across social media. This has lowered the standard of romance novels today and romance in general.
Thus, everyone should read a classic such as Pride & Prejudice. The book's storytelling and writing are unique and different from our modern-day romance novels. It tells a slow-burn romance story so distinguishable compared to others. Reading any novel written by Jane Austen will no doubt change your life forever.