This was my very first time reading a Jane Austen novel, and I’m still not sure if her writing style is for me. The language felt very much like what I’d call “Old English”—formal, dense, and at times hard to follow. There were quite a few words and phrases I didn’t recognize, and I honestly felt like I needed a dictionary just to get through it.

I almost gave up within the first quarter and considered just rewatching the movie instead. But I’m glad I stuck with it—thanks in large part to SparkNotes. I started reading each chapter, then followed it up with the summary and analysis on SparkNotes, which made a world of difference. It helped me understand the plot, characters, and Austen’s subtle humor in a way I couldn’t grasp on my own.

If you’re struggling with Austen’s writing, I highly recommend using a resource like SparkNotes. It really enhanced my reading experience and helped me appreciate the story in a new way.

What also helped me get through the book was doing a tandem read with the audiobook, narrated by the talented actress Rosamund Pike, who, coincidentally, played Jane in the 2005 Pride & Prejudice movie adaptation. Listening to her while following along in my digital eBook made a huge difference. Her narration was absolutely stellar. She gave each character a distinct voice and brought the entire cast to life with such nuance and charm. It made the reading experience far more engaging and immersive.

Although I’ve seen both the TV series and the movie adaptations of Pride and Prejudice, the story itself has never been my favorite of Austen’s. I’m not the biggest fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope, and this book doesn’t offer the kind of sweeping romance or swoony moments I tend to look for in romance novels. That said, I did find myself laughing at several points, especially thanks to the over-the-top personalities of characters like Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Collins. I can definitely appreciate the novel’s satirical tone and its role as a romantic comedy of its time.

One element I really enjoyed was the cozy, cottagecore atmosphere. The vivid descriptions of the English countryside, elegant balls, and Elizabeth’s famous long walks gave the book an almost whimsical, seasonal feel. It turned out to be the perfect springtime read when I was craving that specific vibe. While the pacing felt quite slow for much of the story, I found the last quarter more compelling and enjoyable.

Overall, once I figured out the best way to approach the book, through a combination of the audiobook and supplementary tools like SparkNotes, it turned into an entertaining and worthwhile read. I’m glad I finally tackled this beloved classic. Jane Austen may not be a new favorite author for me, but I understand why so many readers adore her progressive storytelling and clever social critiques.

I’m especially looking forward to trying Emma, which has always been my favorite Austen movie adaptation. While I’ll probably always prefer watching the movies or TV series, I still want to give a few more of her novels a try.

*SparkNotes if you need assistance reading this book.