Though I am somewhat disconcerted with the pace at which I am moving in accomplishing the goals on my “Thirty Before Thirty” list, I take heart in knowing that I am not giving up. Many of my goals relied on the acquisition of our belongings, which were in storage for several months. Since those items arrived last month, I was able to find the unfinished painting I made it a task to finish for my son’s room, as well as my copy of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Reading this novel was numbered eight on my list, so put it on my nightstand determined to finish it in its entirety this time.
I have attempted to read Pride and Prejudice before, having enjoyed a couple of the film adaptations quite thoroughly (not including the 2005 version). In fact, it was the 1995 mini-series of Pride and Prejudice, featuring Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, that finally dethroned Little Women as my favourite “movie”. I felt as if I should really read the original book, though, and did attempt to at least once before. The old-English made me feel incredibly dense. I put it back on my bookshelf with the hope that I would be able to give it a more concentrated effort at a later date.
Years later, I opened the book and pressed on through the initial reminder of how confusing some of the wording is. Swiftly, I grew more accustomed to the manner of writing and ended up quite thoroughly enjoying the story. It actually yielded quite a few laughs from me. The characters have such a polite way of delivering some of the most scathing insults. A short time after I began the endeavor of checking this book off of my list, my husband and I caught You’ve Got Mail on television. The female protagonist in said movie, Kathleen, mentioned her favourite book is Pride and Prejudice, “I guess I’ve read Pride & Prejudice about 100 times and every time I read it I worry that Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are not going to get together — but the truth is whenever I think about my favorite book I always think about the books I read as a child.” As I continued reading, I found this actually to be quite true. I knew the outcome. The mini-series, I discovered, was a very faithful telling of the original story. Still, it was agonizing at times reading the words printed across the yellow pages. It was not an agony that arose from wishing I was reading anything but or a desire for the story to be over with so I could check it off. No, it was an eagerness. I was enjoying the tale immensely, and so engrossed in the characters, that I wanted to read again of their happiness. I wanted to read the happy resolution.
~One of the quotes which amused me simply because I could relate all to well to it~
Of course, as I finished the final words I felt the bittersweet sadness of it being over. My husband lovingly sat through the five or so hours the mini-series runs, so I could re-live the story yet again. This was not the first time either, since I have owned it for most of our marriage. He even agreed to read the book, since I suggested I would read his favourite book if he did. Alas, I have not yet convinced him to read my favourite book, which Pride and Prejudice rivaled admirably, which is Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre. Someday I might persuade him! I enjoy sharing these things with him but know that sometimes he just won’t find the same amusement in them. I am grateful for his friendship and love, and encouragement to achieve my goals.
Hooray! I have two items checked off of my list. It feels good to be moving forward, even though I regret the turtle’s pace.
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