With the pure sass of the original novel, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies adds an extra layer of badassery to a classic.
Book Blurb from Chapters Indigo
“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains.” So begins Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, a bold reimagining of Jane Austen’s classic novel. As our story opens, a mysterious plague has fallen upon the quiet English village of Meryton—and the dead are returning to life. Feisty heroine Elizabeth Bennet is determined to wipe out the zombie menace, but she’s soon distracted by the haughty and arrogant Mr. Darcy. What ensues is a delightful comedy of manners with plenty of civilized sparring between the two young lovers—and even more violent sparring on the bloodsoaked battlefield. Complete with romance, heartbreak, swordfights, cannibalism, and thousands of rotting corpses, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is an audacious retelling of English literature’s most enduring novel.
I was SO unsure about this concept that it took me almost 7 years and a movie trailer to give it a try. As a lover of anything zombie or apocalyptic, I should have been all over this book back in 2009 but my love for Austen made me hesitant. After seeing the movie trailer, I was instantly drawn in and went straight to Chapters to get a copy.
The dialogue stays very true to the original novel. It’s the in between moments, the moments of action, that bring on the badass. It was ALMOST exactly like reading Austen but instead of dancing, sometimes there is duelling. Occasionally at the same time. Our main characters maintain their well known hostile flirting with a side of sass while delightfully dealing with the unpleasantries of killing zombies in a most civilized manner. Muskets and Katanas are considered unladylike but one must always be armed with at least an ankle dagger, while not as effective, it is a subtle and delicate weapon. While taking a turn around the garden, one must always be on alert for shuffling and moaning.
It was a quirky and cheeky read. However, if you aren’t a fan of Austen prose and Regency era dialogue and manners this book may not be for you. But if the concept of Austenland combined with The Walking Dead appeals to you then get reading!
Until next time –
Regularly Reads 