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Library Chit Chat - 4 August 2009
Last modified: August 4, 2009 - 10:57 AM
My chit chat this week is a book review written by staff member Michaela. The book that Michaela reviewed is a little bit unusual and with the title ‘Pride and Prejudice and Zombies’ you can understand why. Reviewers of this book have either loved it or hated it – the following is what Michaela thought.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies – By Seth Grahame-Smith
So let me start by stating, for the record, that I have never read a book about zombies before. I am not into vampires or the occult. I am however into Jane Austen, especially Pride and Prejudice. (I will admit that seeing Colin Firth emerging from the lake in “that” scene did seal the deal for me!) At school (in the olden days) I even wrote a 32 page essay on the lives of the characters and what they represent to women in today’s society. I have read every Jane Austen novel published and a few novels since written by fans who, like me imagine far more of the world than we were given by Miss Austen.
This however was a first for me. And so to the book. I thought I knew the characters in Janes Austen’s most famous novel. I had a relationship with Elizabeth and Jane, Mr Darcy and even Mrs Bennet. Oh how little I knew. Of course they were zombie slayers! Why didn’t I realise before that Lady Catherine servants were in fact ninja’s sent from Japan to protect the wealthy and well bred. How did I never see before that good dear sweet Charlotte had in fact been stuck down by the terrible curse that afflicted so many (although it probably make her marriage to Mr Collins that little more bearable!)
The story isn’t defiled by the addition of these facts. It does help to have a relationship with these characters. I don’t suggest you read the novel unless you are already familiar with the story and have formed attachments to the members of the families. If you can get past the imagery of dear Elizabeth Bennet plunging her hand into a ninjas chest and taking a bite from his still beating heart, then this just might be the book for you. If you don’t mind the odd reference to bloody pus filled sores and ladies of character ever so slightly vomiting into their napkins, by all means read and enjoy.
I did read this novel with trepidation. I was extremely grossed out by the imagery at times. I never read it just before bed. I did however laugh out loud and enjoyed the bizarre nature of the premise. You just might too.
Contact details
Yass Valley Library
Tel: 02 6226 1305
Fax: 02 6226 3994
library@yass.nsw.gov.au
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