This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Released on August 19, 2014
Pages: 376
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
I wanted to explore an old favorite in a new way so I eagerly took up just my second Manga Graphic Novel and dove in to Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. It was a delightful surprise. The adapted story explored many nuances through a few extra conversations, expressions, and moods that were merely possibilities in the original that came alive in this one. They were offered in a way that didn’t alter the story outcome.
I had fun with the quirks of Manga in that I had to start at what many of us consider the back of the book to work my way forward and had to adjust to viewing and reading right to left. It was a challenge, but I adjusted quickly enough.
The story hit the major milestones of: Bingley leasing Netherfield, Darcy making his famous blundering comment overheard by Elizabeth, Jane’s illness and stay at Netherfield, Mr. Collins and Wickham’s arrival, the Netherfield Ball, Darcy’s infamous proposal at Hunsford and Elizabeth’s scathing refusal, second chance at Pemberley, Lydia’s elopement, and it all comes around to where it began with Bingley’s return to Netherfield.
But in between were all the speculative scenes that were done just brilliantly. At times the characters were caricatures of themselves, but this was amusing in it’s own way.
While I enjoyed this adaption, I would caution readers not to substitute this for the original (and I do not mean that as a disparagement of this engaging book). Let’s just say that one can appreciate this book, but really shouldn’t miss the classic version.
As to the graphic, I loved what the artists did with the characters, the scenes, the body positions and expressions. Many moods were portrayed and a frame was so detailed that it conveyed whole pages worth at times.
All in all, I enjoyed the refreshing take on a favorite classic in this Manga format. I would recommend it to graphic novel lovers, but also Austenesque fans.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Romance Roundabout #225 HR
New to me #116 author
Historical Romance #55
Austenesque Lovers #31
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Jane Austen meets Manga. That is pretty crazy but so fun. I love all the different things out there. Glad you enjoyed it so much, Sophia!
LOL! That was the fun of it for sure.
This sounds pretty interesting. Never would have thought they would have done it in a manga format. I do love the Austen themes they have coming out lately.
I was pretty surprised, too. They’ve done several classics. So fun!
I’ve been wondering about these. I’m going to have to add this one to my Jane Austen hoard. lol
Haha! Your hoard! These are a fun re-read for the Austen lover, Angela.
wow, how cool! I haven’t read a manga in a long time but I that it is awesome that one was done for Jane Austen 🙂
It was very cool, Sharonda. They did all sorts of classics, but of course I had to grab the Jane Austen. Haha!
I’ve never read Manga, but I enjoy the look of it. I like that the characters were caricatures of themselves, and that the frames were so detailed with both the plot and moods of the characters. I’m glad that this was a wonderful reading experience for you!
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
Manga-style is a whole new world of reading for me, Lindy. I had a good time once I figured out how to read them back to front and adjust to the art work and storytelling style.
Jane Austen meets Manga. That is pretty crazy but so fun. I love all the different things out there. Glad you enjoyed it so much, Sophia!
I’ve been wondering about these. I’m going to have to add this one to my Jane Austen hoard. lol
wow, how cool! I haven’t read a manga in a long time but I that it is awesome that one was done for Jane Austen 🙂