Nothing says romance like kicking some zombie ass. Or so the book “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” would have readers believe.
The classic Jane Austen novel, “Pride and Prejudice,” has taken on a new twist by incorporating zombies into the already complicated relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.
This time around, the zombies actually help their relationship bloom as Mr. Darcy becomes infatuated with Elizabeth’s combat skills against the zombies.
Some readers may find the zombies to be a nuisance to the classic novel, but for the most part, the zombies create a tale of their own and weave a new backstory to Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship.
A problem many readers might have with this book is the language. Although zombies have taken over the plot, Austen’s fluid language is still present throughout the novel. Austen is known for her word choice and if some had a hard time reading the original “Pride and Prejudice,” the zombies don’t offer any help in the language department. Seth Grahame-Smith sticks to Austen’s word construction.
An interesting part of the novel is Grahame-Smith’s reader’s discussion guide. In case anyone felt like deliberating over parts or themes in “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,” Grahame-Smith has offered a handy guide in doing so.
Grahame-Smith offers questions like “Does Mrs. Bennet have a single redeeming quality?” and “Some critics have suggested that zombies represent the authors’ views toward marriage — an endless curse that sucks the life out of you and just won’t die. Do you agree, or do you have another opinion about the symbolism of the unmentionables?”
Humorous, romantic and full of brain-eating zombies, “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” is a must read for any hopeless romantic who likes a little bit of blood and guts on the side.
Reach the reporter at theresa.dillon@asu.edu
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