Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austin and Seth Graham-Smith
Ranked #10,244 in Books, Poetry & Writing, #359,310 overall
What Would Jane Austin Think?
Raleigh has a great independent book store that, despite the requisite B and N's and Borders is thriving.
One of the great things about it is a big table at the entrance. If I never read anything but what is on the table, I would be happy and well read. Its filled with books that I hadn't heard of until I saw it there.
Friday I came upon P and and Z. I was. of course, drawn by the picture, but the knowledgeable staff told me that since Austin's works are now public domain anyone can use them.
Seth Grahame-Smith has written a seemless novel that uses the words. plot and stories of P and P and added a story of horror and strength. Its called a parody, but I think it needs another category. Its a tribute.
In this story the Bennett sisters are not just plagued by possible future poverty and the mores of early nineteenth century England, but as a plague of zombies that threatens the peace and more. They handle the society with the same abilities that readers have loved for centuries.
They handle the zombies with the classical training that they received in China.
A Co-Authored Masterpiece
by Jane Austin and Seth Grahame-Smith
"It is a truth universally acknowledged that "... thus starts this novel in the exact way Jane Austin did, but then the well known quote goes on, "a zombie in possession of brains must be in the want of more brains. And we see how this book was written as a collaboration between the long dead Ms Austin and the very alive and healthy Mr. Grahame-Smith.The credit reads: JANE AUSTIN is the author of Sense and Sensibility, Persuation, Mansfield Park and other Masterpieces of English literature. SETH GRAHAME-SMITH once took a class in English literature. He lives in Los Angeles.
I am guessing that Grahame-Smith did a lot more than that. He would not have been able to write this so seemlessly in the tradition of Austin without a lot of talent and knowledge. No doubt those who have read each Austin classic multiple times will spot any addition. And of course, the fight scenes are clearly additions. However, there are some passages, where Mr. Bennett is saying recognizable lines, and is polishing a sword. Was that in the original or not? I know that the mentions of Elizabeth's well sculpted arms were not Jane's words...but there are times when one wonders...
The ball at Mr Bingley's house was the exact ball that Austin so accurately portrayed, until the zombie attack and the five Bennett's used their martial arts training to save the day. The beauty is that Austin could have written that scene also; well had she written it, those are the words she would have used.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Is a Tribute to Jane Austin
So what do you think? Are you a purist or do you appreciate this innovation?
Is This Book a Good Idea?
Heck No! Jane Austin Is Turning Over in Her Grave!
Cinnamonbite says:
Truly, the zombie parts are the only lively thing about this dry dead story! Knowing the girls are amazing zombie fighters are the only thing interesting about them! I can't imagine having to read this book in it's original format and anyone who has, truly has my pity.
7Suze7 says:
I must say, I have some questions about this
Hell Yes! Jane Austin Is Reading This in Heaven and Loving It!
WindyWinters says:
Yes! Maybe Seth Grahame-Smith was Jane Austin in a former life.
julcal says:
Absolutely! More great writing!
marymc says:
Great Idea, no one could ever call me a 'purist', oh no, never.
"At this point Elizabeth let out a most palpable yawn. Though she admired Mary's bravery in battle, she had always found her a trifle dull in relaxed company."
Elizabeth Bennett Becomes a Super Heroine
Elizabeth Bennett was always and amazing heroine. Although certainly a part and product of her time and culture, she was still able to stand above most of it. She knew who she was and was not going to sacrifice who she knew herself to be to stave off the financial problems of a single woman without and inheritance. She was intelligent and honorable. She also was open to learning, growth and change.In Pride and Prejudice and Zombies she also has well sculptured arms and is the best fighter in the land. She knows that when she loses the house after her father's death she can also make a living as a warrior, assassin or in a similar occupation. Far cry from the original Elizabeth's option of governess.
Seth Grahame-Smith Talks About His Work
My Predictions About the Movie
I am hoping that there is going to be a movie. I saw Joss Wheden as the producer/writer/directer. After all, who else could do it. Wheden has taken Buffy the Vampire Slayer and made it real, with humor and dignity.
Wheden is also the king of strong women. He knows how to balance the muscle and the vulnerability into multidimensional women.
Oh, and I want Merly Streep to be Mrs. Bennett. I mean, who else?
I was going to write to Wheden about this, but then I note that Grahame-Smith is already active in Hollywood. You go boy!
Margo_Arrowsmith predicts:
Joss Wheden Will Make Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Into a Great Movie with Meryl Streep
WindyWinters predicts:
I predict the "Zombie" pop culture craze is just beginning and a movie is inevitable!
julcal predicts:
Margo, you sure are an idea person! A movie would be great!
marymc predicts:
This is the start of a whole new movement--wait till someone gets hold of Harriet Beecher Stowe, one of my favorites.
Read About Joss Wheden
Would Keira Knightly Play the Part Twice?
Enter My Salon
The literature has some of the best and most unusual novels you will find. Take a look and settle in for some reading. First the lenses, then the books.
You Can Buy Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and More by Seth Grahame-Smith HERE
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Are You A Jane Austin Fan?
Is this book too much or is it a fitting tribute to the legacy of Jane Austin? Let us know what you think.
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raphaelo
May 10, 2011 @ 4:51 am | delete
- I love this lens.. dearest Margo. So cool and scary at the same time ;) Much love and Have a wonderful time.. dear lady :)
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7Suze7
Jan 25, 2011 @ 5:05 am | delete
- I have to think about this.
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WindyWinters
Dec 2, 2010 @ 6:28 pm | delete
- My hubby is a Jane Austin Fan! I enjoy Zombie Movies but I'm a little chicken to read Zombie books. I am very tempted to read the book before there is a possible movie. Lensrolling to Zombie Calendars!
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AndyPo
Nov 29, 2010 @ 4:56 pm | delete
- Great lens. I just reread Pride and Prejudice (I bought a new Kindle and downloaded lots of classic (i.e. free) books) I don't remember there being many zombies in the original version. I knew there was something missing. This sounds like a great book.
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JaguarJulie Jul 18, 2009 @ 4:13 pm | delete
- Oh Margo -- thanks for turning me on to this book! Yes, I at times am feeling more like a zombie each and every day! "a zombie in possession of brains must be in the want of more brains." I want more more more! Thank you.
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Table of Contents
- A Co-Authored Masterpiece
- Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Is a Tribute to Jane Austin
- Elizabeth Bennett Becomes a Super Heroine
- Seth Grahame-Smith Talks About His Work
- My Predictions About the Movie
- Read About Joss Wheden
- Would Keira Knightly Play the Part Twice?
- Enter My Salon
- You Can Buy Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and More by Seth Grahame-Smith HERE
- Are You A Jane Austin Fan?
- Blog Posts from Google
- Pics
- Changing the Guard Blog
- About Margo Arrowsmith
- More By Seth Graham-Smith
by Margo_Arrowsmith
Margo Arrowsmith received the "Lens of the Day" Twice
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