Review by Booklist Review
Edginton, previous adapter of several classics into graphic form (The Picture of Dorian Gray, 2009), teams up with illustrator Deas to undertake the much-loved (and oft-adapted) Pride and Prejudice. Austenites will find an overall carefully simplified version of the novel that retains much of the original text and might even entertain a little suspense if they allow the able adapters to guide the show. Perfect for class or book-group discussion, this adaptation is full of well-chosen scenes and authentic dialogue, which will helpfully solidify characters for readers: the squawking Mrs. Bennet; the pompous clergyman Mr. Collins; the alternately confounding and dashing Mr. Darcy; and, of course, Lizzy herself. Newcomers to the story will find a pleasing and accessible entry to the novel and perhaps will be inspired to pick up the original. Deas' illustrations are clean and spare, and though his characters are only nominally expressive, that makes key players easily recognizable and their occasionally drastic changes in mood all the more apparent. Deas' nearly photographic backgrounds lend the Regency era a modern, high-definition feel.--Bostrom, Annie Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
Arguably Austen's most popular novel today, the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy has spun out endless adaptations, in print and on screen, and is the source of one of literature's most quoted lines: "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." The very rich Mr. Darcy fails that supposition immediately. He is not searching for a wife and is in fact disdainful of most women and certainly of Elizabeth. This suits Elizabeth just fine, as the two are immediately at odds and remain so while their paths cross again and again. But underneath the simmering joint animosity is a growing attraction and slow path to, perhaps, mutual appreciation. Austen's wit and keen eye are on full display as she skewers the marriage market and writes about the perils women face as they try to navigate their futures in a world that offers few attractive options. The plot is brilliantly managed, as both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy circle each other within the smaller and larger circles of the society in which they engage, colliding in interesting ways that reveal much about themselves and their world. VERDICT Quick-moving, clever, and interrogative, Austen's popular love story, edited by the late literary scholar Kinsley and with a new introduction by Christina Lupton (English, Univ. of Warwick), is far more than a quest for a happily-ever-after.
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 8 Up- Les Miserables relates the tales of those who suffer the injustices and moral qualms of life. The manga primarily focuses on the love and struggles of Jean Valjean, Fantine, Cosette, and Marius, before and during the Paris Uprising. While some attractive art nicely expresses their plights and eventual ascent, certain design choices gives the atmosphere too pleasant a feel. A similarly upbeat style works much better for Pride and Prejudice, which takes full advantage of manga's characteristics. The flowery decorations, screentones, chibi form create a fun and charming tone for this love story and work of social commentary. When Elizabeth encounters Mr. Darcy, they hardly get along, yet slowly their original perceptions change. Sadly, much of their witty dialogue is condensed because of the limited space. King successfully refines these hefty texts down to their core elements. Although both have specific problems regarding characterization, the emotions remain true. Between a quick pace and the use of common English, these adaptations are a much easier format for the reluctant reader, and teens, to enjoy. A few minor issues hardly mar what are faithful translations of the originals, making both of these titles worthy of their esteemed names.- Rachel Forbes, Oakville Public Library, Ontario, Canada (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
