Book Review: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

June 29, 2009 Posted by Roger Overton

Many readers are familiar with the classic Jane Austen novel Pride and Prejudice. But readers will find something slightly amiss when they read the first line of this version, “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains.” The back of the book claims that “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies transforms a masterpiece of world literature into something you’d actually want to read.”

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is the result of some tinkering by Seth Grahame-Smith. Most of the original plot remains the same, but has been edited to feature fights with deadly zombies and ninjas. There are a few plot changes, such that two of the original characters die and one is severely crippled. What defined a person of good standing in the original was someone with money, manners, and good connections. In the zombie version, where one was trained in martial arts is equally as important.

Many of the occasions where the zombie plot is inserted are comical and well-done. Some heighten the original plot in a way that makes the tension more dramatic. One example is when Mr. Darcy first confesses his love for Elizabeth she attempts to kill him in defense of her family’s honor. Some of the zombie occurrences become predictable. Just about every time someone is travelling they come upon at least a few zombies that require some beheading or burning. There is one instance where Elizabeth encounters a zombie woman carrying a zombie baby, and she decides not to vanquish them. This odd encounter is never explained or revisited.

I’m probably one of the few people in the world who have never watched a zombie movie, so my expectations in regards to zombies may be skewed. I expected that there would be some resolution to the zombie plot- perhaps a final battle to kill all the zombies or destroy the source of the infestation- but no such resolution is provided. Zombies just happen to be attacking the English for no apparent reason and it seems that always will be.

I read Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice prior to the new zombie version so that I could compare the two. I found that the ways in which Seth Grahame-Smith edited and twisted the original were often brilliant and hilarious. However, I’m not sure those unfamiliar with the original would find Pride and Prejudice and Zombies as amusing. If someone is considering which version they should read, they should read the classic and be enriched by the masterpiece that it is. But most of those who have read Austen’s original, and have a sense of humor, will likely find Pride and Prejudice and Zombies a fun and worthwhile read as I did.