Jane Austen discussion

Ever since I heard from my uncle that this came out, I was somewhat curious about what it was and I knew the plot very well from watching P&P so many times. When I found out that Mr. Grahame Smith had written a book that clearly wasn't Pride and Prejudice that I have come to love but a terrible sort of plot. I mean who ever thought that zombies would ruin a classic that has outlived a favorite author. There are some who enjoy this book but I cannot. It loses it's meaning and thus making it a fleshed out book that has been reached the best-seller's list.

I didn't read the book but my brother got me the graphic novel for my birthday. I didn't like it. It seemed like a Regency era mad libs where every added word was zombie.

I have to admit to buying the book, but just because it adds to the Austen collection I have. Did not care for this book (and I like paranormal) nor the one that made her a modern day vampire. For that matter, I don't like anything of hers brought into modern times.
I like my Austen "as it should be", Regency.
JMHO
Patg

For that matter, I don't like anything of hers brought into modern times. I like my Austen "as it should be", Regency.

I agree. OTOH we don't have to read Jane the Vamp, either.

I bought and read this book a while ago. I like the idea behind it, I like the thought of having fun with a classic novel. Unfortunately, the end result was disappointing. I agree with what Megan said, it looked like mad libs. No actual work done, just the original text copied down and a few sentences added every second paragraph. It felt lazy and half-assed and there was nothing funny in putting phrases like "Shut up, woman!" in Darcy's lips. (After all, being a zombie hunter and a gentleman aren't mutually exclusive!)

I have to say that when this book came out over two years ago I was disgusted. I even wrote a blog about it back in April of 2009. I suppose most of it is that it smacks of plagiarism and they are making money on Jane Austen's words which have been twisted to meet this current societies need for the horrific.

The problem with the book was that it wasn't a good Jane Austen book and it wasn't a good zombie book either. By changing Darcy's character and turning Elizabeth and her sisters into ninja zombie killers, most of the charm of P&P was lost for me, and the way Lizzie and the others dispatched zombies was so over the top and unbelievable (even in a zombie world) that there was no fun in the zombie part of it, either. The "author" should be ashamed of himself.

If I have to be honest, I'm sick of everything being vampires. I think they should've left Jane Austen books alone. When I think of how she would feel about now if she was alive, I can seriously see her being angry. That's just what I think

Becky, I completely agree with you. Every single word.

Was I the only one that read this book and somewhat enjoyed it?

I loved the opening lines and some parts of the book such as Lizzie's crouching tiger hidden dragon style set to with Lady Catherine de Bourgh, as you get the impression she would just love to give Lizzie a good slap.

Darcy makes some crude comments which are out of character, the respectable Aunt is given an affair, etc. I felt these spoiled key elements of the original plot and seemed needless.

I admit that it is by no means anywhere near worthy enough to be compared to the classic (although only around 15% happens to be new material), BUT it was certainly an interesting parody.. or maybe i'm just fixtated on the idea of Lizzie kicking some major zombie butt. Being as I am, 16 years old, it all seems pretty cool to me. Just kidding.. zombies.. ick.

Kalisi wrote: "Was I the only one that read this book and somewhat enjoyed it?

I loved the opening lines and some parts of the book such as Lizzie's crouching tiger hidden dragon style set to with Lady Catheri..."

I kind of enjoyed it too, Kalisi! Yes, a few details were off, but I thought a lot of the actual shifting of the plot done to accomodate the idea of zombies--Charlotte Lucas marrying Mr. Collins because she's been infected, etc.--were actually clever and made a bit of sense. Let's face it--it's zombies, so this is never going to be a rival for the actual classic. But genre fun it is. And a film version would be SO cool! Admit it. :)

C: Yes!

Sorry for the thread necromancy - though perhaps apt on this particular topic ;)

I've not read this, neither do I wish to (though I hear a film is being made!). I do not see the fascination with zombies, even if zombie books do sell well.

For those who might wish a lighter parody of Pride and Prejudice, you may find
more to your taste. Yes, I wrote it...

I didn't like it or Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters. Both a felt took too much away from the real novels and are just trying to make money off the raise of Zombie, Vampire, and other monster literature that has arisen. I hated the part when Elizabeth eats the dead ninja's brain. Hello? Why doesn't Lady Catherine just kill her, since she doesn't like her. I mean Elizabeth was clearly displaying some Zombie behavior, and Lady Catherine could just claim that she thought Elizabeth turned into one.

Leah, you've made me want to read it even less ;)

i WILL NOT read it!

People are often surprised when I tell them that I despised Pride and Prejudice and Zombies since I am the author of a paranormal adaptation myself, but I found nothing to recommend it. Essentially, he just took the majority of the text from Austen and interspersed zombies and action scenes here and there. When he did add anything "original," he lost not just the tone and the style of Pride and Prejudice but also the characters - they became nothing like their Austen counterparts.
One thing I can say about this book: It led me down the path of setting aside the contemporary novel I had been writing to do a proper paranormal adaptation. The only way I could find one I would want to read was to write it myself!

Believe it or not...I did read some of the chapters and unfortunately I found myself way beyond disappointed with it but I found that they had completely destroyed the story, characters and so forth....it's hideous!!

Anna wrote: "Believe it or not...I did read some of the chapters and unfortunately I found myself way beyond disappointed with it but I found that they had completely destroyed the story, characters and so fort..."

Agree 100%

I don't read anything where zombies feature - just don't see the appeal. As for other undead, well if it's done with some originality I might give it a look.

My own parody of Pride and Prejudice (see my author page) is very light. I wanted to keep very close to the story line and text. I think it can be more humorous when one keeps to the spirit of the original and uses exaggeration rather than departures.

Mr. Andrews, thank you! I just stumbled into my home office with a cup of coffee (waking up after going to bed with a migraine last night) and saw your comment -- the description for Pied and Prodigious made me "literally" laugh out loud! I have already downloaded it to my Kindle.
My own novel (Pulse and Prejudice) is not a parody, although it does have satirical elements and pop-culture references strewn about like Easter eggs. It is more of a faithful adaptation of Pride and Prejudice from Darcy's point of view - and he just happens to be a vampire. That added element necessarily requires that much of it be tongue in cheek (fang in cheek?).
I, too, never understood the fascination with zombies - they certainly lack the sex appeal of vampires! - but I absolutely LOVED Shawn of the Dead. Severe insomnia led me to retrieve PP&Z from my daughter's room, and I had hoped for something similar to that delightful film. Disappointed!
I do not understand its popularity! Of course, I could not even make it through the Amazon sample of 50 Shades of Grey, so what do I know?

No, I'm with you - can't always understand why some things are so popular. I mean, think about it: the classic appeal of a book is depth of character - the very opposite of zombies!

I hope you enjoy my book - it's abridged ;) I shall take a look at your book, too!

I would love to read your pride and prejudice "light" parody some-time Mr. Andrews.

Thank you, Anna. The author K.M. Weiland read and reviewed Pied and Prodigious, and she graciously provided an audio recording of the first chapter. I've put it in a video on youtube... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Br1K6...

I've been reading it aloud to my husband since we are on a road trip, but I keep messing it up with my giggling!

Warning: Do not read while driving.



;)

Right now I am working on a sequel to "Pulse and Prejudice" entitled "Dearest Bloodiest Elizabeth," but you might find my next project amusing. It is about a Werewolf named Heathcliff living in Victorian England but with lots of cool, futuristic gadgets.

So it will be a shapeshifter, steampunk, erotic romance adaptation of "Wuthering Heights." I call it "Withering Frights."

In the meantime, though, do give "Pulse and Prejudice" a try. It has been the publisher's #1 bestseller since it's release.

I saw a book on Amazon, think it was called "Wuthering Frights" - might want to look it up and see if it's similar (probably not!)

D.M. Andrews (GoodReads author) wrote: "I saw a book on Amazon, think it was called "Wuthering Frights" - might want to look it up and see if it's similar (probably not!)"

I listened your Pride and Prejudice sequel spoofish novel and totally loved it...it stayed close to the book but not too much and I'll have to finish it.

Damnit! I can't believe someone else wrote a shapeshifter, steampunk, erotic romance adaptation of "Wuthering Heights" already!

Just kidding. It looks like "Wuthering Frights" is completely unrelated to Bronte.

Yes, so far I have found "Pied and Prodigious" to be hysterically funny. Alas, I was given a "rush" assignment and have not been able to finish, but I will!

Has anyone seen "Dark Shadows" yet? I heard it was terrible, and it is written by the author of P&P&Z.

Also, what kind of author would I be if I didn't push my book?
Buy "Pulse and Prejudice"! :)

Colette wrote: "Damnit! I can't believe someone else wrote a shapeshifter, steampunk, erotic romance adaptation of "Wuthering Heights" already!

Just kidding. It looks like "Wuthering Frights" is completely unre..."

No kidding!! No wonder I really do hate it other than Jonny Lee Miller is now my favorite actor in it. It was awful even before I watched the movie.

Thanks, Anna & Colette. Pied and Prodigious just got a five-star review from KBR. I'm well chuffed! :)

That's great, DM - congratulations! I didn't even know Halliburton did book reviews! ;)

It is quite funny. You have every reason to be chaffed - I mean chuffed. I am just excited that complete strangers have actually been reading and liking my novel.

Kindle Book Review! You tease! ;)

I'm glad I'm not alone in disliking Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (and Ninjas)! I can see it working for a (slightly lame) comedy film but as a book I found it very hard going.

If you want a good Zombie book I'd suggest World War Z, though I'd still be interested to read a well written regency version if anyone knows of one, because I don't think it's at all incompatible.

If you like vampires, read Colette's Pulse and Prejudice, I don't think you'll be disappointed. ;)

I'm sure lots of people are reading Pulse and Prejudice because I keep seeing it where I want to get mine ;)

But I was happy get a review from Indie Ebook Review, from author Simon Cheshire, yesterday ;)

http://indieebookreview.wordpress.com...

I bought yours too, I just do not read very quickly and never review or recommend 'til I'm done. :)

Thanks, Louise. I'm not a fast reader either, or a fast writer. ;)