Thank you to NetGalley and Sweet Cherry Publishing for the e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.


Gemma Barder’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel ’Pride and Prejudice’ is spectacular.

Designed to introduce children to the 1813 novel, Barder has taken the time to ensure that whilst the story is simplified for a younger audience? It hasn't lost anything that has made Austen’s work one that has remained a favourite for the last two hundred years.

The illustrations are perfect and remind me of ones found in my own version of the original story. They work perfectly alongside the written word and I especially liked the way each sister was depicted in the ’introduction’ to the five Bennet sisters at the beginning of the short story. The illustrated letters were also a brilliant idea although I fear the Miss Bennets’ governess would have been close to fainting over the lettering! (I jest)

It's apparent that whilst the book has been adapted for children, it is indeed for the elder side of Middle Grade (8-12) as some of the language is still a bit more complex and areas of the story are ones I imagine 8-year-olds may struggle with.

Pride and Prejudice whilst a love story has remained one that teaches women to know what is important in life. To not change to fit the will and desire of others, but also that you should find someone whose thoughts, desires and way of living match yours as much as possible. Elizabeth Bennet is beautiful yes, but she is so much more than that and I think that this adaptation does carry the original lesson Austen had woven so well into the original novel.

I would highly recommend this book as it is indeed a perfect way to make any young girl a lover of Austen for the rest of her life.