The Comfort Book Club / Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Welcome to June's Comfort Book Club discussion! My Mum, Donna, and I are chatting about this month's book club choice, 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. There are spoilers in this chat, as we're assuming you have read the book if you watch. Special thanks to the readers who sent voice messages for this video, which were included in our discussion: Myriam, Laura, Madeleine and Sherri.
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[@shelliclarke5563]

My favorite line in 2005's Pride and Prejudice is when Mr. Darcy says to Elizabeth, "you must know, surely you must know, it was all for you" when she thanks him for all he did for her family.

[@catholicpeaces6257]

The comfort and joy I get when I see you beautiful ladies talk about cozy reads, Seasalt wear, treats and travels! Tuning in makes my Thursday 🌸

[@paulaevans2555]

I grew so much. Such wonderful videos

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much ❤️

[@lizhopkins6926]

I’m named after Lizzie.. this book has such an important place in my heart. Thank you both so much for a wonderful discussion! ♥️

[@bipolar_kitty]

I believed that I wasn’t “smart” enough to read classics when I was younger, and P&P was the first classic I tried. Now i basically only read classics :) love it, Pride and Prejudice never gets old

[@emmas7045]

This is also my favourite Austen along with Persuasion. My now 15 year old loved the BBC production when we watched it a few years ago. So it's still entertaining and inspiring new Austen fans! I also taught P&P last year, as it's on the igcse syllabus, and it was so lovely and interesting to see how passionate the teens were about it. They had very strong ideas about the Charlotte and Mr Collins marriage in particular! It's such a timeless book in so many ways. Thanks for such a great discussion ❤.

[@Karen-ve6ds]

Thank you both for hosting this interesting discussion on Pride and Prejudice. A message for Donna. I agree with what you said about the 1995 BBC dramatisation which introduced it to younger people. We watched it on DVD when my daughter was 7 years old and she loved it. She wanted to go to Derbyshire and visit “ Pemberley” so that’s where we went on holiday, we had a week in the Peak District. In my opinion the ‘95 dramatisation was the best, and being able to share that with my daughter was wonderful. I always encouraged her to read but she wouldn’t have managed the full book at that age. The BBC also introduced my son to Dickens (slightly off topic!) as I let him stay up on a school night to watch Bleak House. It was so well done and I couldn’t agree more about such productions being of great educational value.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Austenites GET IN FORMATION

[@MirandaMills]

😂

[@PatHerranz]

🙋‍♀️

[@virginiaanderson8875]

Im with you 😊

[@sophiew6786]

😂 This needs to be on a t-shirt

[@pazley612]

🙋🏻‍♀️

[@LeeinaRee]

Thank you Miranda and Donna❤ for another entertaining lively discussion. You both kept me grinning the entire time about the characters in P&P. The book is definitely a wonderful read. 😊

[@bacisplace2862]

Great discussion! I love your mum’s necklace and earring set, too. She’s such an elegant and classy lady!

[@virginiaanderson8875]

I was in High School, had a wonderful English Lit teacher who introduced me to the world of classics and it became a lifetime of love for me. It had been a long time since i reread this Jane Austin, thanks for choosing it for this month!! Love it and also, you & Donna - a wonderful Mother/daughter team❤

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed rereading along with us, Virginia! Xxx

[@brigittebeche4117]

Obstinate headstrong girl! I love this quote! Do nog delude yourself young lady and pretend to mary above your social rank😅!

[@nancyfritz1827]

Hello Miranda, Donna and members of the Comfort Book Club, I very much enjoyed this discussion of one of my favorite novels and found myself smiling throughout the video. Although I haven't been commenting much, I do watch and love your videos. Have a happy Summer!!!

[@marybeck514]

Love me some Jane 😊 ( and Miranda & Donna too😂).

[@janmccann9471]

Listening to you two and your passion for JA is such a delight! If you ever come to Halifax, West Yorkshire, the Bankfield Museum have just bought Mr Darcy’s famous shirt and have it on display.

[@bettymaugeri7316]

A fun discussion of JA’s novel - love your channel. Enjoy your summer!

[@lynstrohbach3586]

I hasn’t thought about the travel aspect for Lizzie that changes her. Good point!

[@DibBaggy1]

Thank you both for another beautiful video. x

[@insearchofwonder]

Loved this discussion! One of my favorite books ever and you guys brought up some excellent points I've never considered. Really enjoyed listening in on your conversation.

[@MirandaMills]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you! 🩷

[@CLeigh315]

I must confess that I have loved the 1995 BBC miniseries for YEARS (since I first saw it in 2000) but this is the first time I’ve read P&P. I loved the book even more than I expected to! Interestingly, I found myself sympathizing quite a bit with Mrs. Bennet (a difficult lady, to be sure, but treated quite badly by her husband) and really disliking Mr.Bennet. somehow I fell even more deeply in love with Mr Darcy. Thank you for a lovely discussion as well!

[@maries3000]

Hello Miranda & Donna, I had intended to contribute a voice message to this month’s discussion, but life got in the way. Pride & Prejudice is my favourite Austen book. Elizabeth has a playfulness and sense of fun that intrigues Mr Darcy, who is drawn to her and it isn’t long before he is admiring her fine eyes, especially after her walk across the fields to Netherfield when Jane is ill. I read The Other Bennett Sister and it was one of my best reads of 2023. Janice Hadlow really brings Mary out of the shadows and, as she grows in confidence, so the reader falls a little more in love with her. I would have liked Jane Austen to have tidied up Mary’s story at the end of P & P, but this other imagining of her character filled that gap. Thank you for choosing this delightful read for our CBC discussion.

[@inlaterdays]

I didn't discover Jane Austen until college, but after I did, I read through everything! My father recently read Pride and Prejudice so he could see what I was going on about all the time. His verdict? "Very wordy, but I can see why you like it." 😂 I do love him for having read it! I really enjoyed this discussion; thank you both so much!

[@MirandaMills]

Aw that’s lovely that he read it! ❤️

[@redandpink219]

Like you, the 1995 BBC adaptation was my first introduction to the book, and a segue way to other Austen titles. I was blown away by Austen's characterisations, and her thoughtfulness in presenting different types of marriages. Austen struck me then (and even more so now, as I get older) as a woman who was an astute observer of her world. She had very important things to say on women, men, marriage, the church, social hierarchy, that amazingly, still resonates today.

[@MirandaMills]

I completely agree!

[@Veganmylocsarereal17]

Hello Miranda and Donna… You Both look Beautiful (always) Donna You’re a whole vibe 💕.. I love your haircut. Miranda my first time reading “Pride and Prejudice” was in 2020 and I think I still didn’t realize how Great it was because I didn’t like most of the characters especially Caroline Bingley but this time I still didn’t like her but Mr. Bennett became more likable to me.. because it really came down to Elizabeth’s happiness to him (I guess I paid more attention to him after losing my father in 2021 🤷🏾‍♀️)now what’s coming up will shocked you and most of Booktube I have never seen “Bridget Jones’s Diary” ugh!!😩 I know and I think it’s Because every time it airs on TV my sister who DO NOT READ and has NEVER been a READER watches it.. ☺️ I can’t wait to tell her she Just may like a Jane Austen Novel… 🤣🤣going straight from not reading to a CLASSIC… I hope I will be a witness to this miracle .. and now I’m going to watch Bridget Jones’s Diary..🥰… thank you so much Miranda 💕 I really tried to shorten this comment

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your wonderful support, Kiki! I really appreciate it & enjoyed reading your comment. Hope you and your sister enjoy Bridget Jones’ Diary, and that you may even tempt her to give P&P a go 😄🩷

[@ViccyJ]

Pride and Prejudice is my ultimate comfort book and I like to read it in the Summer too - “ on reaching the house they were shown through the hall into the saloon whose northern aspect rendered it delightful for summer. Its windows opening to the ground admitted a most refreshing view of the high woody hills behind the house and of the beautiful oaks and Spanish chestnuts which were scattered over the intermediate lawn.” I adore Elizabeth Bennet, she is definitely my favourite literary heroine. I even have some of her quotes written down in times of need! love immersing myself time and time again with such wonderful characters, some of whom are so funny! Thank you for your lovely chat and your interesting reflections about this lovely book ❤️ 🦚 📚

[@MirandaMills]

That’s a lovely quote, Victoria! Thank you for sharing 💚

[@monikamarsollek3493]

Hi, Miranda and Donna, thank you for sharing. I love Jane Austen's books, it’s a pity we only have so few… it would have been so interesting what books she would have written in her older days. Haha: people we love to hate, good point! I always love to hear the voice messages, too, more good points I probably wouldn’t have seen. In July I always read along with 'Jane Austen in July' … so this was a real nice opening. Last year I read EMMA, one of my favourites, so this year it will be pride and prejudice again. Wish you a wonderful and healthy summer, love, Monika❣

[@LedgerAndLace]

LOVEly discussion! I bounce back and forth between P&P and Persuasion, too. I always thought that Mary was the obvious choice for Mr. Collins, but he seriously was deluded into thinking he could go for Jane first. Dude! AS IF. 🙂

[@JudithThornhill-xc9ms]

Thank you again for such an enjoyable chat with the two of you. Love everything Jane Austen!

[@MirandaMills]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@glendaslanina9939]

Thank you Miranda and Donna for another insightful discussion. I, too, love this book and realized a new angle with this read. It is wonderful to see a new focus each time the book is reread. This time I was rather sad for Carolyn Bingley and her “loss”, but I know she will have her sights set on another soon. 🌸Happy Summer🌞

[@MirandaMills]

Im so glad you enjoyed this discussion, Glenda! Yes, I’m sure you’re right about Caroline Bingley setting her sights elsewhere. Hope you’re enjoying some lovely summer weather too! ❤️

[@mattiez3545]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this video discussion of Pride and Prejudice. You both have given me so much to think about the next time I read it. Thank you so much!

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed it! xxx

[@Candycekampie]

I enjoyed this so much! And the affect at 19:18 when the petal falls is a nice touch. 🥰

[@corneliabayley723]

Pride and Prejudice is my favorite comfort book. I listen to it when I need a hug. This is an excellent discussion, and one that I will listen to again.

[@MirandaMills]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the discussion, thank you! And I feel just the same way about P&P! xxx

[@irenemulcahy2495]

Yes agree if the book didn’t have the humour it would have been such a tragedy with unmarried women seriously looking for husbands. Jane was a great observer of daily life. Love all her books but Persuasion is my favourite in that Anne got to have that second chance when all seemed lost. Lovely read always.💖

[@paulawilliams9645]

For me Brideshead Revisited on TV led me to the book and it is still one of my favourites. I am rereading Middlemarch at the moment and really enjoying it.. Thank you for a great video. Pride and prejudice has so many levels x

[@faithwentworth7906]

Same here! The 1981 Brideshead Revisited miniseries with Jeremey Irons and Anthony Andrews made me fall in love with the novel.

[@ingertsvard6731]

The first Austen I read - at the ages of 21!! I know I came to her late, but when I started I read all her books in less then a month!! It is a mystery to me that spend so much time in libraries and book store that I never found Austin’s books and nobody recommended them to me. My high school teacher had me read all classics from the 1900’s century; Dickens, Hardy, Brontes, Tolstoy, Gaskell etc. but not Austin?!? O well better late then ever. My daughter started to read the classics around 12-13 and Austin was the first adult classics she read (her favorite book is Anna Karenina - but author no discussion Austin). The BBC adaptation is the best and I never ever will get tired of Jane Austin’s books never. Thank u for a great discussion and I wish you both a lovely weekend.

[@virginiaanderson8875]

Your daughter reading Anna Karenina - wow !!Im impressed and you must be proud - to enjoy the classics and discussions together 😊

[@naomania3619]

I love this book and unlike Donna, i have no hesitation in declaring it my absolute favourite. I recently treated myself to the papercut version which is so pretty. I didn't re-read it on time for the comfort book club but will definitely be indulging over the summer. Another great choice, Miranda. Enjoy your summer break

[@eunicesousa829]

I didn´t read the book again since I have read it so many times, but I got motivated to go read it right now because I loved how profound and tru your considerations were. I learned a lot from this video! Thank you Miranda and Donna! By the way, Miranda, I am in love with your dress as well as the other checkered red one from your last video! ❤

[@GemmaCreegan-tp4dk]

Enjoyed this wonderful discussion as it’s one of my favourites❤have a lovely Summer🌻👗I love the 1995 BBC TV version and I was 15 when I first watched it and usually rewatch it every few months😊

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed the discussion, thank you!

[@ingaurban404]

Thank you for this interesting discusdion, dear Miranda and Donna. Pride and Prejudice is my second favourite Austen novel, right after Emma, and I loved to reread it again. It is so true: each time you reread it you focus somehow on diffetent aspects/ persons etc. A very interesting fact, I think. For instance it hadn't occured to me before that Mr. Bennet is actually a quite difficult husband. I always disliked Mrs. Bennet so much, that I could understand his behaviour. But this time it changed and I sort of pitied her. I liked that you pointed that out as well. ❤

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed it, Inga! I agree with you about Mr Bennet!

[@sherrirabinowitz4618]

Thank you, I enjoyed that. Thank you for playing my recording. Have a great vacation.

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks for your contribution, Sherri! It’s not a vacation when I’m still doing everything else - just one month without a book club discussion in it for me!

[@sherrirabinowitz4618]

@@MirandaMills you're welcome, I enjoyed the episode and the other contributions too. Oh, I thought you were taking a rest, maybe a stay vacation, I didn't know you were working. Try to get a little time for yourself. It is important to take care of you.

[@emmavd]

Thank you, Miranda and Donna!🌷Great discussion, as usual😊I read P&P twice and watched the 1995 BBC mini series many times. I’ve also enjoyed The Other Bennet Sister, in which Mary becomes quite a likable modern heroine. I was wondering whether you’ve read The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides. I haven’t yet (even though it’s been on my pile of possibilities for a couple of months). I’m interested in it because one of the characters is studying Jane Austen and George Eliot as the “authors of the great marriage plots.”

[@susangladstone357]

Thanks Miranda!

[@sarahevans1713]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading along with with you and revisiting such a timeless classic. I’m of the same era as you Miranda in that my first experience of P&P was the 1995 BBC adaptation when I was a young girl and it’s the images of the characters from that which I have ingrained in my mind and stayed with me as I read the book

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed reading along with us this month. I do so love the 1995 adaptation ❤️

[@thimganhayden115]

I have a newish floral still life painting featuring the same Penguin hardcover copy of Pride and Prejudice, "Pride and Prejudice with Tea"😍. I love the looks of that series- especially the blue one, which may be Sense and Sensibility?

[@faithwentworth7906]

Such fun rereading this well loved classic with this group! I love P&P more each time I read it, and gain a different perspective. This time around, I was very sympathetic to Charlotte Lucas and disappointed in Mr. Bennet. He could have been a much better husband ( even though Mrs. Bennet is a trial) and father. See everyone in September! I'll be reading along with the Seasons of Story bookclub again and watching the video when posted a week later. I don't know how you do it all, Miranda!

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much for your fabulous support, Faith! It’s much appreciated! It is interesting how our opinions of characters change over time! 🩷

[@virginiaanderson8875]

Have a wonderful summer!! Will look forward to August at Subtrack so, - until then, - 😊

[@vanessap893]

I plan to watch this discussion after I reread P&P, unfortunately I didn't make it for the discussion. Btw Miranda, have you read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies? I remember finding it funny some 15 years ago, and I wonder what are your thoughts about it. Also, I learned that Norton Critical Editions had commented versions of classics, and Jane Austen's works are there; I don't have one yet, but I thought to share it in the comments in case someone is interested. Have a lovely weekend, and Donna as well (happy bday!) ❤📚🎂🤗

[@sarahculley4646]

I know Im going to upset a lot of readers but P&P isnt my favourite Jane Austen. Im not that keen on Elizabeth or Darcy. I really wish I could like it. My favourite is Persausion. Ann and Wentworth and that wonderful letter. All that aside I always enjoy your vlogs and I enjoyed listening to you and your Mum on this one. Im so glad I found you. Thank you and another apology to all who love P&P ❤

[@glendaslanina9939]

Thanks!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your wonderful support Glenda! It’s very kind of you, and I really appreciate it ❤️

[@MJ-in-Canada]

I'm too mesmerised by your beautiful peonies to leave a proper comment about the book.😄💮

[@MirandaMills]

They’re actually roses! 🌹 🩷

[@MJ-in-Canada]

@@MirandaMills I need better reading glasses.😄

[@annem7057]

Hi Miranda & Donna, Thank you for such an interesting discussion of our beloved Pride & Prejudice. Your enthusiasm and enjoyment shone through. As a fellow lover of Jane Austen I really enjoyed reading Longbourne by Jo Baker, its a retelling of P & P from the servants perspective, have you both read it? I thought it was well written and added a unique and interesting take on life at Longbourne and the Bennet family xx

[@MirandaMills]

Yes, I have read it and enjoyed it!

[@patspotterings7073]

I have to say Northhanger Abbey is my favourite!!

[@lafarmhouse]

❤

[@flymetothemoon7469]

😊❤

[@dharma1able]

This is nothing to do with this video, but I know you love L. M. Montgomery. Just FYI… Canada has just released an L..M. Montgomery coin. Fun fact.

[@miasverypretty]

Mr. Collins does have good intentions that by marrying one of the girls, Longbourn will stay connected to the Bennett family. It's just a shame he's such a deliciously horrible character. (I have read The Other Bennett Sister and enjoyed it very much.)

[@royalgal8046]

💐♥️🫖💐♥️

[@myriammourani3145]

Thanks!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your kind support & voice message, Myriam! ❤️

[@paulamoreshead1694]

Thanks!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your very kind support, Paula! I so appreciate it. Happy weekend ❤️

[@corneliabayley723]

Thanks!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your kind support; it's much appreciated! ❤️