Sarah answers “Is this book really that hard to read? I...”

Ana Widia asked this question about Pride and Prejudice:

Is this book really that hard to read? I want to give this book a shot but the review below said it's really hard to read since this book classifies as a classic ones. And English is my second language. Can anyone help me to get through this?

Sarah Hi there! First of all, I want to say that I really admire your resolve to read this book. Here you are, a non-native speaker, attempting to read this…moreHi there! First of all, I want to say that I really admire your resolve to read this book. Here you are, a non-native speaker, attempting to read this book that many native speakers would balk at. You have guts, and I respect that.

I'm going to really try to give the fullest answer I can to help you through this book, so forgive me if this gets lengthy.

First thing's first: Pride and Prejudice is not that hard. But it is challenging. I don't want you to get so discouraged by what others say that you don't even attempt the book. Go for it. The best thing to do is try. And if you decide this book isn't for you, then that's completely fine! I'll list some alternative novels which are easier to read at the end of this answer. But if you do decide to power through Pride and Prejudice you're going to need some help, and there's no shame in that. So here's a list of things that I strongly recommend you do.

1. Download the Merriam-Webster dictionary app on your cell phone and keep it next to you while you read. Jane Austen used a higher level of vocabulary than we use today. A dictionary provides easy access to definitions which you might not understand.

2. Buy an annotated (meaning it has notes) edition of Pride and Prejudice. I have the Barnes and Nobles annotated edition myself. Annotations will really help you understand the time period and social circumstances of the Edwardian Age. B&N offers an introduction (which is basically a summary of the plot; don't read it if you mind spoilers), endnotes (which give you the politics of the age and definitions of words that modern readers may not understand), and footnotes (which are similar to endnotes).

3. Use summary sites as you read, like Sparknotes (http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/pride/) and Litcharts (http://www.litcharts.com/lit/pride-an...). These sites summarize chapters individually and offer awesome analyses which can really help you if you don't understand what's going on. It's really helpful to use these sites as a guide. Even I use them! I usually prefer Litcharts over Sparknotes.

4. If you can, get a native English speaker to read it with you, or just answer your questions. You don't really need to do this part, but it would be moderately beneficial.

5. There may be times when you feel like you don't understand what is going on. That's okay. Just take a deep breath, read the part over once or twice, then move on. That's it, don't dwell on it. Use your resources: the dictionary, summary sites, etc.

Remember, you got this. It's okay if you think it's really hard. And it's perfectly fine to set the book down for a while. But I recommend at least trying to read a few chapters first before you decide.

And as promised, here are some easier classic literature alternatives: The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emma Orczy, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, and Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen, if you feel like taking on an easier Austen novel.

Good luck and happy reading!(less)

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Pride and Prejudice

by Jane Austen

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