The Pride & Prejudice bicentenary challenge 2013

After successfully hosting The Sense and Sensibility Bicentenary Challenge 2011 to great acclaim, Austenprose's Laurel Ann Nattress is again planning another Jane Austen challenge to mark the most important milestone in the life of a Janeite. Yes, I am referring to the 200th anniversary of the most celebrated Jane Austen's masterpiece — Pride & Prejudice. Indeed I remember spending many hours of enjoyment reading my first Jane Austen novel and getting acquainted with intelligent and witty Elizabeth Bennet, proud and haughty Mr Darcy, sweet Jane Bennet, the always amiable Mr Bingley, pompous Mr Collins, devilish George Wickham, etc.

Therefore The Pride & Prejudice bicentenary challenge 2013 is the perfect time to indulge in some of the great Pride & Prejudice materials it has to offer. Janeites, historical fiction enthusiasts, costume drama lovers or casual admirers can participate in this challenge by re-reading the original text, watching the movies and television adaptations or read the countless sequels, prequels, retellings, variations and spin-offs based on and inspired by Pride & Prejudice. For those who have yet to have the pleasure of reading the most popular novel written by Jane Austen, this is a golden opportunity to introduce you to her second published work.

Challenge Details and Prizes
Timeline: 1 January-31 December 2013
Participation level:

• Neophyte: 1-4 selections
• Disciple: 5-8 selections
• Aficionado: 9-12 selections

Enrollment: Sign-ups are open from now until 1 July 2013. Do read the summarised steps below:

1. Select your level of participation.
2. Copy the graphic for The Pride & Prejudice bicentenary challenge 2013 and blog about this challenge detailing the books, novels and movies that you will either be reading or watching.
3. Comment on this post and provide the link to your blog post in Step 2. If you do not have a blog, you can just leave a comment there.
4. Check back every second Wednesday of each month to read Laurel Ann's review of the book, novel, mini-series and movies that she has selected for this challenge. Then comment with a link to the review on your blog. Participants who do not have a blog can just share your thoughts on the books or movies that you have completed in the comment section.

Since there are countless Pride & Prejudice materials to choose from, just head on over to Amazon and conduct a search from there. However if you would to learn about books and novels with Pride & Prejudice themes, please visit Austenesque Reviews where blog mistress Meredith Esparza has posted a comprehensive guide to Austenesque books arranged according to novels and genre.

Prizes (US only unless stated):
January: Pride and Prejudice Naxos Audiobooks in CD (US) or digital format (international)
February: A hardcover copy of Celebrating Pride and Prejudice: 200 Years of Jane Austen's Masterpiece


Leave a comment on her post to qualify for the chance to win the monthly prizes that are offered and the winners will be announced on the third Thursday of the month.

What a brilliant way to usher into the new year. I plan to enter this challenge as I love to read Austenesque fiction. A big round of applause goes to Laurel Ann for hosting this challenge on her wonderful blog and invite everyone to participate.

I think I'll commit myself to the disciple level. My initial list are as follows:

1. Epic Fail by Claire LaZebnik √
2. Darcy Goes to War by Mary Lydon Simonsen √
3. Celebrating Pride and Prejudice: 200 Years of Jane Austen's Darling Child by Hazel Jones and Maggie Lane √
4. Me and Mr Darcy by Alexandra Potter √
5. Mr Darcy's Guide to Courtship: The Secrets of Seduction from Jane Austen's Most Eligible Bachelor by Fitzwilliam Darcy √
6. An Arranged Marriage by Jan Hahn

You may have noticed that I have started some of the titles but have not the time and inclination to complete them. This might just be the incentive to push me to complete and post my reviews. So wish me luck!