The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet

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If you know me (and if you’re reading this blog, there is a 99.9999% chance that you know me), then you know that I am slightly obsessed with enjoy watching The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, a quirky, fun web series that modernizes Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The companion book was released late 2014, and I was excited to read it, mostly because I wanted to know what was in Darcy’s letter.

What I really loved about The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet was that it wasn’t just a transcript of the web series. That was my biggest fear coming into the book. There are two episode transcripts included, and they make perfect sense. Otherwise, the book tells the story of everything that happens when the camera isn’t on. That fateful wedding dance. What really went on when Lizzie and Jane stayed at Bing Lee’s while their house was being remodeled. Lizzie’s experiences shadowing Collins & Collins and Pemberley Digital. The unforgiving hills of San Francisco. And of course, Darcy’s letter.

Another thing that surprised me while reading was how perfectly the authors have captured Lizzie’s voice, and translated it to the page. Everything written in the diary was something I could picture Lizzie saying aloud, which made the book that much more enjoyable. Lizzie has a very dry, sarcastic sense of humor, which made me laugh out loud while reading.

While it is not necessary to have seen the web series before reading the book, I think the book will mainly be enjoyed by those who have previous knowledge of the characters. Although The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet does a fantastic job at being simultaneously completely original and a faithful adaptation, I think watching the web series helps bring the characters to life in your imagination, and you don’t have to imagine why Lydia acts the way she does—you know why, and you’ve seen it!

I absolutely loved this book, and could not put it down—I read it in a little over a day. It’s a quick, easy, and extremely fun read, especially for The Lizzie Bennet Diaries fans. Perfect for a rainy (or snowy) afternoon, when you can cuddle up in a blanket and sip tea while reading. After all,

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