Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, adapted by Nancy Butler & Hugo Petrus

Graphic novel adaptations are a painless way to get caught up on classics that I've always meant to read. Of all of Jane Austen's works, Pride and Prejudice was probably on the top of my list.

The cover of the Marvel hardcover edition that collects all five issues drew me right in. It shows a young woman (Lizzie?) in period dress with an enigmatic expression somewhere between wistful and sad. All around this image are the sorts of headlines that mimic those on the covers of modern women's magazines: 17 Secrets About Summer Dresses; Lizzy on Love, Loss and Living; Who Is Mr. Darcy?; How to Cure Your Boy-Crazy Sisters; and Bingleys Bring Bling to Britain. This looked like lots of fun!

Once inside the book, however, Nancy Butler - author of numerous regency romances - has stuck to Jane Austen's language style. Witty, but bound by the social conventions of the day. Spanish artist Hugo Petrus makes it pretty easy to keep track of the large cast of characters. He uses full colour, with golden and brown tones predominating.

It's a quick, enjoyable read; suitable for Grade 7 - adult.