Pride and Predjudice and Zombies

This New York Times best seller is the first in what is going to be a string of Austen-related horror novels. The US-based creators have achieved a publishing phenomenon with Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. And while Austen purists may turn their heads in disgust, it has to be admitted that this book is just great fun to read.

The idea first emerged from the editor at Quirk Classics, Jason Rekulak, who wanted to put together this concept of horror and classic literature and he found his already controversial author Seth Grahame-Smith to be best equipped for the job. As well as producing TV and film, Grahame-Smith had written books including How to Survive a Horror Movie: All the Skills to Dodge the Kills and Pardon My President: Fold-and-Mail Apologies for 8 Years of George W. Bush.

His latest book has got everything; heroes, love, picturesque settings, social graces, sparring, blood and gore. Cleverly intermingled with Austen’s wonderful dialogue, the story unfolds with as much intrigue as any of her novels. The only difference is while the characters remain true to the original, they have gained excellent skills in the deadly arts and the ability to behead the ‘unmentionables’ whenever necessary.

Had this book been less well written, it could have been a very bad idea. But Grahame-Smith’s humour and wit guide us through even absurd scenes like Darcy’s reluctant proposal to Elizabeth, which results in him being kicked into the fireplace for insulting her in such a manner. Or the interruption of Bingley’s ball by hundreds of zombies bent on feasting on the guests.

Author, Seth Grahame Smith

You could go so far as to credit Grahame-Smith with representing the underlying reality of the time in which Jane Austen was writing or bringing to life the frustration felt by women in such repressing times, but overall it’s a book that doesn’t require much in depth analysis. It’s a comedy filled with hilarious scenes and swordfights, like nothing you’ve read before.

Of course it’s not going to win a Pulitzer Prize and there will always be someone (aka Austen purists!) who thinks it’s trashy and juvenile, but if you are taking a break from heavy reading, going on holiday or just want a bit of a giggle, then this is for you.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is available to buy online here.