The Beaulieu Book Club welcomed around 20 enthusiastic readers to the Barn at New Hall School for an engaging evening celebrating one of Jane Austen’s most enduring novels, Pride and Prejudice. Students, families, alumni, staff, and members of the local community came together with a shared enthusiasm for Austen’s work and explore the themes, characters and relationships that have made the novel such a lasting favourite.

Mrs Hill, Teacher of Mathematics, led the evening with a warm and engaging discussion. Her enthusiasm for the book created a wonderful atmosphere and encouraged members to share their own thoughts and interpretations. The discussion highlighted how Austen’s writing continues to resonate with readers today, while also providing an opportunity to consider the social expectations and values of the period in which the novel was written. As one student said, ‘We look though the modern lense at a book written long ago’.

A particular focus of the evening was the novel’s memorable cast of characters. Members explored the personalities, relationships, and motivations of characters including Elizabeth Bennet, Mr Darcy, Jane Bennet, Mr Bingley and the wider Bennet family. The group discussed how Austen uses her characters to explore misunderstandings, prejudice, social class, marriage, and the importance of looking beyond first impressions.

The discussion also considered the wider themes within Pride and Prejudice. The group reflected on Austen’s wit and intelligence, as well as the ways in which the novel challenges expectations surrounding women, marriage, and society. The conversation demonstrated that, despite being written over 200 years ago, the novel continues to provide plenty of material for debate and encourages readers to question assumptions and consider different perspectives.

The evening concluded with a creative and enjoyable challenge: each member was asked to describe Pride and Prejudice in just one word. The responses beautifully captured the range of reactions and interpretations within the group. Words offered included evolving, enlightening, critical, spectacular, exciting, fulfilling, misunderstanding, witty, integrity, feminism, revolutionary, impactful, and colourful. The variety of responses reflected just how many different ideas and emotions Austen’s novel continues to inspire.

The Beaulieu Book Club meeting was a wonderful celebration of reading, discussion, and community. With such thoughtful contributions and enthusiastic discussion, the evening was a fitting tribute to Jane Austen and the enduring appeal of Pride and Prejudice.

Please join us for the next book, the Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell, led by Mrs Parkin, Teacher of English. Join the book club here: Beaulieu Book Club