School Library Journal Review
Gr 8 Up- Les Miserables relates the tales of those who suffer the injustices and moral qualms of life. The manga primarily focuses on the love and struggles of Jean Valjean, Fantine, Cosette, and Marius, before and during the Paris Uprising. While some attractive art nicely expresses their plights and eventual ascent, certain design choices gives the atmosphere too pleasant a feel. A similarly upbeat style works much better for Pride and Prejudice, which takes full advantage of manga's characteristics. The flowery decorations, screentones, chibi form create a fun and charming tone for this love story and work of social commentary. When Elizabeth encounters Mr. Darcy, they hardly get along, yet slowly their original perceptions change. Sadly, much of their witty dialogue is condensed because of the limited space. King successfully refines these hefty texts down to their core elements. Although both have specific problems regarding characterization, the emotions remain true. Between a quick pace and the use of common English, these adaptations are a much easier format for the reluctant reader, and teens, to enjoy. A few minor issues hardly mar what are faithful translations of the originals, making both of these titles worthy of their esteemed names.- Rachel Forbes, Oakville Public Library, Ontario, Canada (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Edginton, previous adapter of several classics into graphic form (The Picture of Dorian Gray, 2009), teams up with illustrator Deas to undertake the much-loved (and oft-adapted) Pride and Prejudice. Austenites will find an overall carefully simplified version of the novel that retains much of the original text and might even entertain a little suspense if they allow the able adapters to guide the show. Perfect for class or book-group discussion, this adaptation is full of well-chosen scenes and authentic dialogue, which will helpfully solidify characters for readers: the squawking Mrs. Bennet; the pompous clergyman Mr. Collins; the alternately confounding and dashing Mr. Darcy; and, of course, Lizzy herself. Newcomers to the story will find a pleasing and accessible entry to the novel and perhaps will be inspired to pick up the original. Deas' illustrations are clean and spare, and though his characters are only nominally expressive, that makes key players easily recognizable and their occasionally drastic changes in mood all the more apparent. Deas' nearly photographic backgrounds lend the Regency era a modern, high-definition feel.--Bostrom, Annie Copyright 2010 Booklist
Library Journal Review
It's true, Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice not only keeps hearts racing with narratives of marital exploits but also hooks new audiences with the burning desire to read a story with both art and text. Edginton (Scarlet Traces; Leviathan) and Deas (Troy Trailblazer; Macbeth) stay true to the novel's early 19th-century roots visually and slip in and out of the characters' thoughts, feelings, and words, telling a tale of a wealthy gentleman and a couple who are desperately trying to marry off their five daughters. The unique palette of romantic down-to-earth depictions of women in gauzy outer dresses and men adopting trousers and overcoats sets the stage within the quaint English settings of architectural estates and rural landscapes, sending our imaginations back in time. Verdict If you have never read a book by Austen (Emma) and are curious what all the hoopla is about, this may be a good introduction to her work. Or if you just want to see how courtship becomes the dramatic microcosm for various relationships in this quick page-turner, you won't be disappointed either.-Lori Salmon, New York P.L. © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
