• Home
• /
• Lifestyle
• /
• Books

'I love how Pride and Prejudice is still relevant to a lot of cultures today'

Talking books with PR senior account executive Sylvia Sarkies

What are you reading right now?
I am currently reading a book called Romantic Outlaws: The Extraordinary Lives of Mary Wollstonecraft & Mary Shelley by Charlotte Gordon. It tells the story of novelist Mary Shelly and her mum, who was also a writer. I've just started reading it, but I'm already in love with it.
Name a book that has changed your life.
I wouldn't say it's one specific book... It's more of a collage of all the books I've read; they've all impacted me in some way or another.
A book you think is underrated?
There is a French book (translated into English) called Between Love and Honor by Alexandra Lapierre, which is about Russian history. I love it because it has been written using letters that were actually penned by the historic characters the book follows. It's historically accurate (as far as historical fiction genres go) and intertwines the lives of the characters beautifully - which is so interesting to see. I was also able to connect to the main character on multiple levels - and the ending is something that stays with you forever. Beautifully tragic in every sense of the word.
Favourite literary character?
That's a difficult one... It's like asking me to choose a favourite parent! But I can tell you about a character I relate to most right now: Jane from Pride and Prejudice (my next response will tell you why!).
Favourite book quote?
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." I love this opening line to Pride and Prejudice, because, like a lot of other literature, it's still relevant to a lot of cultures today. Also, Mr and Mrs Bennet's relationship reminds me of my own parents. I love how, over the years, they've learnt to deal with each other in an almost comical way. To me, they're the protagonists of this book.
- Staff Reporter