Today we celebrate Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice’s original publishing date – 28th January 1813, a well loved English narrative that has been republished multiple times, has numerous works created about it and the character’s it portrays, and movies and TV show adaptions too many to count.

The reason for the story’s lasting impact is that it explores the themes of love, marriage, class, and society, as relevant today as the backdrop of it’s early 19th-century England setting. Elizabeth Bennet, is a relatable protagonist, who is intelligent and independent, both causing unrest within her social circle and family. Her relationship with the aloof and wealthy Mr. Darcy critiques the social systems of the time, in terms of class distinction, marriage arrangements, and gender roles. All three of these ‘structures’ are still in place in our modern world, unfortunately. Therefore, the narrative still impacts the reader and raises questions on how we navigate our own circles in the modern world.

My steampunk novel, The Commodore’s Gift also has a strong independent woman as the protagonist. Owena is brought up in a male dominated household and society, and fights against the Victorian society’s feminine expectations, Owena is unusual in her excellent strategic and swordsmanship skills, which come to the fore after an attack and imprisonment of a village and a narrow escape. Running for their lives, a small group elude persecution, but find new dangers ahead. Propelled into the world of rebel forces, she joins the battle against the Buldrick Empire. After seeing the failings of the rebel encampment, she makes changes – some well received, others not. Her unlikely champion is a giant of a man, Galen, who is feared by all. Forbidden by her brother, Benjamin to associate with this ‘killer’ she finds herself falling in love. Their mutual respect and his acceptance of her as an equal propels them to organize a win or die fight to restore the rightful King to the throne.

Which books have you read that challenge the norms of society?

Do you prefer a strong female protagonist? If so, why?

Have you read Pride & Prejudice?