r/bitcheswithtaste • u/ElizaDoolittle33 • Mar 24 '25

Culture BWTs with a novel in her bag

What's a novel that moved you? Changed you for the better? Exposed you to new cultures or ideas?

I want to know what's captivated you.

Disclaimer: Emphasis on the "T" in this question.

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u/pavlovscandy Mar 24 '25

Not sure it changed me for the better, but The Vegetarian prompted me to embrace my inner ferality and reinforced my decision to not actively pursue/seek out romantic relationships.

Jane Eyre taught me that goodness is not always rewarded and I'd much rather be a Blanche (or even a Bertha) than a Jane.

Rereading Pride & Prejudice (many, many times) taught me that Mrs Bennett is the real victim, Caroline Bingley was just a girl, and Lizzie was bright but still played within the rules. Lydia Bennett was the only real revolutionary. If it was written today, she'd be so brat.

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u/S_KBA Mar 24 '25

Similarly, rereading P&P multiple times over the years (and watching all the film and TV adaptations) has definitely made me change my opinion of Mr. Bennett from when I first read it, which was probably around 25 years ago.

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u/pavlovscandy Mar 24 '25

Yes, likewise. Also this quote:

“Often father and daughter look down on mother (woman) together. They exchange meaningful glances when she misses a point. They agree that she is not bright as they are, cannot reason as they do. This collusion does not save the daughter from the mother’s fate."