I wish I had read it to my daughter! I would say that probably age 12 and up, depending on the girl. In today’s world it will take some explanation about the culture of the time to understand why Lydia’s running off with Wickam would have had such disasterous repercussions for her other sisters, as well as her own status in society, and also why Darcy so cautiously guarded his own sister’s reputation – that he divulged it to Lizzy indicated he trusted her implicitly, despite her penchant for teasing him.

I think it gives one much food for thought in the area of looking for the right match in personality, goals, etc. in a potential spouse. While women no longer have to depend on men for their provision (or “marry up” in status as Mrs. Bennet hoped they would) or security, the charming character of Wickham (who later pleads the “victim” when exposed as a cheat and a womanizer) gives excellent insight to young women about not rushing into relationships based on “First Impressions.” The reverse also being true – that sometimes a negative first impression (by Darcy in this case) might eventually prove a very suitable match – once the pride is brought under control and the foundation of integrity and a good character is revealed.