I read this book after I watched the movie because I fell in love with Colonel Brandon, played by the amazing Alan Rickman, so my opinion may be a little biased. However, I really think that I could have appreciated the writing, the story and the characters even without having seen the movie. I also think that I would have fallen in love with Colonel Brandon anyway. This book is dear to my heart, as it introduced me to Jane Austen. I had never read any of her works before and after I finished this one I was hungry for more. I really enjoyed this book and the way it expresses romance. It never came off as cliche to me, as most romances do and I felt like I connected more with the main characters than I do with modern novels. Maybe because I secretly wish I could find the Doctor and travel back to this exact time and place to live my life? Even so, I love this book and recommend it to anyone who loves Pride and Prejudice and wants more or anyone looking for a deeper and different type of romance novel.