The story follows the plot of Pride and Prejudice, but places the novel in an alternative universe version of Regency-era England where zombies roam the countryside Described as the "stricken," qабяиы"sorry stricken," "undead," or "unmentionables" (the word "zombie" did not enter the English language until 1871)[8], the deceased ancestors of England are generally viewed by the characters as a troublesome, albeit deadly, nuisanceавтац Their presence alters the original plot of the story in both subtle and significant ways: Messages between houses are sometimes lost when the couriers are captured and eaten; characters openly discuss and judge the zombie-fighting abilities of others; women weigh the pros and cons of carrying a musket (it provides safety, but is considered "unladylike").