Melissa Nathan (1) (1968–2006)

In a word, this book was "Lovely" - that's the word that immediately popped to mind when I finished it. Fun story, good characters, and a different setting for Pride & Prejudice.

I think the one thing that kept going through my mind was this: If these people are involved in a production of P&P, and the characters themselves comment on how like their roles they actually are, why don't they find it strange/weird/funny that their lives are imitating the P&P story? Yes, fiction, I get it.… (lisätietoja)

This review and others posted over at my blog.

This book is like a production of Pride and Prejudice wrapped in a modern retelling and the characters are very on the nose. As everyone is introduced, you can tell what part they’ll land in the production. Jasmin, our Lizzie, does have a moment or two when she thinks about her life paralleling that of Lizzie’s, but I had to wonder that she didn’t feel it more often. Maybe that’s too meta, but the characterization was so on-the-nose for people acting as these characters in a play that I couldn’t help but think someone must notice they’re living in a modern version of the story!

Anyway – Jasmin is more outwardly judgmental than Lizzie, especially about people’s physical appearances. That rankled a bit and so I didn’t necessarily find her loveable, though I still love the overall story. The Charlotte of the story is also a particularly rotten person and I was shocked – the end addressed it somewhat though, which I found satisfying. The play takes a backseat to the romance and drama, but that’s ok too. I actually think this would make a very good movie (with Matthew Goode as Harry Noble please!)

While I prefer Eligible slightly more, this is fun, contemporary retelling that’s quick to read and one I see myself revisiting. If you’re looking for an English P&P retelling with some low-key Bridget Jones vibes (yes, I know that’s a retelling too) then I think you’ll enjoy this.

British Vocabulary Bonus: Luvvie – an actor who is particularly effusive / Wazzock – a stupid or annoying person… (lisätietoja)