The many adaptations of Jane’s Pride and Prejudice only strengthen my admiration of the sly intelligence in the original. Apparently this is the 4th book of the Austen Project, what a delightful discovery.
Liz Bennet is pulled back into her hometown Chicago and dysfunctional family dynamics when her father has a health scare. You will recognize the rest of the Bennet characters immediately. Author Curtis Sittenfeld is just loyal enough to the original’s wit, characters and storyline for comfort. This is not a mere copy and his balance of modern revisions and character updates do not disappoint.
Darcy is supercilious, shy and privately considerate. Liz is overconfident, impulsive and often hides her caring nature. Jane ends up on a reality show where the family proceeds to embarrass themselves as publicly as possible. Mrs. Bennet is still the desperate and exhausting presence we expect. Cousin Collins is actually a good egg. Lydia, Kitty and Mary thankfully learn to take agency in their lives. Mr. Bennet gets confronted about his carelessness and financial irresponsibility. Even with such a well known story, I hate to give spoilers.
P and P is often called trivial. Who cares. I feel giddy just writing the review. Jane recognized and illustrated how trivial proprietry and improprietry are. She did it in a time and place where reputation, manners and class (distinctions) were revered above all else.
Bonus – Curtis Sittenfeld has a diverse body of work including journalism and political commentary
