Eligible / Curtis Sittenfeld - 4****

[Book Concierge]

Eligible – Curtis Sittenfeld
Audiobook performed by Cassandra Campbell
4****

The subtitle is all the synopsis you need: A Modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice. This is the fourth installment of the planned retellings that comprise The Austen Project, wherein contemporary authors tackle one of Austen’s works and reimagine it in a modern setting. I previously read Alexander McCall Smith’s version of Emma.

Sittenfeld sets the tale in the USA – Cincinnati to be exact. The Bennet “girls” are about 15 years older that Austen’s characters: Jane is nearly 40, and Elizabeth is 38. And reality TV, cross-training, and text messaging play a central role. Still, Mrs Bennet is just as irritatingly pushy when it comes to finding husbands for her daughters, and Mrs Bennet is just as laid-back and confused by the romantic shenanigans. I recognized most of the plot elements, though Sittenfeld did split the Wickham character into two different men.

All told, I found it entertaining and fun. Definitely helps if you’ve read the original, though it spoils any surprises as you anticipate “when will they …?” or “how will she include …..?”

Cassandra Campbell is flawless narrating the audio book. She has become one of my favorite voice artists.

LINK to my review

[Amy]

I really enjoyed this one!

[annapi]

I thought this was fun too, although I didn't like some of the "changes" made for the modernization, particularly splitting Wickham.