Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is one of the most well-known and beloved British Regency-era novels of all time. Austen practically invented the timeless enemies-to-lovers storyline and is the queen of the character-has-hidden-or-suppressed-feelings trope that pervades many of her novels.
In the case of Pride and Prejudice, it is the intelligent and kind yet stubborn Elizabeth (“Lizzy”) who captures the heart of the prideful, mysterious and wealthy Mr. Darcy. In addition to the charming love story, Austen’s scintillating social commentary and witty dialogue add an element of spicy intrigue — what’s not to love?
Retellings by writers inspired by Austen’s novel give this story a new life by transmitting it into a new time period or cultural setting. Here are eight fun and diverse picks that any Austen fan would enjoy!
Pride by Ibi Zoboi
Pride by Ibi Zoboi (Balzer + Bray)
Brooklyn teen Zuri Benitez is proud of her Afro-Latina heritage and her family, but must come to terms with the rapid gentrification in her neighborhood. She wants nothing to do with the wealthy family who just moved in across the street, especially the arrogant Darius. However, in the midst of dealing with her wild sisters and looming college applications, not to mention the cute boy, Warren, vying for her attention, she begins to find common ground with Darius and is forced to look past her prejudice. This story about race, identity, class, gentrification and young love is a timely read and does the original great justice.
Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors: A Novel by Sonali Dev
Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors: A Novel by Sonali Dev (William Morrow Paperbacks)
Dr. Trisha Raje, a top neurosurgeon and the descendant of Indian royalty, has a hard time following the rules and has alienated her family in the pursuit of her dreams. Trisha has an opportunity to redeem herself and reenter the fabric of family life, but things get complicated when she meets Chef DJ Caine, who the Rajes have hired for an important political dinner. The prejudiced Trisha and prideful DJ have polar opposite personalities, but they soon discover that they have an unexpected, deeper connection that draws them together. Read the full Tall Poppy review here!
Dear Mr. Darcy by Amanda Grange
Dear Mr. Darcy by Amanda Grange (Berkley)
Ever been curious about Mr. Darcy’s inner thoughts while reading Pride and Prejudice? You’re in luck, because Grange provides us with this rewrite from Darcy’s perspective, told in a series of letters that reveal the intricate rules of manners and morals of the landed gentry in 19th-century England. In these letters, we have access to all the juicy details, including Darcy’s inheritances following the death of his father, and his conflicted feelings regarding a certain woman, who though from an embarrassing family, possesses a playful spirit, fine eyes and a mind of her own.
Miss Darcy Falls in Love by Sharon Lathan
Miss Darcy Falls in Love by Sharon Lathan (Sourcebooks Landmark)
Georgiana Darcy, Mr. Darcy’s younger sister, remained an underdeveloped character in Austen’s original … until now! Lathan’s novel follows the talented pianist on a journey of self-discovery. When Georgiana sets off for Europe to pursue her talents, she ends up in the romantic city of Paris. There, she becomes locked in a love triangle with two very different young men pining for her heart. It is only when she learns to understand her heart that she will know which man is right for her.
Longbourn by Jo Baker
Longbourn by Jo Baker (Vintage)
Baker gives the servants of Longbourn (the Bennet family home) faces and stories in this historically consistent Regency-era rewrite. Given its Downton Abbey-esque element, the whole story is put before the reader, class conflicts and all. An orphaned housemaid begins to chafe against the boundaries of her class, and a new footman arrives under mysterious circumstances. Even the more unlikable or even despised characters of the original, like Mrs. Bennet, Mary, Wickham and Mr. Collins, are given more three-dimensional portraits and the chance to redeem themselves for the reader in this compelling take. —Rebecca Foster
Ayesha At Last by Uzma Jalaluddin
Ayesha At Last by Uzma Jalaluddin (Berkley)
Ayesha and Khalid are Muslims, Indian-Canadians, and neighbors. They both struggle to reconcile their traditional upbringing as the children of immigrants with the contemporary society that surrounds them. The novel shifts between Ayesha and Khalid’s points of view, which are given in alternating chapters, as Ayesha is torn between how she feels about the handsome Khalid and the unsettling new gossip she hears about his family. After looking into the rumors, she soon finds she must deal with not only what she learns about Khalid, but also what she realizes about herself. —AudioFile
The Girl from Summer Hill by Jude Deveraux
The Girl from Summer Hill by Jude Deveraux (Ballantine Books)
Deveraux meets Pride & Prejudice? Yes, please. In her latest contemporary romance, Deveraux pulls inspiration from one of the greatest love stories ever written when she pairs chef Casey with famous actor Tate as they put on a small-town production of Pride and Prejudice. You can just bet there’s a bad first impression in there (plus some awesome kissing scenes). We also happen to have an excerpt if you want to get a quick peek! —Rachel Carter
Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld
Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld (Random House)
Liz is a magazine writer in New York who is forced to return to her hometown of Cincinnati, where she deals with an ailing father, a neurotic mother, four sisters, and a crumbling Tudor house. When Liz is introduced to neurosurgeon Fitzwilliam Darcy, she is not impressed at first, but they seem to keep meeting at the local chili joint. Their sexually charged encounters suggest that perhaps first impressions can be deceiving. The Bachelor-style reality show twist and relatable moments in this modern-day retelling make for a fresh take on the Austen classic. —Early Bird Books via BookTrib
