I’m definitely a stereotype of a former English major.  I’m obsessed with Jane Austen.  Or more accurately, I’m obsessed with “Pride and Prejudice.”  The book, of course.  The movie (both the BBC version and Kiera Knightley version).  Modern day retellings.  I’m into it.  So I was super excited when I heard about this book from many many summer reading lists and my Book of the Month membership.

Eligible: A modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice by Curtis Sittenfeld

So this is the entire P&P story set in 2013, mostly in Cincinnati, OH.  Lizzy Bennet is still the main character and all the other characters make an appearance as well.  The title is based on a Bachelor type show called Eligible.  Charles Bingley has appeared on it, and now the Bennet matriarch wants one of her older daughters to make a match.  Both Lizzy and her older sister Jane are approaching 40 and they have to hear about from their mother.  After being introduced to Charles, Jane falls in love after a bunch of time.  At the same time, Lizzy is introduced to Charles’ best friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy.

As most people know who read the original, through misunderstandings Liz and Darcy “hate” each other.  *Spoiler Alert* for those that haven’t read P&P, they realize they love each other and live happily ever after of course.  This book follows the same format.  With more modern influences.

The only thing I don’t love about the book is that there seems to be a lot of things put in to show how modern it is.  A transgender character, artificial insemination, dating shows, shopping addictions, social media, reality TV, and health issues.  It just got to be a lot.  That’s not to say I didn’t like the book.  Cause it had all the trappings of a Jane Austen book…..which I loved.

Now, I have to get back to writing my own book.  I’m 12,000 words in, and I’m going to start revising the first part before I continue on.  I’m hoping to have something to show by the NE Crime Bake in November.  I’m also attending a talk in a few weeks about marketing yourself and your book.  Thanks Sisters in Crime New England!