Polly Schulman’s debut novel Enthusiasm (Putnam, 2006) offers the perfect combination of what has made Austen’s classics perennial favorites: tight-knit female friendships; a clever, clear-headed heroine; misunderstandings galore; gallant leading men; and the pursuit and eventual reward of romance. In this modern interpretation of the author's well-known work, best friends Julia and Ashleigh are embroiled in a madcap scheme to find swoon-worthy suitors. Always the enthusiast, Ashleigh’s latest passion (and mindset) is the Regency era, and she drags her friend along for the ride. The outgoing girl’s plans include invading an all-boys’ prep school in search of “True Loves” for the two friends. But what happens when her Mr. Darcy turns out to be the “Mysterious Stranger” Julia’s been pining over? A comedy of errors ensues.
Complete with an eye-catching book jacket and an attention-grabbing title, Elizabeth Eulberg's Prom and Prejudice (Scholastic, 2011) captures Austen’s keen observations on class and society, refashioning them for the 21st century. Lizzie Bennett is a scholarship student and music prodigy at Longbourn Academy, a posh private school for girls. Its prom is the social event of the year, and the competition for the best designer dress and cutest date is fierce. Lizzie would rather avoid the charade, but her best friend Jane is newly enamored with Charles Bingley from the nearby Pemberly Prep, and insists that they go. By Bingley’s side is the aloof and reticent Will Darcy. Eulberg sticks close to the original (a dastardly “Wick” makes an appearance), and infuses her feisty take with spot-on dialogue.
Veronica Mars meets Lizzie Bennett in Talia Vance’s Spies in Prejudice (Egmont USA, 2013). For readers who cherish curling up with a good mystery or espionage drama, Vance’s retelling of the classic is the perfect book. Berry Fields helps her private investigator father track down cheating husbands with the help of her tech-genius and best friend Mary Chris. While working on a case, Berry stumbles upon two things that will derail her life: evidence that her mom’s death wasn’t really a suicide, but the result of a complicated pharmaceutical disaster cover-up; and two hot boys who are keenly interested on the teens’ activities. Will Berry solve the mystery without hurting the people she loves or becoming a victim herself? And will the enigmatic and infuriating stranger turn out to be a friend or foe? Twists, turns, and big reveals will have readers guessing and gasping with every page turn in this frothy and fun whodunit.
With so many of Austen’s novels being adapted by Hollywood, it's the perfect setting for Claire LaZebnik’s Epic Fail (HarperCollins, 2011). Newly transferred to L.A., sisters Elise and Juliana not only have to adjust to a new school and city, they also carry the burden of being the offspring of the principal at an elite prep school attended by the children of movie bigwigs. Beautiful and sweet Juliana captures the admiration of easygoing Chase, which means that independent Elise has to play nice with Derek, Chase’s best friend and the son of a celebrity. Considering that the moody Derek believes everyone is trying to mooch off of his princely status, he does not make a good first impression. LaZebnik not only gets the main protagonists just right, but she also injects secondary characters with the quirks and attributes readers have come to love and expect in an Austen novel (e.g. the girls’ mother is always starstruck and fishing for red carpet invites). The story will also be enjoyed by those who haven’t read Pride & Prejudice, especially teens besotted with the lives of America’s royalty. A fascinating look at the cost of stardom, rolled-up in a laugh-out-loud romantic romp. Pride and Prejudice, Revamped
Still can’t get enough of Elizabeth and Darcy? Marvel has released a graphic novel edition of the classic (2009) adapted by Nancy Butler and artist Hugo Petrus. This abridged version employs the visual medium to great success, and led to the publication of similar renditions for Austen’s other novels: Sense and Sensibility (2010), Emma (2011), and Northanger Abbey (2012, all Marvel). And for readers who are continuously on the lookout for zombie tales Seth Grahame-Smith’s Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2009), and its prequel, Steve Hockensmith’s Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls (2010), and sequel Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dreadfully Ever After (2011, all Quirk Books) are must-reads. While purists will moan and groan at the sacrilege, atypical Austen readers will appreciate the hook, and possibly be turned on to the source. The series spawned a monster mashup movement that shows no signs of abating.
No Austen roundup would be complete without a mention of Hank Green’s video blog series hit, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries (LBD). The Emmy Award-winning adaptation introduces the novel’s characters, plot points, and romance in a 100-episode production featuring videos two to eight minutes in length, accessible via YouTube. Reminiscent of the serialization format of 19thcentury novels, viewers are served increments of Lizzie Bennet’s (Ashley Clement) life, as she documents her family’s financial struggles, her sisters’ romantic woes, and the hilarious misunderstandings and miscommunications of friends and new acquaintances on her online “diary.” Presented as a project for her Master’s degree, the clips feel all-too real as the “fourth” wall is removed and fans get an inside look at cynical and jaded 20-something Lizzie’s travails. Both those who know Pride and Prejudice and those who are coming to it for the first time will anticipate with equal enthusiasm the on-screen arrival of Darcy (Daniel Vincent Gordh), which finally occurs in episode 59. Most of the novel’s events are depicted via reenactments shot in Lizzie’s bedroom, but some scenes take place at other locations including Bing Lee’s Netherfield Mansion, Darcy’s company Pemberley Digital, of the Collins & Collins’s offices. The online adaptation charmingly engages with the original's plot, while offering fresh twists, a diverse cast and modern sensibility, and up-to-date teen speak. Welcome to Sanditon and Emma Approved are follow-ups that fans will want to watch as well. We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing
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miranda
Totally in love with Pride and Prejudice and will forever worship its cover. I quote it and I can almost say its the perfect yet nonperfect fairytale. I have read all these books and recommend them all. You forgot to mention the book Epic Fail which might be even better than Spies and Prejudice if that is even possible. Awesome website :)Posted : Nov 17, 2013 11:58
Kathryn Lee
Wow. Am so appreciative with the plethora/variety of titles presented in this article. I can't wait to order/present/share these with our teens! I think these will open doors to further explorations. Thanks.Posted : Nov 14, 2013 10:57