If you’re anything like me, reading classics isn’t something you normally reach for; unfortunately, I haven’t read a classic novel since maybe high school. While I understand classics should be literary masterpieces, I find that they don’t always stand the test of time. My reading preference would be to pick up a retelling instead. A retelling is a new version of an old story, using the source material as inspiration. Retellings for me is the way to go- an updated take on a classic. Also, in some cases, retellings make room for communities that were often left out of the pages in classics. If you don’t, believe me, I have three retelling recommendations of Pride and Prejudice.
Young Adult
Title: Pride
Author: Ibi Zoboi
Synopsis: Pride and Prejudice get remixed in this smart, funny, gorgeous retelling of the classic, starring all characters of color, from Ibi Zoboi, National Book Award finalist and author of American Street. Zuri Benitez has pride. Brooklyn pride, family pride, and pride in her Afro-Latino roots. But pride might not be enough to save her rapidly gentrifying neighborhood from becoming unrecognizable.
New Adult
Title: Netherfield must go!
Author: Nikke Payne
Synopsis: Pride and Prejudice- The Remix! Local DJ Liza Bennett has had it with gentrification in her Southeast DC neighborhood. When a brooding property developer sets up shop right next door at Netherfield Court apartments, Liza will do whatever she can to make sure they know they are not welcome. Can she keep her mom and family from undermining her every move against Pemberley Development Co? In this modern, multicultural retelling of Austen’s beloved novel, Liza Bennett knows it all- except how to keep arrogant Dorsey Fitzgerald at arm’s length!
Adult
Title: Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors
Author: Sonali Dev
Synopsis: Dr. Trisha Raje is San Francisco’s most acclaimed neurosurgeon. But that’s not enough for the Rajes, her influential immigrant family who’s achieved power by making its own non-negotiable rules:
· Never trust an outsider
· Never do anything to jeopardize your brother’s political aspirations
· And never, ever, defy your family
Trisha is guilty of breaking all three rules. But now she has a chance to redeem herself. So long as she doesn’t repeat old mistakes.
Up-and-coming chef DJ Caine has known people like Trisha before, people who judge him by his rough beginnings and place pedigree above character. He needs the lucrative job the Raje’s offer, but he values his pride too much to indulge Trisha’s arrogance. And then he discovers that she’s the only surgeon who can save his sister’s life.
Let me know if you pick up any of these retellings! Happy Reading!
Lynell (a.ka. Weekend Reader)
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