What do you think?
Rate this book
Acting Up
From the bestselling author of The Learning Curve .
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a large ego must be in want of a woman to cut him down to size…
Sharp, witty Jasmin Field has her own column in a national magazine and has just landed the coveted role of Elizabeth Bennett in a one-off fundraising adaptation of Pride and Prejudice . Better yet, the play’s director, Hollywood heartthrob and Oscar-winner, Harry Noble, is every bit as obnoxious as she could have hoped. Which means a lot of material for her column. And a lot of fun in rehearsals.
And then disaster strikes. Jazz’s best friend abandons her for a man not worthy to buy her chocolate, her family starts to crumble before her eyes and her award-winning column hits the skids. Worse still, Harry Noble keeps staring at her.
As the lights dim, the audience hush, and Jazz awaits her cue, she realizes two very important things, she can’t remember her lines, and Harry Noble looks amazing in breeches…
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a large ego must be in want of a woman to cut him down to size…
Sharp, witty Jasmin Field has her own column in a national magazine and has just landed the coveted role of Elizabeth Bennett in a one-off fundraising adaptation of Pride and Prejudice . Better yet, the play’s director, Hollywood heartthrob and Oscar-winner, Harry Noble, is every bit as obnoxious as she could have hoped. Which means a lot of material for her column. And a lot of fun in rehearsals.
And then disaster strikes. Jazz’s best friend abandons her for a man not worthy to buy her chocolate, her family starts to crumble before her eyes and her award-winning column hits the skids. Worse still, Harry Noble keeps staring at her.
As the lights dim, the audience hush, and Jazz awaits her cue, she realizes two very important things, she can’t remember her lines, and Harry Noble looks amazing in breeches…
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 6, 2000
34 people are currently reading
4406 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Nathan
11 books247 followersMelissa Jane Nathan (13 June 1968 – 7 April 2006) was a journalist and UK author of popular "chick lit" novels in the early 2000s.
When working on Persuading Annie (2001), Nathan was diagnosed with breast cancer. She refused to let the illness dominate her life, and - in public anyway - was unfailingly positive. She had no time for most journalism written by cancer sufferers: "self-indulgent dirges without a helpline in sight", as she described them; she tried to joke about cancer's unoriginality in her Jewish Chronicle column and then added:
That was what you call laughing in adversity. It's what makes people smile mistily at me, as if I'm fading in front of their very eyes while telling knock-knock jokes. What they don't know is that I have daydreams about being the oldest person at their funeral.
Ironically, the characters in Nathan's first book, 'Pride, Prejudice and Jasmin Field', were starring in a play version of Pride & Prejudice that benefitted breast cancer research. The book was written prior to Nathan knowing about her own future diagnosis with the disease.
She died aged 37 from breast cancer in April 2006. She is survived by her husband, Andrew Saffron, and their son, Sam.
Her final novel, The Learning Curve, was published posthumously in August 2006. A writing award has been established to recognize quality comedy romance writers in her honor.
When working on Persuading Annie (2001), Nathan was diagnosed with breast cancer. She refused to let the illness dominate her life, and - in public anyway - was unfailingly positive. She had no time for most journalism written by cancer sufferers: "self-indulgent dirges without a helpline in sight", as she described them; she tried to joke about cancer's unoriginality in her Jewish Chronicle column and then added:
That was what you call laughing in adversity. It's what makes people smile mistily at me, as if I'm fading in front of their very eyes while telling knock-knock jokes. What they don't know is that I have daydreams about being the oldest person at their funeral.
Ironically, the characters in Nathan's first book, 'Pride, Prejudice and Jasmin Field', were starring in a play version of Pride & Prejudice that benefitted breast cancer research. The book was written prior to Nathan knowing about her own future diagnosis with the disease.
She died aged 37 from breast cancer in April 2006. She is survived by her husband, Andrew Saffron, and their son, Sam.
Her final novel, The Learning Curve, was published posthumously in August 2006. A writing award has been established to recognize quality comedy romance writers in her honor.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 297 reviews
July 15, 2023
Originally published as Pride, Prejudice and Jasmin Field this was the very first modern adaptation of Pride and Prejudice I read. I rather liked the book at the time and gave it 4 stars, but on re-reading it for the 2nd time, I had to downgrade.
The story is still entertaining and quite well-adapted, but a bit too obvious. We do not only have the modern counterparts of all major P&P characters, but they are also chosen to play in a theatre adaptation of the very novel for charity, cast into their respective roles. Double-recycling or what? It would have been more interesting, had Harry Noble (aka mordern Darcy) been cast into the role of, let's say, Wickham or Mr Collins on stage.
But mostly I had some serious issues with the protagonist, Jasmin Field.
In Jane Austen's novel, Elizabeth, though cheeky and a bit quick to criticise other people, is a delightful character: sassy, spirited, witty and lively.
Jasmin, on the other hand, is smug, patronising, overbearingly judgmental, rude and sometimes downright vulgar and not only to Harry Noble (aka Darcy), but to everyone around her, including her sisters and friends. Maybe this suits the personality of a journalist, but needless to say, I found this mix rather repulsive and did not really understand why anyone would find this attractive.
I admit that the character change brought on by her confrontation with Harry and his revelation-letter afterwards seemed more spectacular this way and the lessons Jasmin got taught in humility are quite forcible. She acts a much nicer person in the 2nd half of the novel altogether, but it won't make you forget how unlikeable she was before.
Still, all in all, it is a pleasant, nicely-converted, consistent story with actual characterisation and plot. Believe me, I came across much, much worse attempts at modern adaptations.
The story is still entertaining and quite well-adapted, but a bit too obvious. We do not only have the modern counterparts of all major P&P characters, but they are also chosen to play in a theatre adaptation of the very novel for charity, cast into their respective roles. Double-recycling or what? It would have been more interesting, had Harry Noble (aka mordern Darcy) been cast into the role of, let's say, Wickham or Mr Collins on stage.
But mostly I had some serious issues with the protagonist, Jasmin Field.
In Jane Austen's novel, Elizabeth, though cheeky and a bit quick to criticise other people, is a delightful character: sassy, spirited, witty and lively.
Jasmin, on the other hand, is smug, patronising, overbearingly judgmental, rude and sometimes downright vulgar and not only to Harry Noble (aka Darcy), but to everyone around her, including her sisters and friends. Maybe this suits the personality of a journalist, but needless to say, I found this mix rather repulsive and did not really understand why anyone would find this attractive.
I admit that the character change brought on by her confrontation with Harry and his revelation-letter afterwards seemed more spectacular this way and the lessons Jasmin got taught in humility are quite forcible. She acts a much nicer person in the 2nd half of the novel altogether, but it won't make you forget how unlikeable she was before.
Still, all in all, it is a pleasant, nicely-converted, consistent story with actual characterisation and plot. Believe me, I came across much, much worse attempts at modern adaptations.
November 30, 2017
Snark and Drama!
Jasmin Field knows she is no actor; she is a journalist for a woman’s magazine. But on a lark she decides to tag along with her sister (who is an actress) to an audition for a fundraising adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. But just before her audition she overhears the play’s director – the great and famous actor, Harry Noble – refer to her as an “Ugly Sister.” In response, Jazz (as she is known to her friends) gives him a rendition of Elizabeth Bennet refusing Mr. Darcy’s first proposal that perfectly embodies her very real emotions of disbelief, contempt, and abject fury.
As you might guess, Jazz, even with her nonexistent acting experience, lands the role of Lizzy Bennet in the play. And during her rehearsals and encounters with Harry Noble, her opinion of the arrogant and exacting director sink further and further. Especially when she learns that he prevented fellow actor William Whitby from making it big in Hollywood and discovers that he convinced another actor to focus on his career and not his relationship with her sister. Could she despise this loathsome man any more?!? Just when she thinks the answer is no, Harry tells Jazz what he really thinks of her…
I am so glad I finally read this creative and clever modern adaptation of Pride and Prejudice! It is always fun to see characters work on putting a theatrical together. 😉 And while it was perhaps a little cliché to have each character of Ms. Nathan’s story play the corresponding character in the P&P play, I greatly enjoyed being in the theatre atmosphere. One of the elements I enjoyed most about this modern update was that it didn’t completely follow a Pride and Prejudice formula and a lot of the events or situations were smartly updated! To me, the alterations and twists produced a sense of unexpectedness. Without giving too much away I will say I thought the Wickham/Georgiana history update unique and accessible, albeit a bit darker, and the Wickham/Lydia scandal stimulating because of everything else it brought about.
Another element I enjoyed about this story was that it was British! And filled with British slang, British expressions…and British profanity! With its “Rightie-ho,” “buggery bollocks,” and talk of shagging and snogging it kind of reminded me of Bridget Jones a little! 😉 And Harry – with his shy reserve, awkward attempts at friendship, and tender concern is definitely close to Mark Darcy material… 😉
The main reason this book didn’t earn five stars with me is its heroine, Jasmin. While I always love encountering Elizabeth Bennet reincarnations, I’m afraid this one was just a little too prickly to earn my love and admiration. Jazz is very quick and sharp with her wit, which is very like Elizabeth Bennet. But instead of it being charmingly impertinent, Jazz sometimes came across very hard and cynical for my taste. Perhaps if we saw more of her softer and kind-hearted side, her snarky side would have felt better balanced. However, I truly did enjoy witnessing the impact of her learning the truth/error of her ways and her period of self-evaluation and realization. That was well portrayed.
Diverting and clever – Pride, Prejudice and Jasmin Field is a wonderful choice for readers who can’t get enough of Mr. Darcy, modern Pride and Prejudice tales, and British romantic comedies. While it won’t make my list of top favorite modern Pride and Prejudice adaptations, I found much to appreciate and enjoy in the experience of reading this drama-filled rendition!
Due to the use of profanity, I’d recommend this story for readers over the age of 14.
A note to potential buyers, this book is also published under the title of Acting Up.
Austenesque Reviews
Jasmin Field knows she is no actor; she is a journalist for a woman’s magazine. But on a lark she decides to tag along with her sister (who is an actress) to an audition for a fundraising adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. But just before her audition she overhears the play’s director – the great and famous actor, Harry Noble – refer to her as an “Ugly Sister.” In response, Jazz (as she is known to her friends) gives him a rendition of Elizabeth Bennet refusing Mr. Darcy’s first proposal that perfectly embodies her very real emotions of disbelief, contempt, and abject fury.
As you might guess, Jazz, even with her nonexistent acting experience, lands the role of Lizzy Bennet in the play. And during her rehearsals and encounters with Harry Noble, her opinion of the arrogant and exacting director sink further and further. Especially when she learns that he prevented fellow actor William Whitby from making it big in Hollywood and discovers that he convinced another actor to focus on his career and not his relationship with her sister. Could she despise this loathsome man any more?!? Just when she thinks the answer is no, Harry tells Jazz what he really thinks of her…
I am so glad I finally read this creative and clever modern adaptation of Pride and Prejudice! It is always fun to see characters work on putting a theatrical together. 😉 And while it was perhaps a little cliché to have each character of Ms. Nathan’s story play the corresponding character in the P&P play, I greatly enjoyed being in the theatre atmosphere. One of the elements I enjoyed most about this modern update was that it didn’t completely follow a Pride and Prejudice formula and a lot of the events or situations were smartly updated! To me, the alterations and twists produced a sense of unexpectedness. Without giving too much away I will say I thought the Wickham/Georgiana history update unique and accessible, albeit a bit darker, and the Wickham/Lydia scandal stimulating because of everything else it brought about.
Another element I enjoyed about this story was that it was British! And filled with British slang, British expressions…and British profanity! With its “Rightie-ho,” “buggery bollocks,” and talk of shagging and snogging it kind of reminded me of Bridget Jones a little! 😉 And Harry – with his shy reserve, awkward attempts at friendship, and tender concern is definitely close to Mark Darcy material… 😉
The main reason this book didn’t earn five stars with me is its heroine, Jasmin. While I always love encountering Elizabeth Bennet reincarnations, I’m afraid this one was just a little too prickly to earn my love and admiration. Jazz is very quick and sharp with her wit, which is very like Elizabeth Bennet. But instead of it being charmingly impertinent, Jazz sometimes came across very hard and cynical for my taste. Perhaps if we saw more of her softer and kind-hearted side, her snarky side would have felt better balanced. However, I truly did enjoy witnessing the impact of her learning the truth/error of her ways and her period of self-evaluation and realization. That was well portrayed.
Diverting and clever – Pride, Prejudice and Jasmin Field is a wonderful choice for readers who can’t get enough of Mr. Darcy, modern Pride and Prejudice tales, and British romantic comedies. While it won’t make my list of top favorite modern Pride and Prejudice adaptations, I found much to appreciate and enjoy in the experience of reading this drama-filled rendition!
Due to the use of profanity, I’d recommend this story for readers over the age of 14.
A note to potential buyers, this book is also published under the title of Acting Up.
Austenesque Reviews
February 7, 2019
I have been meaning to try this author for so long, but just needed the right push to get on with it. #Romance-opoly challenge and Austenesque Lovers TBR challenge continue to inspire me this year to read more books languishing on my shelves.
So, Pride, Prejudice and Jasmin Field, a classic retelling within a modern retelling. Yes! We have a play adaption of Jane Austen's P&P acted for a charity event with the players' lives mimicking art in this one. It is set in London and follows the life of women's column journalist, Jasmin Field as she plays the part of impertinent Elizabeth Bennet across from top rated actor in the country, Harry Noble who set up Jazz's back long before their first bad meeting.
Things progress in a marvelous comedy of errors type story as Jasmin is set in hate-mode toward Harry and it doesn't help that she lets herself believe a charmer with lies on his lips. Harry got on her bad side so she has no trouble believing the worst. It is the shy, friendly side that startles her and throws her for a loop. Meanwhile, her sister falls for the cutie nice guy actor and her flat mate plays the role of the pragmatic friend who settles for what she can get.
But, it wasn't just comedy. There were some deeper elements that came out: abuse, gaslighting, integrity in journalism, feminism in these fields of industry, and the downside of the entertainment world beside all the glitter and glam.
It was fun ciphering out which Austen character each modern character represented and then seeing how it all played out with this story set in the London theater world. Austen's P&P storyline was closely followed plot-wise.
I had a good time with this one, particularly since I'm an American enjoying the completely British flavor of this one even down to the slang. There was some sparks flying and some memorable funny moments along with some good character growth and decisive moments.
I will say that while I had fun with Jasmin as the main character. I found her character crossed the line for a while from snarky into angry, bitter which wasn't attractive. It did make her big 'aha' moment bigger, and it was great watching her work through her thoughts and choices after that. I didn't have much respect for her and Harry at times until later- then I was rooting them on.
All in all, it was a fast and engaging retelling with some sparkle and shine to it.
So, Pride, Prejudice and Jasmin Field, a classic retelling within a modern retelling. Yes! We have a play adaption of Jane Austen's P&P acted for a charity event with the players' lives mimicking art in this one. It is set in London and follows the life of women's column journalist, Jasmin Field as she plays the part of impertinent Elizabeth Bennet across from top rated actor in the country, Harry Noble who set up Jazz's back long before their first bad meeting.
Things progress in a marvelous comedy of errors type story as Jasmin is set in hate-mode toward Harry and it doesn't help that she lets herself believe a charmer with lies on his lips. Harry got on her bad side so she has no trouble believing the worst. It is the shy, friendly side that startles her and throws her for a loop. Meanwhile, her sister falls for the cutie nice guy actor and her flat mate plays the role of the pragmatic friend who settles for what she can get.
But, it wasn't just comedy. There were some deeper elements that came out: abuse, gaslighting, integrity in journalism, feminism in these fields of industry, and the downside of the entertainment world beside all the glitter and glam.
It was fun ciphering out which Austen character each modern character represented and then seeing how it all played out with this story set in the London theater world. Austen's P&P storyline was closely followed plot-wise.
I had a good time with this one, particularly since I'm an American enjoying the completely British flavor of this one even down to the slang. There was some sparks flying and some memorable funny moments along with some good character growth and decisive moments.
I will say that while I had fun with Jasmin as the main character. I found her character crossed the line for a while from snarky into angry, bitter which wasn't attractive. It did make her big 'aha' moment bigger, and it was great watching her work through her thoughts and choices after that. I didn't have much respect for her and Harry at times until later- then I was rooting them on.
All in all, it was a fast and engaging retelling with some sparkle and shine to it.
July 30, 2008
Boring, boring, boring. She didn't even /try/ to have any innovations on the plotline or the characters. I think she even stole some of the lines from the original book. Those she didn't she still attempted to sort of paraphrase in modern speak, very, very awkwardly. There was no independence of spirit here. Just a slavish, and very bad and insulting attempt at imitating Jane's plot. And boiling it down to its simplest and most brainless parts. ie: the two romances, with none of the interesting character ideas or wit or the side characters that Jane created.
Dude, they even have them be in a /play/ of Pride and Prejudice, cast as their respective roles. Just in case you didn't get by the title what this was all about!
Friends: Stop giving this to me for my birthday. I must've been given four copies of this by now. Even Goodwill is going to start rejecting them when I hand them over.
Dude, they even have them be in a /play/ of Pride and Prejudice, cast as their respective roles. Just in case you didn't get by the title what this was all about!
Friends: Stop giving this to me for my birthday. I must've been given four copies of this by now. Even Goodwill is going to start rejecting them when I hand them over.
July 8, 2018
This tale of jaded-journalist-meets-hunky-star is really a lot of fun. Jasmin Field finds herself roped in to audition for a charity production of Pride and Prejudice. Unexpectedly, she is cast as Elizabeth Bennett.
She is somewhat in shock about this since she pretty much let the director know she was not terribly impressed with him. And who is that director? None other than gorgeous, sought after film star Harry Noble.
This tale of a production coming together amidst Jasmin's career angst and tons of backstage drama really is a lot of fun. The book is packed with quirky and likeable secondary characters, and I loved sinking into the characters' world (i.e. Bridget Jones-era London). A couple threads of plot got a heavy-handed resolution and I didn't care for how Jasmin treated her lifelong best friend, but otherwise this is an entertaining read.
If you liked the books that came out heyday of chicken lit, you won't want to miss this one.
She is somewhat in shock about this since she pretty much let the director know she was not terribly impressed with him. And who is that director? None other than gorgeous, sought after film star Harry Noble.
This tale of a production coming together amidst Jasmin's career angst and tons of backstage drama really is a lot of fun. The book is packed with quirky and likeable secondary characters, and I loved sinking into the characters' world (i.e. Bridget Jones-era London). A couple threads of plot got a heavy-handed resolution and I didn't care for how Jasmin treated her lifelong best friend, but otherwise this is an entertaining read.
If you liked the books that came out heyday of chicken lit, you won't want to miss this one.
April 7, 2017
Quick enjoyable read but I can only give two stars because..
..Jazz/Jasmin is so damn unpleasant! (even after realising her prejudiced mistakes she's still judgy and know-it-all)
..her failed friendship with Mo is simply sad and not okay
.."tasty" is NOT a word to describe a sexy human
..no big creativy here, P&P recycling all the way
..in the end everyone is partnered up and happyyyyy (not one single lady, oh my)
..Jazz/Jasmin is so damn unpleasant! (even after realising her prejudiced mistakes she's still judgy and know-it-all)
..her failed friendship with Mo is simply sad and not okay
.."tasty" is NOT a word to describe a sexy human
..no big creativy here, P&P recycling all the way
..in the end everyone is partnered up and happyyyyy (not one single lady, oh my)
May 21, 2013
Okuduğum çiklit tarzı kitapları burada görmesem tamamen aklımdan sileceğim; kendimi çiklite adadığım bir yaz tatili sırasında okumuştum. Eğlenceli idi, P&P'ye dair herşeyi sevme eğilimim olduğundan da sevmiş olabilirim tabi.
October 30, 2010
It is a truth universally acknowledged, at least by this particular reader, that Jane Austen adaptions set against an English setting are infinitely more enjoyable than their Americanized counterparts. Although the setting of this particularly stunning modernization is not wholly the reason for my exuberant ardor of Pride, Prejudice, and Jasmin Field, it certainly did not diminish my fondness. I can say without fear of exaggeration that this novel is one of my most favourite Austen-inspired turn outs to date. I can literally think of nothing negative to say about it; which in itself it a staggering commendation indeed.
The story is centered on the title character of Jasmin Field, a journalist for a popular British women's magazine who has been invited to audition for an adapted stage production of Jane Austen's classic "Pride & Prejudice." Although Jazz is certainly not the only known person to be invited to audition, she is certainly the only person not wholly motivated to snatch up a part simply because England's golden boy, the beautiful and popular Harry Noble, is directing the production. Having, by way of her work, found the majority of the acting community to be nothing stellar behind the groomed and affected faces they present on screen, Jazz is prepared to find Harry Noble nothing but a spoiled, pompous twat whom expects nothing from the lower classes other than stupefied reactions to his presense and awe-stricken groveling at his feet. To her utter delight, Jazz is hardly disappointed --- at first.
Considering that this is, in fact, a modernization of Pride and Prejudice, the plot schematic is hardly difficult to anticipate. Jazz, being the doppleganger of Lizzy Bennet, --- metaphorically as well as literally on stage --- will find a perfect match in Harry Noble, the personification of Mr. Darcy himself --- again, both figmitively and, eventually, literally. The usual story plays out, with a particularly horrid characterization of Wickham to come between them, and two characters meant to be Jane and Bingley falling in love while waiting in the wings. By the end of the tale, Lizzy will discover she's been all wrong about Darcy from the start, and somehow, someway, Darcy will become a better person. Indeed, the story is expectedly predictable --- but then again, isn't that why we love Austen modernizations in the first place?
Pride, Prejudice and Jasmin Field is an especially staggering deviation of the classic love story we have all come to adore. Although the language is cruder, the details more relatable to the age, and the ending suggestively sexual (eyebrow, eyebrow, wink, wink) the heart of the tale is perfectly preserved by Ms. Nathan's capable hand. Prepare to fall in love all over again.
The story is centered on the title character of Jasmin Field, a journalist for a popular British women's magazine who has been invited to audition for an adapted stage production of Jane Austen's classic "Pride & Prejudice." Although Jazz is certainly not the only known person to be invited to audition, she is certainly the only person not wholly motivated to snatch up a part simply because England's golden boy, the beautiful and popular Harry Noble, is directing the production. Having, by way of her work, found the majority of the acting community to be nothing stellar behind the groomed and affected faces they present on screen, Jazz is prepared to find Harry Noble nothing but a spoiled, pompous twat whom expects nothing from the lower classes other than stupefied reactions to his presense and awe-stricken groveling at his feet. To her utter delight, Jazz is hardly disappointed --- at first.
Considering that this is, in fact, a modernization of Pride and Prejudice, the plot schematic is hardly difficult to anticipate. Jazz, being the doppleganger of Lizzy Bennet, --- metaphorically as well as literally on stage --- will find a perfect match in Harry Noble, the personification of Mr. Darcy himself --- again, both figmitively and, eventually, literally. The usual story plays out, with a particularly horrid characterization of Wickham to come between them, and two characters meant to be Jane and Bingley falling in love while waiting in the wings. By the end of the tale, Lizzy will discover she's been all wrong about Darcy from the start, and somehow, someway, Darcy will become a better person. Indeed, the story is expectedly predictable --- but then again, isn't that why we love Austen modernizations in the first place?
Pride, Prejudice and Jasmin Field is an especially staggering deviation of the classic love story we have all come to adore. Although the language is cruder, the details more relatable to the age, and the ending suggestively sexual (eyebrow, eyebrow, wink, wink) the heart of the tale is perfectly preserved by Ms. Nathan's capable hand. Prepare to fall in love all over again.
January 29, 2010
This started off and it was a very luke-warm read. At one point I just thought that I wasn't even going to bother finishing it.
My initial problems with the book were a slow start and wooden characters in a storyline which was very predictable - well it is if you're at all familiar with Pride and Predjudice by Jane Austen.
The writing wasn't the best. The author would switch the point of view very randomly so you'd be in the main characters head, thinking what they are and then all of a sudden you'd be inside another character's head - and then suddenly switch back again. The usual way to switch to a different character is to start a new chapter or a new section so it becomes obvious that this is intended.
All these faults aside, the book suddenly perked up about half-way through. The characters became more alive and the storyline improved immensely so I started to enjoy reading it.
If this book had been polished off properly, it would have been an excellent read. It felt like it was a little rushed and had a lack of attention to detail. But I'd still say it's worth a look.
My initial problems with the book were a slow start and wooden characters in a storyline which was very predictable - well it is if you're at all familiar with Pride and Predjudice by Jane Austen.
The writing wasn't the best. The author would switch the point of view very randomly so you'd be in the main characters head, thinking what they are and then all of a sudden you'd be inside another character's head - and then suddenly switch back again. The usual way to switch to a different character is to start a new chapter or a new section so it becomes obvious that this is intended.
All these faults aside, the book suddenly perked up about half-way through. The characters became more alive and the storyline improved immensely so I started to enjoy reading it.
If this book had been polished off properly, it would have been an excellent read. It felt like it was a little rushed and had a lack of attention to detail. But I'd still say it's worth a look.
March 30, 2011
If you're a fan of P&P I think you'll probably like this. It's not intense reading by any means, but it is funny and lighthearted. It's also very short, so this would make the perfect beach read.
The only thing I didn't care for was that Mr. Darcy (Harry Noble) was an actor. I think it's just a personal preference on my part, but I don't find acting to be a very sexy profession. I get crushes on the characters actors play, but the idea of that actor himself? Not so much. I had a hard time relating to Jazz getting all choked up because Harry made himself weep during his performance. But that's just me.
The only thing I didn't care for was that Mr. Darcy (Harry Noble) was an actor. I think it's just a personal preference on my part, but I don't find acting to be a very sexy profession. I get crushes on the characters actors play, but the idea of that actor himself? Not so much. I had a hard time relating to Jazz getting all choked up because Harry made himself weep during his performance. But that's just me.
March 25, 2016
The blurb doesn't even begin to sum up this book. It's a lot deeper and tangled than it sounds up there. All for better.
The modern story retelling of Jane Austen’s classic ends in the same fashion. Lizzy and Darcy of this book, who are highly opinionated about each other, clear their differences and fall in love.
Like Darcy, Harry Noble seems like a man who thinks too highly of himself. And like Lizzy Bennet, Jasmin Field is prejudiced and hates him the minute she sets eyes on him. Their initial encounter isn’t too pretty.
There is also a snotty sister, like Ms. Bingley, trying to court our Darcy-slash-Harry.
But what distinguishes this book from the classic is its use of language, the sarcasm, modern, comic tone, the supplementary characters, their voices, their pasts and their stories as they unfold.
Acting up showed a lot of different point of views but did not mix them up. The strongest and probably the most sarcastic voice was of Jasmin Field.
There are tons of sub plots wired into one another. At the beginning it gets a little confusing and overwhelming with all those names that are thrown at us when we’re introduced to the huge cast of the play. But the writers eases our way into each one of their heads and by the end of it, they all become as real as fictional characters go.
I like the fact that apparently the most handsome director alive on planet is not without flaws. When we finally learn about his fears, shortcomings (like poor driving and conversation skills), he feels more real making the story believable and much more agreeable.
Random thoughts: It’s by far one of my favorite chic lit I have read in a long time. It held my attention throughout. I tend to wander off after about 50 pages if the book fails to grip me. I can’t finish a book if it doesn’t pique my interest. And I read this one in single sitting.
Overall: Predictable at times, it’s still unputdownable for its amazing writing style, hilarious scenes and super fast pace. I love the fact that we get to see the doom of every single character. Yes, Every Single. The book gave me joy and laughter more than my money’s worth.
Stars: 5/5
Highly, highly recommended
The modern story retelling of Jane Austen’s classic ends in the same fashion. Lizzy and Darcy of this book, who are highly opinionated about each other, clear their differences and fall in love.
Like Darcy, Harry Noble seems like a man who thinks too highly of himself. And like Lizzy Bennet, Jasmin Field is prejudiced and hates him the minute she sets eyes on him. Their initial encounter isn’t too pretty.
There is also a snotty sister, like Ms. Bingley, trying to court our Darcy-slash-Harry.
But what distinguishes this book from the classic is its use of language, the sarcasm, modern, comic tone, the supplementary characters, their voices, their pasts and their stories as they unfold.
Acting up showed a lot of different point of views but did not mix them up. The strongest and probably the most sarcastic voice was of Jasmin Field.
There are tons of sub plots wired into one another. At the beginning it gets a little confusing and overwhelming with all those names that are thrown at us when we’re introduced to the huge cast of the play. But the writers eases our way into each one of their heads and by the end of it, they all become as real as fictional characters go.
I like the fact that apparently the most handsome director alive on planet is not without flaws. When we finally learn about his fears, shortcomings (like poor driving and conversation skills), he feels more real making the story believable and much more agreeable.
Random thoughts: It’s by far one of my favorite chic lit I have read in a long time. It held my attention throughout. I tend to wander off after about 50 pages if the book fails to grip me. I can’t finish a book if it doesn’t pique my interest. And I read this one in single sitting.
Overall: Predictable at times, it’s still unputdownable for its amazing writing style, hilarious scenes and super fast pace. I love the fact that we get to see the doom of every single character. Yes, Every Single. The book gave me joy and laughter more than my money’s worth.
Stars: 5/5
Highly, highly recommended
September 27, 2014
Now this is a clever book. Take a look at the prologue and epilogue. This is play within a play within a play and great fun.
I don't go for chick lit type stuff usually but my friend, who persuaded me that Jo-Jo Moyes is more than a fluffy, candy floss read, sent me this. 'It's funny and clever,' she said. She's right.
Bright, up and coming journalist, Jasmine Field, has her own column in a good magazine. She and her actress sister are invited, because of their fame, to audition for a charity performance of Pride and Prejudice. Now the fun begins.
Anyone who has read and enjoyed Pride and Prejudice can see where the book and this novel will cross paths. The director of the play - heart throb, great, young male actor, Harry Noble - rolls up as arrogance personified and calls Jasmine the Ugly Sister. Jasmine is having none of this.
The rehearsals and performance run true to course with all the P&P problems that Lizzie Bennet faced neatly updated for Jasmine. Jasmine wins out of course and the ending is excellent.
You need to really know P&P to get the most out of the book and also to enjoy Melissa Nathan's clever dialogue and Jasmine's witty comments. I am sorry Ms Nathan didn't live long enough to write more novels.
August 21, 2018
This book was fun and unusual! This book had a Pride and Prejudice in a Pride and Prejudice. The main character is Jasmin Field is your Elizabeth Bennet, she is a tabloid journalist who is chosen to play Elizabeth Bennet in a one night play that combines amateur and professional actors that is directed by an arrogant actor who directs named Harry Noble who is your Mr. Darcy who ends up in his own play as Mr. Darcy. Everyone is in it Jasmin's pretty sister George who falls in love with the nice guy. There is a bad boy Wickham by the name of William Whitby.
Ms. Nathan does a wonderful job keeping to the main story of Pride and Prejudice and maintaining the main characters in her story. It was a fun read! But I must tell you she does use some crude British language that will surprise you but you are talking about tabloid journalism and back stage. It is a fun read! You want to escape, you need a Jane Austen fix or you love chick lit or romance you will enjoy this book!
Ms. Nathan does a wonderful job keeping to the main story of Pride and Prejudice and maintaining the main characters in her story. It was a fun read! But I must tell you she does use some crude British language that will surprise you but you are talking about tabloid journalism and back stage. It is a fun read! You want to escape, you need a Jane Austen fix or you love chick lit or romance you will enjoy this book!
August 1, 2009
Predictable adaptation of P&P with unnecessary amounts of casual sex. Not to be prudish, but part of the allure of the original is the unnamed sexual tension between the different pairings; and despite it's lack of open sexuality, the original remains one of the most romantic books -- ever. This author didn't tap into that vibe, perhaps assuming that mysterious tensions and morality of yesteryear should be replaced with the present morality. Unfortunate assumption and shallow, unoriginal adaptation.
I did enjoy the tensions between Jasmine and Harry. Thus 2 stars instead of 1.
I did enjoy the tensions between Jasmine and Harry. Thus 2 stars instead of 1.
March 21, 2010
SPOILER ALERT
I should have read the jacket before choosing this novel. It's entirely predictable because the plot parallels PRIDE & PREJUDICE. I love Miss Austen's story, but I can only reread variations of it so many times.
The novel has some cute one liners; otherwise, it isn't in the same league as the original (yes, this argument can be made because the plot is the same). The worst part of this story is that the characters are doing a stage version of P & P but they never make the connections between what is occurring in their lives with the story they're acting out.
I should have read the jacket before choosing this novel. It's entirely predictable because the plot parallels PRIDE & PREJUDICE. I love Miss Austen's story, but I can only reread variations of it so many times.
The novel has some cute one liners; otherwise, it isn't in the same league as the original (yes, this argument can be made because the plot is the same). The worst part of this story is that the characters are doing a stage version of P & P but they never make the connections between what is occurring in their lives with the story they're acting out.
November 22, 2009
Normally I enjoy chick lit, but this reiteration of "Pride and Prejudice" struck me as lazy, not clever. The main character was so utterly annoying that I couldn't imagine anyone falling for her. And the author's choice to switch back and forth between character voices in the middle of several chapters was just confusing. Thumbs down.
March 5, 2021
♡loved it! loved it! loved it! ♡
♡It was so funny and so.... pride and prejudiceyyy. The story was a perfect classic adaptation of today's world. ♡
♡The star omitted is just for a little lack of romance....♡
♡It was so funny and so.... pride and prejudiceyyy. The story was a perfect classic adaptation of today's world. ♡
♡The star omitted is just for a little lack of romance....♡
Read
November 3, 2017Check out my review on Diary of an Eccentric
December 22, 2015
Boring even as a beach read. Much better fun books out there.
November 15, 2017
there is absolutely no way an actual real-live woman wrote this. definitely a man pretending to be a woman
October 16, 2013
RECENSIONE DELLE LIZZIES
LizzyS: Jasmin è la mia Bridget!
LizzyGee: Negli anni 2000 Pemberley si trasforma in un palcoscenico
LizzyP: Luci della ribalta
LizzyS: Inoltrarmi in un altro esempio di chick-lit, che non ho mai amato, è stata durissima. Dopo la piccola delusione con la maggiore esponente del genere, sua maestà Helen Fielding con l'icona Bridget Jones, temevo molto questa lettura.
E all'inizio i miei timori sembravano confermati. LizzyP: (All'inizio, anch'io condivisi questa perplessità, se rammenti).
LizzyS: Il pretesto che mette in moto la trama - la riduzione teatrale di Pride and Prejudice si intreccia con la vita reale dei personaggi, soprattutto i due protagonisti - è un po' debole e questo si riflette in tutta la prima parte del libro.
LizzyP: Nell'ultima, però, gli eventi nefasti che accadono ai personaggi, rischiano di compromettere la messa in scena della suddetta riduzione di P&P, visto la coincidenza di molti protagonisti della storia con il cast scelto... insomma, in qualche modo, i danni rischiano di raddoppiarsi, di complicare il tutto!
LizzyGee: Io, al contrario - pur non essendo una fan scatenata del genere -, non disdegno un romanzo di chick-lit ogni tanto; una lettura veloce e frivola da finire in volata (infatti ho finito il libro in poco più di un giorno e non ho rispettato i tempi del GdL!!!), a maggior ragione se tale chick-lit è ispirato a Pride and Prejudice! D'altronde io avevo già letto prima dei GdL di gennaio e febbraio - e ben due volte - entrambi i Diari di Bridget Jones, che ho amato molto più per i loro legami con i romanzi di Jane Austen e con la serie Pride and Prejudice 1995 che per i Diari in se stessi.
LizzyS: Nei primi capitoli, dunque, tutto sembra molto schematico e netto: a cominciare dai personaggi, che entrano in scena come sul palcoscenico di un teatro, e sono facilmente riconoscibili, forse troppo, ma con molta ironia e fanno divertire nella loro semplicità.
LizzyP: Come per i Diari di Bridget, anche qui mi è mancata la profondità dei personaggi tanto "indagati" da Zia Jane. Capisco che siamo in un genere diverse, contemporaneo, fra i cui obiettivi c'è, appunto, la lettura immediata, direi anche "spensierata", ciononostante, per quello che ho letto finora, i derivati rivisti in chiave moderna mancano sempre di questa completezza caratteriale e descrittiva, come se oggigiorno, personaggi come quelli austeniani non fossero adatti al pubblico (assai più ampio e variegato di allora), oppure, come persone reali, fossero incapaci di quella stessa profondità. Credo, invece, che la gran parte degli estimatori di JA, riescano ormai facilmente a ritrovare nei loro incontri quotidiani molti dei personaggi descritti dall'autrice, un Wickham, una Emma, una Miss Bates e, chissà, forse anche un Mr Darcy (sebbene, in via di estinzione) e la spiegazione è più ovvia di quel che si può immaginare... perché i personaggi dei suoi romanzi sono ispirati all'attenta osservazione di persone reali!
LizzyS: A poco a poco sembra di vedere un misto tra Bridget Jones e Sex and the city, ma senza gli eccessi. La prima parte scorre così, quasi un po' monotona, nel costruire il quadro generale... Ma con molta fedeltà all'originale - a cominciare dal giudizio offensivo che la protagonista ispira al bel tenebroso e che ella ode casualmente, dando il la al loro rapporto burrascoso.
Ed è proprio questo il carattere che colpisce sempre di più, a mano a mano che ci si addentra nel romanzo.
LizzyGee: Sì, all'inizio sembra tutto un po' troppo scontato: i personaggi rivestono esattamente lo stesso ruolo nella commedia come nella vita. George è assolutamente Jane, Jack Hayes è Bingley.
He ambled in, all jollity and eagerness to please. His cheeks were as rosy as ever and his eyes shone with warmth and interest. He was a tall man, but next to Harry, he looked slight, and beside Harry's crow-black hair, his blondness looked almost silly.
[Entrò, tutto allegria e desiderio di piacere. Le sua guance erano rosee come sempre e i suoi occhi splendevano calorosi e pieni di interesse. Era alto, ma vicino ad Harry appariva minuto e accanto ai capelli corvini di Harry, il suo biondo sembrava quasi insulso.]
Che Sara, la sorella di Jack/Bingley, sembri proprio Caroline Bingley e che questo sia proprio il ruolo che le viene assegnato nella commedia sembra fin troppo prevedibile. Avrei preferito un po' di 'movimento', ma forse questo avrebbe causato troppa confusione. Inoltre dopo un inizio un po' troppo intuibile, il romanzo decolla con un frizzante riadattamento di Orgoglio e Pregiudizio ai giorni nostri in cui si corre avidamente capitolo dopo capitolo, per scoprire come la Nathan abbia reso le varie vicende adattandole ai suoi personaggi.
LizzyS: Dopo poche pagine, tra una brutta figura ed un'impennata emotiva, la protagonista, Jasmin Field, per gli amici Jazz LizzyP:(Sì, ma vogliamo parlare della scelta del nomignolo della protagonista? Ho mal tollerato da subito il binomio Lizzy-Jazz, avrei preferito di gran lunga Elizabeth/Jasmin, piuttosto di un nick che ricorda il nome di un cane - con tutto il rispetto per i cani! - e dall'inizio alla fine ho visualizzato inciso su una targhetta d'ottone a forma di osso...), LizzyS comincia ad assomigliare a Bridget Jones ma in una versione decisamente migliore: è una giornalista che dimostra una buona dose di cultura e prende assai sul serio il proprio lavoro, così come le sue amicizie ed i rapporti familiari. Bè, devo ammettere che questa Jazz è molto vicino all'idea di Bridget che io mi ero costruita sulla sola base dei film (e che non ho ritrovato nell'originale letterario costruito dalla Fielding).
Così, gli scambi con il Darcy della situazione (l'attore bellissimo, superfamoso e iperbravo Harry Noble, aristocraticissimo perfino nel nome) sono molto più pertinenti e scoppiettanti di quelli che avevo letto nei libri di Helen Fielding.
LizzyGee: Decisamente Jazz è molto più Lizzie di Bridget Jones! LizzyP: La differenza è enfatizzata anche dalla condivisione del mestiere di "giornalista". LizzyGee: Intelligente e colta, laddove Bridget sembra stupida - tanto da farci arrivare a chiedere cosa avesse visto Mark Darcy in lei! -; arguta e tagliente come Lizzie - e sicuramente come la stessa Nathan - nelle sue rubriche giornalistiche, in cui non disdegna battute e giochi di parole; pronta a ribattere parola su parola ad Henry Noble, al contrario di Bridget che sembra molto più passiva: e gli unici giochetti di parole e arguzie sembrano essere solo quelli a sfondo sessuale scambiati con Daniel Cleaver via e-mail. LizzyP: (Non me lo rammentare, ti prego...)
Gli scambi e "le situazioni di Lui e Lei" (per citare l'omonimo anime incentrato sui sentimenti della coppia protagonista) non fanno certo rimpiangere gl'incontri e gli scontri di P&P: Lizzy/Jazz e Darcy/Harry si muovono sul palco - è proprio il caso di dirlo - in una danza di parole ben pensate, tra sguardi d'intesa o incomprensione, tra gesti di stizza o di avvicinamento, ricordandoci quel perenne duello di sentimenti che ci fa leggere e rileggere all'infinito Orgoglio e Pregiudizio, con le stesse invariate emozioni della prima volta.
LizzyS: Anche i personaggi intorno ai due antagonisti sono molto ben cogegnati sulla base di quelli originali.
A cominciare dalla splendida Mo (Charlotte), strepitosa amica del cuore di Jazz, con cui ingaggia costantemente discussioni e riflessioni, soprattutto sulle donne e sul rapporto con gli uomini.
Non bella e profondamente rinserrata nel proprio battagliero femminismo, Mo comincia a sentire il desiderio di accontentare anche la parte meno razionale e più emotiva di sé ed intraprende un cammino di trasformazione non solo esteriore del tutto inaspettato, sconvolgendo Jazz. Ma mantiene una saggezza perfettamente uguale a quella della Charlotte originale.
Splendida e molto toccante la chiacchierata tra le due Amiche per la Pelle sui loro rispettivi destini amorosi - anche se, pure qui, proprio la loro rispettiva felicità ha un prezzo finale, e un po' amaro, da pagare.
LizzyGee: Mo rispecchia il personaggio di Charlotte e lo amplifica, ritagliandosi molto più spazio nel romanzo rispetto a Mrs Collins e rivelando molte delle caratteristiche comuni all'universo femminile, come il desiderio di piacere, di avere accanto un uomo da coccolare, nonostante le idee femministe, che non vengono rinnegate, ma solo rivedute per un futuro più sereno. Del resto, diciamocelo: Gilbert Valentine non è uno stupido come Mr Collins; forse un po' viscido, ma la nostra Mo saprà sicuramente come usare lo sgrassatore per migliorare la sua untuosità!
LizzyP: In effetti, un pregio di questa commedia moderna - ottimo spunto per un film stile "Quattro matrimoni e un funerale" - risiede proprio nell'aver dato più voce a personaggi come Charlotte e Mr Collins, migliorando e aggiungendo qualcosa ai loro profili, suggerimento forse originato dal desiderio dell'autrice di riscattare qualcosa di quei personaggi. Ad ogni modo, tutti i personaggi sono molto più "eloquenti" vincolo necessario nella struttura del chick-lit, imbastito soprattutto sullo scambio verbale, il dialogo fitto, insomma.
LizzyS: La Nathan si rivela anche molto abile nell'orchestrare le scene d'insieme: un esempio su tutti, il "ballo di Netherfiled", cioè il party super-vipposo dove molte cose importanti accadono, a tutti, in una girandola molto divertente, ed intelligente, di piccoli colpi di scena.
Mi è piaciuto molto il modo in cui la Nathan ha costruito il "misfatto di Lydia". In questa riscrittura moderna, la sorella più giovane è Josie (in totale, qui le sorelle sono tre e non cinque). Che è una perfetta, invidiatissima donna "realizzata", con un marito innamorato e uno splendido bambino e un altro in arrivo, e che riesce ancora a pensare a se stessa. Ma non è tutto oro quel che luccica. Ed in questo, la modernizzazione di Lydia è davvero ben costruita, perfettamente veridica.
LizzyP: Ho apprezzato anch'io l'idea dell'inganno delle cosidette "apparenze", ma non credo che Lizzy ne avrebbe fatto motivo d'invidia, se pur mascheratamente... questa Lydia/Josie, però, mi piace di più! Soprattutto per "quella" sua scelta, sebbene arrivi soltanto dopo una "certa" occasione, ciò ne fa un personaggio più maturo del suo originale, non credete?
LizzyGee: Non sveliamo tutto sui personaggi: in fondo la principale attrattiva di questo libro, quel che fa da turn-pages è proprio il costante desiderio di scoprire come si evolveranno i personaggi e gli eventi trasportando le vicende di Orgoglio e Pregiudizio ai giorni nostri. Ad esempio, ricordo che mentre leggevo mi chiedevo chi fosse il Colonnello Fitzwilliam della situazione, e non sono stata soddisfatta fino a quando non l'ho scoperto! LizzyP: (Molti, infatti, i passaggi che riprendono Orgoglio e Pregiudizio - un'altra amenità di questa lettura è scovarli tutti!)
LizzyS: Che la Nathan conosca profondamente il romanzo di Jane Austen è evidente, così come il grande amore che traspare da molte dichiarazioni di fedeltà austeniana che regala a Jazz. L'originale riecheggia costantemente in questa riscrittura moderna, piena di umorismo genuino e felici intuizioni, e del tutto priva di quelle esagerazioni un po' banali che spesso caratterizzano questo genere letterario.
È una lettura estremamente piacevole sia per l'aderenza allo spirito e alla traccia originali sia per il modo in cui è scritta e strutturata.
Mi sento di consigliarne la lettura per chiunque desideri immergersi di nuovo nel microcosmo austeniano con la giusta dose di leggerezza e senza far mancare nulla alle proprie celluline grigie o all'esigenza di non far sussultare dear Aunt Jane.
LizzyGee: Io lo consiglio a tutte le appassionate di chick-lit; questo libro ha decisamente una marcia in più: una sinossi scritta da Jane Austen 200 anni fa! E naturalmente anche a tutti gli appassionati di Jane Austen - con le dovute cautele: non state leggendo un'opera di alta letteratura, solo un giocoso riadattamento di Pride and Prejudice!
LizzyP: Il mio consiglio è di leggerlo senza aspettative di qualsiasi genere, ciò vi salverà dalla delusione di non trovare ciò che pensavate, piuttosto, vi darà modo di gustarvi pienamente il carattere frizzante di questo chick-lit, magari sotto l'ombrellone, in riva al mare, con una bibita fresca e col piglio ironico che Zia Jane ci ha insegnato.
Potete trovare la recensione completa QUI
LizzyS: Jasmin è la mia Bridget!
LizzyGee: Negli anni 2000 Pemberley si trasforma in un palcoscenico
LizzyP: Luci della ribalta
LizzyS: Inoltrarmi in un altro esempio di chick-lit, che non ho mai amato, è stata durissima. Dopo la piccola delusione con la maggiore esponente del genere, sua maestà Helen Fielding con l'icona Bridget Jones, temevo molto questa lettura.
E all'inizio i miei timori sembravano confermati. LizzyP: (All'inizio, anch'io condivisi questa perplessità, se rammenti).
LizzyS: Il pretesto che mette in moto la trama - la riduzione teatrale di Pride and Prejudice si intreccia con la vita reale dei personaggi, soprattutto i due protagonisti - è un po' debole e questo si riflette in tutta la prima parte del libro.
LizzyP: Nell'ultima, però, gli eventi nefasti che accadono ai personaggi, rischiano di compromettere la messa in scena della suddetta riduzione di P&P, visto la coincidenza di molti protagonisti della storia con il cast scelto... insomma, in qualche modo, i danni rischiano di raddoppiarsi, di complicare il tutto!
LizzyGee: Io, al contrario - pur non essendo una fan scatenata del genere -, non disdegno un romanzo di chick-lit ogni tanto; una lettura veloce e frivola da finire in volata (infatti ho finito il libro in poco più di un giorno e non ho rispettato i tempi del GdL!!!), a maggior ragione se tale chick-lit è ispirato a Pride and Prejudice! D'altronde io avevo già letto prima dei GdL di gennaio e febbraio - e ben due volte - entrambi i Diari di Bridget Jones, che ho amato molto più per i loro legami con i romanzi di Jane Austen e con la serie Pride and Prejudice 1995 che per i Diari in se stessi.
LizzyS: Nei primi capitoli, dunque, tutto sembra molto schematico e netto: a cominciare dai personaggi, che entrano in scena come sul palcoscenico di un teatro, e sono facilmente riconoscibili, forse troppo, ma con molta ironia e fanno divertire nella loro semplicità.
LizzyP: Come per i Diari di Bridget, anche qui mi è mancata la profondità dei personaggi tanto "indagati" da Zia Jane. Capisco che siamo in un genere diverse, contemporaneo, fra i cui obiettivi c'è, appunto, la lettura immediata, direi anche "spensierata", ciononostante, per quello che ho letto finora, i derivati rivisti in chiave moderna mancano sempre di questa completezza caratteriale e descrittiva, come se oggigiorno, personaggi come quelli austeniani non fossero adatti al pubblico (assai più ampio e variegato di allora), oppure, come persone reali, fossero incapaci di quella stessa profondità. Credo, invece, che la gran parte degli estimatori di JA, riescano ormai facilmente a ritrovare nei loro incontri quotidiani molti dei personaggi descritti dall'autrice, un Wickham, una Emma, una Miss Bates e, chissà, forse anche un Mr Darcy (sebbene, in via di estinzione) e la spiegazione è più ovvia di quel che si può immaginare... perché i personaggi dei suoi romanzi sono ispirati all'attenta osservazione di persone reali!
LizzyS: A poco a poco sembra di vedere un misto tra Bridget Jones e Sex and the city, ma senza gli eccessi. La prima parte scorre così, quasi un po' monotona, nel costruire il quadro generale... Ma con molta fedeltà all'originale - a cominciare dal giudizio offensivo che la protagonista ispira al bel tenebroso e che ella ode casualmente, dando il la al loro rapporto burrascoso.
Ed è proprio questo il carattere che colpisce sempre di più, a mano a mano che ci si addentra nel romanzo.
LizzyGee: Sì, all'inizio sembra tutto un po' troppo scontato: i personaggi rivestono esattamente lo stesso ruolo nella commedia come nella vita. George è assolutamente Jane, Jack Hayes è Bingley.
He ambled in, all jollity and eagerness to please. His cheeks were as rosy as ever and his eyes shone with warmth and interest. He was a tall man, but next to Harry, he looked slight, and beside Harry's crow-black hair, his blondness looked almost silly.
[Entrò, tutto allegria e desiderio di piacere. Le sua guance erano rosee come sempre e i suoi occhi splendevano calorosi e pieni di interesse. Era alto, ma vicino ad Harry appariva minuto e accanto ai capelli corvini di Harry, il suo biondo sembrava quasi insulso.]
Che Sara, la sorella di Jack/Bingley, sembri proprio Caroline Bingley e che questo sia proprio il ruolo che le viene assegnato nella commedia sembra fin troppo prevedibile. Avrei preferito un po' di 'movimento', ma forse questo avrebbe causato troppa confusione. Inoltre dopo un inizio un po' troppo intuibile, il romanzo decolla con un frizzante riadattamento di Orgoglio e Pregiudizio ai giorni nostri in cui si corre avidamente capitolo dopo capitolo, per scoprire come la Nathan abbia reso le varie vicende adattandole ai suoi personaggi.
LizzyS: Dopo poche pagine, tra una brutta figura ed un'impennata emotiva, la protagonista, Jasmin Field, per gli amici Jazz LizzyP:(Sì, ma vogliamo parlare della scelta del nomignolo della protagonista? Ho mal tollerato da subito il binomio Lizzy-Jazz, avrei preferito di gran lunga Elizabeth/Jasmin, piuttosto di un nick che ricorda il nome di un cane - con tutto il rispetto per i cani! - e dall'inizio alla fine ho visualizzato inciso su una targhetta d'ottone a forma di osso...), LizzyS comincia ad assomigliare a Bridget Jones ma in una versione decisamente migliore: è una giornalista che dimostra una buona dose di cultura e prende assai sul serio il proprio lavoro, così come le sue amicizie ed i rapporti familiari. Bè, devo ammettere che questa Jazz è molto vicino all'idea di Bridget che io mi ero costruita sulla sola base dei film (e che non ho ritrovato nell'originale letterario costruito dalla Fielding).
Così, gli scambi con il Darcy della situazione (l'attore bellissimo, superfamoso e iperbravo Harry Noble, aristocraticissimo perfino nel nome) sono molto più pertinenti e scoppiettanti di quelli che avevo letto nei libri di Helen Fielding.
LizzyGee: Decisamente Jazz è molto più Lizzie di Bridget Jones! LizzyP: La differenza è enfatizzata anche dalla condivisione del mestiere di "giornalista". LizzyGee: Intelligente e colta, laddove Bridget sembra stupida - tanto da farci arrivare a chiedere cosa avesse visto Mark Darcy in lei! -; arguta e tagliente come Lizzie - e sicuramente come la stessa Nathan - nelle sue rubriche giornalistiche, in cui non disdegna battute e giochi di parole; pronta a ribattere parola su parola ad Henry Noble, al contrario di Bridget che sembra molto più passiva: e gli unici giochetti di parole e arguzie sembrano essere solo quelli a sfondo sessuale scambiati con Daniel Cleaver via e-mail. LizzyP: (Non me lo rammentare, ti prego...)
Gli scambi e "le situazioni di Lui e Lei" (per citare l'omonimo anime incentrato sui sentimenti della coppia protagonista) non fanno certo rimpiangere gl'incontri e gli scontri di P&P: Lizzy/Jazz e Darcy/Harry si muovono sul palco - è proprio il caso di dirlo - in una danza di parole ben pensate, tra sguardi d'intesa o incomprensione, tra gesti di stizza o di avvicinamento, ricordandoci quel perenne duello di sentimenti che ci fa leggere e rileggere all'infinito Orgoglio e Pregiudizio, con le stesse invariate emozioni della prima volta.
LizzyS: Anche i personaggi intorno ai due antagonisti sono molto ben cogegnati sulla base di quelli originali.
A cominciare dalla splendida Mo (Charlotte), strepitosa amica del cuore di Jazz, con cui ingaggia costantemente discussioni e riflessioni, soprattutto sulle donne e sul rapporto con gli uomini.
Non bella e profondamente rinserrata nel proprio battagliero femminismo, Mo comincia a sentire il desiderio di accontentare anche la parte meno razionale e più emotiva di sé ed intraprende un cammino di trasformazione non solo esteriore del tutto inaspettato, sconvolgendo Jazz. Ma mantiene una saggezza perfettamente uguale a quella della Charlotte originale.
Splendida e molto toccante la chiacchierata tra le due Amiche per la Pelle sui loro rispettivi destini amorosi - anche se, pure qui, proprio la loro rispettiva felicità ha un prezzo finale, e un po' amaro, da pagare.
LizzyGee: Mo rispecchia il personaggio di Charlotte e lo amplifica, ritagliandosi molto più spazio nel romanzo rispetto a Mrs Collins e rivelando molte delle caratteristiche comuni all'universo femminile, come il desiderio di piacere, di avere accanto un uomo da coccolare, nonostante le idee femministe, che non vengono rinnegate, ma solo rivedute per un futuro più sereno. Del resto, diciamocelo: Gilbert Valentine non è uno stupido come Mr Collins; forse un po' viscido, ma la nostra Mo saprà sicuramente come usare lo sgrassatore per migliorare la sua untuosità!
LizzyP: In effetti, un pregio di questa commedia moderna - ottimo spunto per un film stile "Quattro matrimoni e un funerale" - risiede proprio nell'aver dato più voce a personaggi come Charlotte e Mr Collins, migliorando e aggiungendo qualcosa ai loro profili, suggerimento forse originato dal desiderio dell'autrice di riscattare qualcosa di quei personaggi. Ad ogni modo, tutti i personaggi sono molto più "eloquenti" vincolo necessario nella struttura del chick-lit, imbastito soprattutto sullo scambio verbale, il dialogo fitto, insomma.
LizzyS: La Nathan si rivela anche molto abile nell'orchestrare le scene d'insieme: un esempio su tutti, il "ballo di Netherfiled", cioè il party super-vipposo dove molte cose importanti accadono, a tutti, in una girandola molto divertente, ed intelligente, di piccoli colpi di scena.
Mi è piaciuto molto il modo in cui la Nathan ha costruito il "misfatto di Lydia". In questa riscrittura moderna, la sorella più giovane è Josie (in totale, qui le sorelle sono tre e non cinque). Che è una perfetta, invidiatissima donna "realizzata", con un marito innamorato e uno splendido bambino e un altro in arrivo, e che riesce ancora a pensare a se stessa. Ma non è tutto oro quel che luccica. Ed in questo, la modernizzazione di Lydia è davvero ben costruita, perfettamente veridica.
LizzyP: Ho apprezzato anch'io l'idea dell'inganno delle cosidette "apparenze", ma non credo che Lizzy ne avrebbe fatto motivo d'invidia, se pur mascheratamente... questa Lydia/Josie, però, mi piace di più! Soprattutto per "quella" sua scelta, sebbene arrivi soltanto dopo una "certa" occasione, ciò ne fa un personaggio più maturo del suo originale, non credete?
LizzyGee: Non sveliamo tutto sui personaggi: in fondo la principale attrattiva di questo libro, quel che fa da turn-pages è proprio il costante desiderio di scoprire come si evolveranno i personaggi e gli eventi trasportando le vicende di Orgoglio e Pregiudizio ai giorni nostri. Ad esempio, ricordo che mentre leggevo mi chiedevo chi fosse il Colonnello Fitzwilliam della situazione, e non sono stata soddisfatta fino a quando non l'ho scoperto! LizzyP: (Molti, infatti, i passaggi che riprendono Orgoglio e Pregiudizio - un'altra amenità di questa lettura è scovarli tutti!)
LizzyS: Che la Nathan conosca profondamente il romanzo di Jane Austen è evidente, così come il grande amore che traspare da molte dichiarazioni di fedeltà austeniana che regala a Jazz. L'originale riecheggia costantemente in questa riscrittura moderna, piena di umorismo genuino e felici intuizioni, e del tutto priva di quelle esagerazioni un po' banali che spesso caratterizzano questo genere letterario.
È una lettura estremamente piacevole sia per l'aderenza allo spirito e alla traccia originali sia per il modo in cui è scritta e strutturata.
Mi sento di consigliarne la lettura per chiunque desideri immergersi di nuovo nel microcosmo austeniano con la giusta dose di leggerezza e senza far mancare nulla alle proprie celluline grigie o all'esigenza di non far sussultare dear Aunt Jane.
LizzyGee: Io lo consiglio a tutte le appassionate di chick-lit; questo libro ha decisamente una marcia in più: una sinossi scritta da Jane Austen 200 anni fa! E naturalmente anche a tutti gli appassionati di Jane Austen - con le dovute cautele: non state leggendo un'opera di alta letteratura, solo un giocoso riadattamento di Pride and Prejudice!
LizzyP: Il mio consiglio è di leggerlo senza aspettative di qualsiasi genere, ciò vi salverà dalla delusione di non trovare ciò che pensavate, piuttosto, vi darà modo di gustarvi pienamente il carattere frizzante di questo chick-lit, magari sotto l'ombrellone, in riva al mare, con una bibita fresca e col piglio ironico che Zia Jane ci ha insegnato.
Potete trovare la recensione completa QUI
August 26, 2018
Jazz is a columnist for a women's magazine in London. Harry Noble is the most famous actor in Britain, and is directing a play for charity where the "big name" actors are going to be the audience. He wants to use non-actors, or somewhat unknown actors as the characters in his production of "Pride and Prejudice." Jazz decides to audition for fun along with her sister Georgia, and best friend Mo. She manages to win the lead role of Lizzy Bennett, her sister is playing Jane, and Mo wins the role of Charlotte Lucas. Jazz gets turned on her head when life starts to imitate art.
Fun modern retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. It almost follows the book too closely. The plot is fairly predictable. The characters all have the same personality as who they were cast as in the play, so you know exactly what is going to happen. That being said, she manages to write it in a fun way that keeps you amused.
Fun modern retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. It almost follows the book too closely. The plot is fairly predictable. The characters all have the same personality as who they were cast as in the play, so you know exactly what is going to happen. That being said, she manages to write it in a fun way that keeps you amused.
February 17, 2019
3.5?
This review and others posted over at my blog.
This book is like a production of Pride and Prejudice wrapped in a modern retelling and the characters are very on the nose. As everyone is introduced, you can tell what part they’ll land in the production. Jasmin, our Lizzie, does have a moment or two when she thinks about her life paralleling that of Lizzie’s, but I had to wonder that she didn’t feel it more often. Maybe that’s too meta, but the characterization was so on-the-nose for people acting as these characters in a play that I couldn’t help but think someone must notice they’re living in a modern version of the story!
Anyway – Jasmin is more outwardly judgmental than Lizzie, especially about people’s physical appearances. That rankled a bit and so I didn’t necessarily find her loveable, though I still love the overall story. The Charlotte of the story is also a particularly rotten person and I was shocked – the end addressed it somewhat though, which I found satisfying. The play takes a backseat to the romance and drama, but that’s ok too. I actually think this would make a very good movie (with Matthew Goode as Harry Noble please!)
While I prefer Eligible slightly more, this is fun, contemporary retelling that’s quick to read and one I see myself revisiting. If you’re looking for an English P&P retelling with some low-key Bridget Jones vibes (yes, I know that’s a retelling too) then I think you’ll enjoy this.
British Vocabulary Bonus: Luvvie – an actor who is particularly effusive / Wazzock – a stupid or annoying person
This review and others posted over at my blog.
This book is like a production of Pride and Prejudice wrapped in a modern retelling and the characters are very on the nose. As everyone is introduced, you can tell what part they’ll land in the production. Jasmin, our Lizzie, does have a moment or two when she thinks about her life paralleling that of Lizzie’s, but I had to wonder that she didn’t feel it more often. Maybe that’s too meta, but the characterization was so on-the-nose for people acting as these characters in a play that I couldn’t help but think someone must notice they’re living in a modern version of the story!
Anyway – Jasmin is more outwardly judgmental than Lizzie, especially about people’s physical appearances. That rankled a bit and so I didn’t necessarily find her loveable, though I still love the overall story. The Charlotte of the story is also a particularly rotten person and I was shocked – the end addressed it somewhat though, which I found satisfying. The play takes a backseat to the romance and drama, but that’s ok too. I actually think this would make a very good movie (with Matthew Goode as Harry Noble please!)
While I prefer Eligible slightly more, this is fun, contemporary retelling that’s quick to read and one I see myself revisiting. If you’re looking for an English P&P retelling with some low-key Bridget Jones vibes (yes, I know that’s a retelling too) then I think you’ll enjoy this.
British Vocabulary Bonus: Luvvie – an actor who is particularly effusive / Wazzock – a stupid or annoying person
August 26, 2020
Een leuk liefdesverhaal. Maar de hoofdpersoon Jasmin wordt gedurende het verhaal steeds bozer op alles en iedereen, wat op je zenuwen gaat werken. Niemand kan iets goed doen, totdat ze een keer flink met haar neus op de feiten wordt gedrukt.
Natuurlijk komt het uiteindelijk allemaal goed, al zou een minder norse Jasmin ook kunnen.
Natuurlijk komt het uiteindelijk allemaal goed, al zou een minder norse Jasmin ook kunnen.
March 19, 2021
Slogged thru this.
October 8, 2024
I first read this book when I was 15 and thought it was the best book of all time. Funny to revisit it after 15+ years and look at it from a different perspective and find it quite mid.
March 24, 2011
Jasmin “Jazz” Field is a snarky, thirty-something British journalist who is happy to be single. Her beautiful and sweet sister George may go from admirer to admirer, but Jazz doesn’t need a man to make her feel complete. She’s content living with her fussy best friend Mo, writing her weekly column about the “perfect” life of her have-it-all married sister Josie and wittily criticizing everyone she meets. So when auditions for a charity production of Pride and Prejudice are opened to the public, Jazz wouldn’t miss spying on famous actors and celebrities for the world, particularly Oscar winning, sexy, A-list actor Harry Noble, who is the director. Dragging along George and Mo, who both get parts, Jazz is one of the last to audition. Just before she is about to go on stage, she overhears Harry calling her “The Ugly Sister.” Turns out that was just what Jazz needed to bring out the boiling contempt needed for the Darcy/Lizzy proposal scene and quick enough, she’s landed the part. Hilarity ensues as Jazz figures out through all the journalistic fodder her role provides how to have a civil relationship with arrogant, condescending Harry, whom she already hates with a passion.
I’m normally wary of Austen retellings, and retellings of my favorite books in general because they tend to pale severely in comparison to their originals. So it was with serious reservations and several questions I opened PRIDE, PREJUDICE AND JASMIN FIELD. Would these beloved characters be butchered in a modern interpretation, or would the essence and spirit of their characters shine through without being anachronistic? Will the hallmark scenes be adapted to my disliking or deleted altogether? It’s probably not a question if Jane Austen herself would be turning over in her grave, but would I be offended at the cheap results? Hit or miss, a retelling should at least be an inoffensive and entertaining revision of the story and at most a creative, original work that stands on its own two feet – whether loosely inspired by or a faithful interpretation of the original. A retelling should make you want to go back to the original, and not out of compensation for suffering through a poorer copy. Happily, PRIDE, PREJUDICE AND JASMIN FIELD is a modern retelling that was a great read on its own as well as a reading experience which enhanced my enjoyment of both the original and the many film adaptations of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
Make it or break it for retellings strongly hinges upon the main characters, and Jazz and Harry are spot-on. Jazz’s occupation is perfect to showcase her judgmental wit, and Harry’s career as a Hollywood actor was a clever and accurate real-life translation. I may be biased but a near flawless, recent retelling of a classic comes to mind (JANE by April Lindner), in which Mr. Rochester is cast as a rock star. Harry is more likable to the general public perhaps than Mr. Darcy is but those close to Harry see past his handsome, charismatic façade to the pride underneath. There are some interesting variations from the original here, which for the most part I liked, particularly a clever take on Pemberley, a funny interpretation of Mr. Collins, and an icky modern characterization of Wickham. It’s all very British, so be prepared for swearing, though I hardly noticed it, and turns of phrase such as “twat” and “hell, damnation, and buggery bullocks,” which Jazz uses throughout the novel and I found hilarious. There are also a few laugh-out-loud moments involving Jazz and her shameless and vocal dislike of exercise and dieting and her always ready snark. One of my favorite quotes from when Jazz first meets Harry and the rest of the production team at the audition:
“’Hi,’(cough), ‘my name is Jasmin Field. I’m a journalist. So don’t piss me off. Ha ha. And um – well, I can’t really act. Ha ha.’ No one laughed.”
Best of all there’s the character development you’d expect from Jazz and Harry. Like Darcy and Elizabeth, they confront each other until their flaws are revealed and the guilt and desire to change follows. I loved Jazz and Harry for their insistence to take sole responsibility for any injury inflicted on one another and their vulnerability, which creates some funny moments. While I found the mirroring of the castings and the real life characters of PRIDE, PREJUDICE AND JASMIN FIELD redundant, the novel left me pinning for a reread of Pride and Prejudice, an indulgent umpteenth viewing of the A&E Colin Firth adaptation, and for more from Melissa Nathan. She has another Austen retelling called PERSUADING ANNIE which I’m dying to try despite my fickleness with Persuasion retellings.
I’m normally wary of Austen retellings, and retellings of my favorite books in general because they tend to pale severely in comparison to their originals. So it was with serious reservations and several questions I opened PRIDE, PREJUDICE AND JASMIN FIELD. Would these beloved characters be butchered in a modern interpretation, or would the essence and spirit of their characters shine through without being anachronistic? Will the hallmark scenes be adapted to my disliking or deleted altogether? It’s probably not a question if Jane Austen herself would be turning over in her grave, but would I be offended at the cheap results? Hit or miss, a retelling should at least be an inoffensive and entertaining revision of the story and at most a creative, original work that stands on its own two feet – whether loosely inspired by or a faithful interpretation of the original. A retelling should make you want to go back to the original, and not out of compensation for suffering through a poorer copy. Happily, PRIDE, PREJUDICE AND JASMIN FIELD is a modern retelling that was a great read on its own as well as a reading experience which enhanced my enjoyment of both the original and the many film adaptations of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
Make it or break it for retellings strongly hinges upon the main characters, and Jazz and Harry are spot-on. Jazz’s occupation is perfect to showcase her judgmental wit, and Harry’s career as a Hollywood actor was a clever and accurate real-life translation. I may be biased but a near flawless, recent retelling of a classic comes to mind (JANE by April Lindner), in which Mr. Rochester is cast as a rock star. Harry is more likable to the general public perhaps than Mr. Darcy is but those close to Harry see past his handsome, charismatic façade to the pride underneath. There are some interesting variations from the original here, which for the most part I liked, particularly a clever take on Pemberley, a funny interpretation of Mr. Collins, and an icky modern characterization of Wickham. It’s all very British, so be prepared for swearing, though I hardly noticed it, and turns of phrase such as “twat” and “hell, damnation, and buggery bullocks,” which Jazz uses throughout the novel and I found hilarious. There are also a few laugh-out-loud moments involving Jazz and her shameless and vocal dislike of exercise and dieting and her always ready snark. One of my favorite quotes from when Jazz first meets Harry and the rest of the production team at the audition:
“’Hi,’(cough), ‘my name is Jasmin Field. I’m a journalist. So don’t piss me off. Ha ha. And um – well, I can’t really act. Ha ha.’ No one laughed.”
Best of all there’s the character development you’d expect from Jazz and Harry. Like Darcy and Elizabeth, they confront each other until their flaws are revealed and the guilt and desire to change follows. I loved Jazz and Harry for their insistence to take sole responsibility for any injury inflicted on one another and their vulnerability, which creates some funny moments. While I found the mirroring of the castings and the real life characters of PRIDE, PREJUDICE AND JASMIN FIELD redundant, the novel left me pinning for a reread of Pride and Prejudice, an indulgent umpteenth viewing of the A&E Colin Firth adaptation, and for more from Melissa Nathan. She has another Austen retelling called PERSUADING ANNIE which I’m dying to try despite my fickleness with Persuasion retellings.
November 6, 2017
Lovely predictable romance in a modern version of Pride and Prejudice whilst they’re rehearsing an AmDram play of same name. A warm blanket of a book!
March 10, 2010
I had convinced myself before reading this book that I would only give it two stars based on the cover and concept, but surprised myself by liking it more than I thought I would. I'm going through books that people have given me and actually reading them now that I have the time, so this was another on the "laundry list." It's a modern spin on Pride and Prejudice, where the protagonist, Jazmin (or Jazz; she even has a nickname like Elizabeth Bennett does [Lizzy:]! Meticulous attention to detail, as you can see already...), is a women's magazine columnist who ends up in a play-version of Pride and Prejudice directed by a famous and arrogant actor who's doing the whole gig as charity work to enhance his reputation. Not surprisingly, she ends up getting cast as Lizzy while he ends up being Darcy, and the storyline of Pride and Prejudice plays out in the actors' and cast's lives as they rehearse the play. It was interesting to see how Melissa Nathan translated the storyline into a modern context (while not copying Bridget Jones too heavily), for those who've read Pride and Prejudice before, anyway... without the prior read, I don't know that the story would have as much attraction, or maybe even make sense in all its references to the original. It was fun to match up who was who character-wise (even though the casting in the play made it obvious for most, there were a few "surprises" outside the cast, and most of the characters seemed pretty true modern versions of their counterparts), and to see especially how Nathan dealt with translating the concept of the Bennett/Field family losing their honor, since having a daughter who runs away with a man just isn't doing it scandal-wise anymore. The down-side to its being based on the original was, of course, that everything in the book was pretty predictable, down to the Josie-incident, and events so closely colluded to the book sometimes that it seemed unlikely that the characters wouldn't have at some point said, hey, isn't it weird that everything we do exactly conforms to Pride and Prejudice?!
I think what made the book more enjoyable for me than anything was that it's written all in Britishicisms, which was entertaining in itself. However, the main character, Jazz, is supposed to be very witty (the more I read, the more difficult I realize it is to make your characters witty), but most of her jokes/comebacks fell flat for me. It could be, though, that some of them were genuinely good and I couldn't appreciate them, because despite having lived in England for a year, some of the lingo was genuinely indecipherable. The book did get one laugh out of me (unfortunately I can't remember what part), and I do think that Jazz's claim that she writes well about when she's feeling nervous applies to Nathan, too. It could be that I've experienced what it's like to act in front of an audience before (albeit on a small scale), but her description of the opening night left me feeling jittery even after I finished the book - not in a "my head's feeling so dizzy and there are a million faces in the audience O___O" kind of way, but in a pretty realistic way that describes the silly and anxious euphoria of the cast and the blur of it all. I don't know if I would ever give this a re-read, but it's a good distraction book that kept my interest.
I think what made the book more enjoyable for me than anything was that it's written all in Britishicisms, which was entertaining in itself. However, the main character, Jazz, is supposed to be very witty (the more I read, the more difficult I realize it is to make your characters witty), but most of her jokes/comebacks fell flat for me. It could be, though, that some of them were genuinely good and I couldn't appreciate them, because despite having lived in England for a year, some of the lingo was genuinely indecipherable. The book did get one laugh out of me (unfortunately I can't remember what part), and I do think that Jazz's claim that she writes well about when she's feeling nervous applies to Nathan, too. It could be that I've experienced what it's like to act in front of an audience before (albeit on a small scale), but her description of the opening night left me feeling jittery even after I finished the book - not in a "my head's feeling so dizzy and there are a million faces in the audience O___O" kind of way, but in a pretty realistic way that describes the silly and anxious euphoria of the cast and the blur of it all. I don't know if I would ever give this a re-read, but it's a good distraction book that kept my interest.
February 3, 2011
Originally posted here.
Jasmin Field, known as Jazz to her friends, loves observing other people and criticizing them if they don't live up to her standards, a trait that is perfect for her job as a journalist. When she gets invited to audition for an on-stage production of Pride and Prejudice for the benefit of cancer patients, she decides to go because it's a great opportunity to scrutinize other people. Plus, she'll get the inside scoop on some actors, especially big-time Oscar-winner Harry Noble who will direct the play. Jazz decides to bring her sister George (who's an actress) and her best friend Mo with her. Things don't go so well when Jazz overhears Harry describe her as "The Ugly Sister." As a result, Jazz's audition becomes impassioned and full of pent-up emotion. It doesn't hurt that Pride and Prejudice is one of her favorite books so she knows the story well. To everyone's surprise, including her own, Jazz gets the part of Lizzy Bennet. Interesting encounters ensue.
A modern-day Lizzy Bennet as a journalist is a great idea. I think it's the perfect occupation for someone smart, funny and isn't afraid to say what she thinks of other people. I enjoyed reading this retelling probably because I'm a fan of the original Pride and Prejudice. One small problem that I had was that the characters who are supposed to represent the ones from the original also play the same role in the stage production. Jazz is Lizzy in the play and she's really the Lizzy of the story. Her beautiful sister George, who represents Jane, is cast as Jane in the play and her romantic interest Jack also represents Mr. Bingley and so on and so forth. I think it would've been better if more of the characters weren't part of the play because it would make the premise more believable. Other than that, I enjoyed reading this retelling because I could relate to Jazz. I love that she's too lazy to exercise and is appalled when Mo suddenly decides to go to the gym regularly. One of my favorite lines in the book is when Jazz was asked by Harry what makes her sad and she answers with, "Um. When I finish a chocolate bar." It was interesting to see where the author went in terms of variations to the original and how she adapted the story to a modern setting. There were times when we get to see Harry's perspective and I thought it was funny how he didn't understand why he found Jazz so intriguing. All in all, a good book to read when you want something light and fun and if you're curious about Pride and Prejudice retellings. It saddened me to discover that Melissa Nathan passed away in 2006 but I'm interested in looking up the rest of her books. Let me know if you've read them and what you think of them. Also, please comment if you have other P&P retellings that you'd like to recommend.
Jasmin Field, known as Jazz to her friends, loves observing other people and criticizing them if they don't live up to her standards, a trait that is perfect for her job as a journalist. When she gets invited to audition for an on-stage production of Pride and Prejudice for the benefit of cancer patients, she decides to go because it's a great opportunity to scrutinize other people. Plus, she'll get the inside scoop on some actors, especially big-time Oscar-winner Harry Noble who will direct the play. Jazz decides to bring her sister George (who's an actress) and her best friend Mo with her. Things don't go so well when Jazz overhears Harry describe her as "The Ugly Sister." As a result, Jazz's audition becomes impassioned and full of pent-up emotion. It doesn't hurt that Pride and Prejudice is one of her favorite books so she knows the story well. To everyone's surprise, including her own, Jazz gets the part of Lizzy Bennet. Interesting encounters ensue.
A modern-day Lizzy Bennet as a journalist is a great idea. I think it's the perfect occupation for someone smart, funny and isn't afraid to say what she thinks of other people. I enjoyed reading this retelling probably because I'm a fan of the original Pride and Prejudice. One small problem that I had was that the characters who are supposed to represent the ones from the original also play the same role in the stage production. Jazz is Lizzy in the play and she's really the Lizzy of the story. Her beautiful sister George, who represents Jane, is cast as Jane in the play and her romantic interest Jack also represents Mr. Bingley and so on and so forth. I think it would've been better if more of the characters weren't part of the play because it would make the premise more believable. Other than that, I enjoyed reading this retelling because I could relate to Jazz. I love that she's too lazy to exercise and is appalled when Mo suddenly decides to go to the gym regularly. One of my favorite lines in the book is when Jazz was asked by Harry what makes her sad and she answers with, "Um. When I finish a chocolate bar." It was interesting to see where the author went in terms of variations to the original and how she adapted the story to a modern setting. There were times when we get to see Harry's perspective and I thought it was funny how he didn't understand why he found Jazz so intriguing. All in all, a good book to read when you want something light and fun and if you're curious about Pride and Prejudice retellings. It saddened me to discover that Melissa Nathan passed away in 2006 but I'm interested in looking up the rest of her books. Let me know if you've read them and what you think of them. Also, please comment if you have other P&P retellings that you'd like to recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 297 reviews