Prejudice and Pride

by Eve Delson

"[E]normous fun, and cleverly conceived and executed... Neat and clever reworking of Pride & Prejudice for a modern age." - Jane Austen's Regency World "Delson did a fantastic job of recreating Austen’s story in a modern setting." - OnlineBookClub.org "A quick engaging read that kept me turning pages." - Amazon reader In a modern reimagining of a genderbent Pride and Prejudice, Eli Bennet catches the eye of Darci Fitzwilliam, America’s “Ice Princess,” while attending Longbourn University. Darci, a member of a Kennedy-esque political dynasty, fights her feelings for this son of the university librarian, knowing that Eli is not from her world of sophistication and money. While Eli scorns the uptight, image-conscious Darci, he is thrown into her company as a result of the burgeoning romance between his brother, James, a teaching assistant at the college, and Darci’s best friend, a wealthy Indian-American, Charlize Bingley. Studying for his Master’s while dodging the attention of the ignorant, egotistical Willa Collins, and trying to keep his wild younger brother, Lyndon, in check, is a full-time job. Perhaps that’s why Eli doesn’t realize that Darci is falling for him. Of course, it’s hard to feel flattered when she makes clear that she thinks his father is a fortune-hunter and the rest of his family is white trash. When these lovers clash, they learn to look below the surface and find that the most important lessons are those of the heart.

396 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2020

Reviews

[Sky · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS SO FUN! It took everything I loved about Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" and just reinterpreted it. The modern setting and the genderbending actually worked really well. The character arcs and plot lines were super interesting and I really felt as if the characters changed and developed over the course of the book. There's also some great diversity and intercultural conversations because the Bingleys are Indian-American. (Also, I honestly have the biggest crush on Eli. He's handsome, of course, but so smart, funny, and kind that it's obvious why Darci would be interested in him.)

The way "Prejudice and Pride" twists the classic story into new shapes while keeping the spirit and soul of the original alive is honestly awesome. Like how Willa is a spoiled, ditzy fast-food chain heiress who follows Eli around but ends up with Eli's friend Lucas. This is paralleling Mr. Collins asking for Lizzie's hand in marriage but ending up with Lizzie's friend Charlotte. And the author put in so many easter eggs that it's obvious how much she must love Jane Austen's work. For example, in the original, Lizzie's friend Charlotte Lucas ends up with William Collins, hence the name Lucas Lotte for Eli's friend! Also the university the Bennets live at is called Longbourn University which was the name of the Bennet house in "Pride and Prejudice." There are so many of these little easter eggs but they never feel overpowering.

For people who've never read "Pride and Prejudice," this book will still be super fun. And for people who have, the book is just extra great and really clever.

[Heidi Doyle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m a fan of Jane Austen’s books and I love a good twist on a classic, but I didn’t love this story as much as I anticipated. The idea of the gender bent tale is a good one, but I’m not sure it worked in this instance. There were many times that the characters didn’t feel real because they were forced into following the classic story line, with modern twists.

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poor Pride and Prejudice Likeness

This story was more for teenagers to enjoy than older women. It was an easily anticipated outcome and held very little anticipation of the next move. I cannot recommend it!

[Rev'd.Rosemary Caruana · Rating 5 out of 5]

So different.

I wasn't certain at the beginning that I would continue reading as it was so different. I'm so pleased that I continued. Different , yes, but worth the journey.