boundtwobooks's review against another edition
3.0
I’ve read some modern re-tellings of classics that have just fallen flat. Sometimes classics are named classics because they are indeed just that: stories that transcend time. They shape our culture and understanding of the past. They also help us shape our future and in particular the way authors and readers write and engage with novels. I felt a bit skeptical about Corrie Garrett’s novel because I wasn’t sure how it could work. Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice, published in 1813, has also never been a favorite of mine. In fact, I am not a huge Austen fan in general. I do, however, love Elizabeth Gaskell and George Eliot.
There are aspects of Garrett’s novel that are truly innovative and I do believe these innovations make the story of Austen’s novel accessible to a younger contemporary audience. It is set in 2016 in Southern California. It is a time in history that I believe many people will be talking about for decades to come, the U.S. election that saw Donald Trump come to power as U.S. president. In this time there are three Mexican sisters (some of the family is undocumented) who end up crossing paths with political royalty so to speak.
The love story of Darcy and Elisa mimics that of Austen’s original novel. At times, I felt the characterization was a little bit forced, but then also reading over Austen’s original novel I actually felt the same way about her writing. Darcy is one of the most annoying love interests I have read in a novel. I am infuriated every time by his actions whether it is in Garrett’s retelling or Austen’s original. Who knows though, maybe that was Austen’s point all along? But what I find even more infuriating is that many readers love Darcy’s character to the point where they say he is their literary fantasy boyfriend!
Tied up in this tempestuous love affair are the discussions of immigration, conservative politics, and Trump. From the beginning of the novel Darcy and Elisa identity as politically conservative. Yet their conservatism does not exactly meet eye to eye. Elisa’s parents and one of her sisters are undocumented immigrants in U.S. The family overstayed their visa and are now under the DACA program. A program that helps undocumented people, in particular children, to have a legal and safe path to permanent residency and/or citizenship in the United States. Elisa is concerned that if Trump is elected the DACA program will be revoked and her family will be at risk of deportation. Elisa struggles with standing up for her family and other Latinx people in the U.S. and falling into the trap of the model immigrant: someone who doesn’t step out of line or say the wrong thing.
Talking about immigration is hard. People are often unwilling to see different sides to stories or show compassion for the people hurt by immigration policies. Immigration has always been a concern for me because I am immigrant myself living in Switzerland and my partner has a South American passport meaning we have a mixed cultural/passport marriage. The misconceptions around the world from the general population have about how ‘easy’ it is to emigrate are sometimes laughable. And governments often do not correct these misconceptions because it makes it easier for them to create even more damaging and hardline policies surrounding immigration. Immigration is extremely tough and honestly, people need to show more compassion. Until you have given up your culture, language, lifestyle, climate, food, family, and friends you might want to just sit down and listen.
Garrett’s novel tries to show how undocumented immigrants feel about being undocumented along with the fears they have about their safety and security in the U.S. On the other side, she also shows people who are less understanding and who buy into the negative stereotypes about immigrants. In this regard, her discussions are balanced, but at times I felt a bit too safe.
Moreover, the discussions about Trump were also too safe. Trump’s mistreatment of women and sexual harassment history were completely overlooked in the novel. I know it is difficult to bring up sexual assault and misogyny as it probably means the novel has to be extended and the storyline has to be adapted to it, yet I felt this omission made it look like the characters of the novel were living under a rock. I don’t live in the U.S. and I was still aware of those allegations.
To be honest, I feel this book would be great to study for high school students and I think it could be a great starting point for people to have discussions about immigration. However, in order to do it correctly, I think the novel should be supplemented with other immigrant stories and a history of the United State’s immigration policies and attitudes towards immigrants.
I can see this novel sparking great book club discussions, but it also has the potential to be volatile based on the content. However, if you are brave readers then this can be a great thought provoking novel. What classic retellings do you love? As always, share the reading love.
Note: this novel was accessed through Netgalley for review purposes.
There are aspects of Garrett’s novel that are truly innovative and I do believe these innovations make the story of Austen’s novel accessible to a younger contemporary audience. It is set in 2016 in Southern California. It is a time in history that I believe many people will be talking about for decades to come, the U.S. election that saw Donald Trump come to power as U.S. president. In this time there are three Mexican sisters (some of the family is undocumented) who end up crossing paths with political royalty so to speak.
The love story of Darcy and Elisa mimics that of Austen’s original novel. At times, I felt the characterization was a little bit forced, but then also reading over Austen’s original novel I actually felt the same way about her writing. Darcy is one of the most annoying love interests I have read in a novel. I am infuriated every time by his actions whether it is in Garrett’s retelling or Austen’s original. Who knows though, maybe that was Austen’s point all along? But what I find even more infuriating is that many readers love Darcy’s character to the point where they say he is their literary fantasy boyfriend!
Tied up in this tempestuous love affair are the discussions of immigration, conservative politics, and Trump. From the beginning of the novel Darcy and Elisa identity as politically conservative. Yet their conservatism does not exactly meet eye to eye. Elisa’s parents and one of her sisters are undocumented immigrants in U.S. The family overstayed their visa and are now under the DACA program. A program that helps undocumented people, in particular children, to have a legal and safe path to permanent residency and/or citizenship in the United States. Elisa is concerned that if Trump is elected the DACA program will be revoked and her family will be at risk of deportation. Elisa struggles with standing up for her family and other Latinx people in the U.S. and falling into the trap of the model immigrant: someone who doesn’t step out of line or say the wrong thing.
Talking about immigration is hard. People are often unwilling to see different sides to stories or show compassion for the people hurt by immigration policies. Immigration has always been a concern for me because I am immigrant myself living in Switzerland and my partner has a South American passport meaning we have a mixed cultural/passport marriage. The misconceptions around the world from the general population have about how ‘easy’ it is to emigrate are sometimes laughable. And governments often do not correct these misconceptions because it makes it easier for them to create even more damaging and hardline policies surrounding immigration. Immigration is extremely tough and honestly, people need to show more compassion. Until you have given up your culture, language, lifestyle, climate, food, family, and friends you might want to just sit down and listen.
Garrett’s novel tries to show how undocumented immigrants feel about being undocumented along with the fears they have about their safety and security in the U.S. On the other side, she also shows people who are less understanding and who buy into the negative stereotypes about immigrants. In this regard, her discussions are balanced, but at times I felt a bit too safe.
Moreover, the discussions about Trump were also too safe. Trump’s mistreatment of women and sexual harassment history were completely overlooked in the novel. I know it is difficult to bring up sexual assault and misogyny as it probably means the novel has to be extended and the storyline has to be adapted to it, yet I felt this omission made it look like the characters of the novel were living under a rock. I don’t live in the U.S. and I was still aware of those allegations.
To be honest, I feel this book would be great to study for high school students and I think it could be a great starting point for people to have discussions about immigration. However, in order to do it correctly, I think the novel should be supplemented with other immigrant stories and a history of the United State’s immigration policies and attitudes towards immigrants.
I can see this novel sparking great book club discussions, but it also has the potential to be volatile based on the content. However, if you are brave readers then this can be a great thought provoking novel. What classic retellings do you love? As always, share the reading love.
Note: this novel was accessed through Netgalley for review purposes.
cgroup6's review against another edition
4.0
One of the more interesting rewrites & modernizations of Pride & Prejudice that I’ve read in a while. Taking this all the way into the lead up to the 2016 presidential election and how it would play out if Elisa (Elizabeth) & Darcy were on different sides politically was a really interesting approach. The writing style was good - and the inclusion of various hot topics (drug addiction, immigration, Dreamers, sex trafficking, abuse of undocumented immigrants and the many issues that they face) made for an even more interesting and relevant read.
If you are a political junkie who also likes Jane Austen - this book is for you!
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
If you are a political junkie who also likes Jane Austen - this book is for you!
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
sarahfett's review against another edition
4.0
This is a smart adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel (and one of my very favorites). The plot was obviously built upon the framework of Pride and Prejudice, but the author adapted it in a way that makes sense for her story, making this book feel new and familiar at the same time. My only complaint is that it seems weird that Giana Darcy calls her brother, William Darcy, by their last name.
aryelweasley's review
3.0
I was very generously provided a free copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
2.5 Stars (I rounded up)
Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book, I actively seek out retellings and I was excited to dive into this novel.
While the characters are familiar and the general story line stays true, this felt like slapping the name of a classic novel on a soapbox platform for politics.
Even when I agreed with opinions and views on many matters, it felt forced. The topic of immigration was shoved down my throat at every turn, the word 'Trump' was used throughout the book more than several prominent P&P characters.
I read through the authors notes at the end of the book stating that she wanted to share the story with arguments from both sides of this important issue, however that didn't ring true to me. Only one side was well represented, the other was either demeaned as irrational and hateful or needing to be changed. I also found it interesting that in the author's notes she mentioned the higher importance beyond the characters political beliefs to be their spiritual beliefs. However in the novel there are only two mentions to spirituality, once it is mentioned that a character attends church and another time it is mentioned that two characters are Christians. If this was actually an important topic for the author I would have expected it to take a larger role.
If this had been any other story with the politics thrown it I probably would have rated it down a star. As it stands I did not like Elisa as a character in this book and that is an issue for me as I love Elizabeth in just about every version I've ever read/watched.
2.5 Stars (I rounded up)
Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book, I actively seek out retellings and I was excited to dive into this novel.
While the characters are familiar and the general story line stays true, this felt like slapping the name of a classic novel on a soapbox platform for politics.
Even when I agreed with opinions and views on many matters, it felt forced. The topic of immigration was shoved down my throat at every turn, the word 'Trump' was used throughout the book more than several prominent P&P characters.
I read through the authors notes at the end of the book stating that she wanted to share the story with arguments from both sides of this important issue, however that didn't ring true to me. Only one side was well represented, the other was either demeaned as irrational and hateful or needing to be changed. I also found it interesting that in the author's notes she mentioned the higher importance beyond the characters political beliefs to be their spiritual beliefs. However in the novel there are only two mentions to spirituality, once it is mentioned that a character attends church and another time it is mentioned that two characters are Christians. If this was actually an important topic for the author I would have expected it to take a larger role.
If this had been any other story with the politics thrown it I probably would have rated it down a star. As it stands I did not like Elisa as a character in this book and that is an issue for me as I love Elizabeth in just about every version I've ever read/watched.
thefictionaddictionblog's review against another edition
3.0
Not gonna lie, I love Pride and Prej, and I'll read pretty much any Jane Austen retelling. In the latest one, Pride & Prejudice and Passports, the Benitez family are semi-documented immigrants. Noa, the oldest daughter, was brought to the US as a baby, so she works under-the-table and waits for legalization. Elisa and the other girls were born in the US, so Elisa has a shot at college and upperclass work, but of course that can't be investigated too closely without revealing her family's status. When Noa helps out her parents by cleaning their rental cabins, she meets the handsome republican politician, Bingley, and they fall almost immediately in love. It's just the sort of meet-cute and effortless romance that perfectly modernized Jane and Bingley. Naturally, Caroline Bingley is not impressed by her brother dating the housekeeper, which also modernizes the original very well.
This worked on one level, because you could actually see class differences between the Benitez family and the Darcy/ Bingley contingent. But it was hard to sympathize with the republicans or really care very much about the entitled, wealthy class. As republicans veer more and more from being people who'd quite like lower taxes, to being people who want lower taxes for themselves, at literally any cost to other humans, and are willing to ally themselves with the lowest of the low in hope of saving a couple bucks... It's harder and harder to have a sympathetic republican character, let alone a republican politician who inherited his position from his dad. Sure, it's pretty realistic to have a young man who's a republican because his dad told him that democrats are lazy takers or bleeding hearts or whatever, but it still made Darcy completely unappealing. It takes a LOT to make Mr. Darcy unattractive, but hey, this book managed it.
Clever retelling of the Benitez sisters' stories, but attempts at political messaging just made Darcy and Bingly into unsympathetic, entitled bros and killed the romance.
This worked on one level, because you could actually see class differences between the Benitez family and the Darcy/ Bingley contingent. But it was hard to sympathize with the republicans or really care very much about the entitled, wealthy class. As republicans veer more and more from being people who'd quite like lower taxes, to being people who want lower taxes for themselves, at literally any cost to other humans, and are willing to ally themselves with the lowest of the low in hope of saving a couple bucks... It's harder and harder to have a sympathetic republican character, let alone a republican politician who inherited his position from his dad. Sure, it's pretty realistic to have a young man who's a republican because his dad told him that democrats are lazy takers or bleeding hearts or whatever, but it still made Darcy completely unappealing. It takes a LOT to make Mr. Darcy unattractive, but hey, this book managed it.
Clever retelling of the Benitez sisters' stories, but attempts at political messaging just made Darcy and Bingly into unsympathetic, entitled bros and killed the romance.
violinist01's review against another edition
4.0
I love modern P+P retellings and this one didn't disappoint! I loved the opposing sides politically and that really translated Lizzie and Darcy into the modern era. Caroline was infuriating and Wick as evil as ever. I liked how the author didn't take sides on the political debate, instead providing a neutral view of the sympathetic parts of both sides. It was pretty clean, which I think P+P retellings should be. There was just a reference to trafficking- you can probably guess which part that is, but even that was as G rated as the subject could be and it furthered the story and was a good modern equivalent to what happened in the original. Overall I enjoyed this one and it made me stay up until midnight which I rarely do anymore. It was a good stress reliever to take my mind off of college auditions and school work which I desperately needed.
edithcazares02's review
3.0
I was given the right to read this book for free through Netgalley, but review and opinions are both mine.
think that this book was definitely not in the realm that I usually read, but it was absolutely worth it and I’m glad that I got the chance to read this book. I was interested because this book hits close to home with the topic at hand. It’s about the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and the fears, anxiousness and helpfulness the recipients feel. The paranoias that pass through our minds that sometimes we are sometimes to afraid to speak out loud. It’s something very heartbreaking and it’s so personal.
I definitely enjoyed reading this, it was an incredible story that I literally could not put down. I really enjoyed the spin that the writer took while writing this. And I think she did splendid.
The romance was just right, and I actually found myself liking it. Even though it is an essential part of the book it’s not overpowering the entire plot and I think that’s my favorite part. I never really enjoyed pride and prejudice so I guess just because this was written doesn’t mean that it’s going to automatically be my favorite.
It is definitely worth the read I totally recommend it.
think that this book was definitely not in the realm that I usually read, but it was absolutely worth it and I’m glad that I got the chance to read this book. I was interested because this book hits close to home with the topic at hand. It’s about the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and the fears, anxiousness and helpfulness the recipients feel. The paranoias that pass through our minds that sometimes we are sometimes to afraid to speak out loud. It’s something very heartbreaking and it’s so personal.
I definitely enjoyed reading this, it was an incredible story that I literally could not put down. I really enjoyed the spin that the writer took while writing this. And I think she did splendid.
The romance was just right, and I actually found myself liking it. Even though it is an essential part of the book it’s not overpowering the entire plot and I think that’s my favorite part. I never really enjoyed pride and prejudice so I guess just because this was written doesn’t mean that it’s going to automatically be my favorite.
It is definitely worth the read I totally recommend it.
lenoreo's review
4.0
https://celebrityreaders.com/2019/01/24/pride-and-prejudice-and-passports-by-corrie-garrett/
I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
4 stars — Confession: I have never read Pride & Prejudice. *sigh* I know, throw stones, whatever… I don’t even have the desire to! *gasp* right? I have, however, watched and loved both the BBC 6-part mini series, and the more recent Keira Knightly edition. So I have a feel for the story and its characters.
I thought the author did a really interesting job of incorporating so many of the characters into this modern story! It really impressed me how they all made sense in this modern version, and what kinds of relationships they would have with Elisa and Darcy in a 2016 USA. I also really appreciated all the little nods to “world events” happening in 2016 that Ms. Garrett incorporated into the story (even the introduction of Pokemon Go!). Basically, while I am by no means a P&P expert, from my perspective she did a great job with this retelling.
The thing about retelling a story is that you want to remain faithful, but you also want to have a purpose for the retelling…something that makes it unique and necessary. And this story tackled so many interesting issues, most particularly the immigration/illegals/DACA situation in the US. Now, saying all that, I’m Canadian. I really don’t have a grasp of this issue other than what I see on the news, or from watching Colbert. So again, from my perspective I thought the way it was handled in the story, and the things I learned, and the very real fears that Elisa’s family felt were thoughtfully portrayed.
And while that was most certainly the biggest issue tackled, the author also touched on the harsh trials of celebrity, human trafficking, elitism (obviously), and how far apart we’ve become from those who have different beliefs from us, among others.
Now, obviously going in I knew this was going to be a slow-burner…and also, likely not a steamy read, given what it was retelling. And while I loved the general plot and character development, and general storytelling, the romance was a bit lacking. I did feel some butterflies over the DC “date”, but I guess I had hoped for a good kissing scene. I don’t mind reading clean reads, but I still want some swoony kissing you know? The kisses were essentially described as “they kissed”. So if you’re hoping for a bit more in that area, tamp those hopes down.
As an aside, is it weird that the author’s note at the end, with it’s strong Christian bent, made me uncomfortable? I know lots of authors who are Christians, and they thank God, and that makes sense. This felt more preachy somehow, like life is only good if you walk with God. Sucks for those of us that don’t. But I’m sensitive like that.
So yeah. Faithful retelling that was thought provoking and relevant, just slightly short of swooniness. Initially I felt like the ending was rather abrupt, but after some thought it felt right.
I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
4 stars — Confession: I have never read Pride & Prejudice. *sigh* I know, throw stones, whatever… I don’t even have the desire to! *gasp* right? I have, however, watched and loved both the BBC 6-part mini series, and the more recent Keira Knightly edition. So I have a feel for the story and its characters.
I thought the author did a really interesting job of incorporating so many of the characters into this modern story! It really impressed me how they all made sense in this modern version, and what kinds of relationships they would have with Elisa and Darcy in a 2016 USA. I also really appreciated all the little nods to “world events” happening in 2016 that Ms. Garrett incorporated into the story (even the introduction of Pokemon Go!). Basically, while I am by no means a P&P expert, from my perspective she did a great job with this retelling.
The thing about retelling a story is that you want to remain faithful, but you also want to have a purpose for the retelling…something that makes it unique and necessary. And this story tackled so many interesting issues, most particularly the immigration/illegals/DACA situation in the US. Now, saying all that, I’m Canadian. I really don’t have a grasp of this issue other than what I see on the news, or from watching Colbert. So again, from my perspective I thought the way it was handled in the story, and the things I learned, and the very real fears that Elisa’s family felt were thoughtfully portrayed.
And while that was most certainly the biggest issue tackled, the author also touched on the harsh trials of celebrity, human trafficking, elitism (obviously), and how far apart we’ve become from those who have different beliefs from us, among others.
Now, obviously going in I knew this was going to be a slow-burner…and also, likely not a steamy read, given what it was retelling. And while I loved the general plot and character development, and general storytelling, the romance was a bit lacking. I did feel some butterflies over the DC “date”, but I guess I had hoped for a good kissing scene. I don’t mind reading clean reads, but I still want some swoony kissing you know? The kisses were essentially described as “they kissed”. So if you’re hoping for a bit more in that area, tamp those hopes down.
As an aside, is it weird that the author’s note at the end, with it’s strong Christian bent, made me uncomfortable? I know lots of authors who are Christians, and they thank God, and that makes sense. This felt more preachy somehow, like life is only good if you walk with God. Sucks for those of us that don’t. But I’m sensitive like that.
So yeah. Faithful retelling that was thought provoking and relevant, just slightly short of swooniness. Initially I felt like the ending was rather abrupt, but after some thought it felt right.
astraeal's review against another edition
3.0
Pride and Prejudice is a book I simply adore so when I found this modern retelling I was so excited and barely after starting to read it I was remembering how much love I have for these characters (I even started another The Lizzie Bennet Diaries marathon just after) but sadly, for Pride and Prejudice and Passports, I couldn't find the same love.
Most of the time I really love retellings, seeing the twists they bring to the original story in a new setting, and while I enjoyed reading this story, I feel like I already knew the story, which I did, it's the tricky thing with retellings, but I didn't find anything new to the old story. And I know it was an important part of the plot, but there was really too many politics involved for me, I didn't expect that much. Also everything seemed to happen so fast?? Quick read inside and out.
Despite this, I still enjoyed my reading, diving into the Elizabeth (or Elisa in this book) and Darcy feelings once again, and at my greatest joy, a lot more of Gigi than the original version (seriously, she was the best part of the book and I'm so glad she had a bigger part this girl deserves her own story, her own book).
Most of the time I really love retellings, seeing the twists they bring to the original story in a new setting, and while I enjoyed reading this story, I feel like I already knew the story, which I did, it's the tricky thing with retellings, but I didn't find anything new to the old story. And I know it was an important part of the plot, but there was really too many politics involved for me, I didn't expect that much. Also everything seemed to happen so fast?? Quick read inside and out.
Despite this, I still enjoyed my reading, diving into the Elizabeth (or Elisa in this book) and Darcy feelings once again, and at my greatest joy, a lot more of Gigi than the original version (seriously, she was the best part of the book and I'm so glad she had a bigger part this girl deserves her own story, her own book).
capellan's review
3.0
I'm a sucker for all things P&P so when I saw the kindle of this as a Black Friday Freebie you can bet I snapped it up :)
Overall, this is an okay modernisation to the basic narrative. It's stronger in the first half than the second, but then I think it would be fair to say that of Austen's original work. Snarky P&P is the best P&P.
(Also, if you haven't watched The Lizzie Bennet Diaries yet, you should, because it is aces)
Overall, this is an okay modernisation to the basic narrative. It's stronger in the first half than the second, but then I think it would be fair to say that of Austen's original work. Snarky P&P is the best P&P.
(Also, if you haven't watched The Lizzie Bennet Diaries yet, you should, because it is aces)