Saturday, June 28, 2014

Disappointing Modernization of Pride & Prejudice

Sometimes even if I really, really want to like a book, I just can't.  That's the way it was for the latest update of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice, this time with a gay twist.  Sounds intriguing, yes?  Well, it doesn't quite work out well.  Here's an excerpt from my review that was posted at All About Romance today:

I'm fascinated by contemporary takes on the classic Pride and Prejudice novel, especially those that don't feel obligated to stick chapter by chapter to the book. For this reason, I was excited when I saw a gay romance version. If the classic could be changed to include sci-fi elements, why not an m/m take on it?
  
Closeted Pennsylvania college student Liam Bennett is happy for his brother Jamie, who's been hired by the Bingley Corporation after grad student Charlie Bingley worked with Jamie doing some computer coding. Charlie and his partner William Darcy are co-owners of Nerve, a highly profitable multimedia social networking site.

When Liam and Jamie attend a gala at the Oakham Mount University campus' Netherfield House, Liam is woefully and defiantly underdressed in a polo shirt and hoodie amid the other black tie guests. He gets to see first-hand Jamie's attraction to Charlie, an attraction which seems reciprocated.

Liam also gets to meet the aloof and disagreeable Will who cold-shoulders him. When Liam does an Internet search on Will, he finds that the 23-year-old's residence is Pemberley estate in Derbyshire, England. Liam also finds a number of paparazzi photos of Will and Violet de Bourgh, a British starlet and heiress.

Although Jamie is easy to get along with and liked by everyone, Liam is much too confrontational and bitingly clever to have many friends. His closest is Charlotte who's been his best friend since childhood and with whom he shares an off-campus apartment.

After running into Will a few times, Liam meets musician George Wickham whose band has just kicked him out and who is looking for a new gig. Liam and George become friends, with the wily George spiriting away one of Liam's younger brothers ostensibly to teach the teen how to play the guitar.

Read the rest of the review at All About Romance.

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