Having recently read Pride and Prejudice, I was excited to read this modern re-imagining of Jane Austen's much loved book. Helen Moffett retells aspects of the original book through Charlotte's eyes, Elizabeth Bennet's best friend, who is portrayed as plain, single and getting old (old in the 1800's meant late 20's) with no prospects of being married, but ends up marrying Mr Collins, a cousin to the Bennet family.
Helen does a good job at recreating the Austen voice and writing style as the original book. It is also fun to read Charlotte's perspective of events that happened during the courtship between Mr Collins and Eliza Bennet, and then consequently Mr Darcy and Eliza Bennet. The book does go further to provide a glimpse into Charlotte's life as a married woman with her own family, and the ups and downs that may arise as a result.
However, I'm not sure I was convinced of Charlotte's character described in this book (and I didn't warm to her much), and certain events that happens in this book seemed a little shocking and unrealistic given the time period the book is meant to be set in. Having said that, if the book is intended to be a modern refresh of Austen's original novel, a modern reader may be able to relate. This is the first time I am reading a reworked classic, and not sure if it's for me. I think opinions will be divided on this one if you are a fan of Pride and Prejudice.
Helen does a good job at recreating the Austen voice and writing style as the original book. It is also fun to read Charlotte's perspective of events that happened during the courtship between Mr Collins and Eliza Bennet, and then consequently Mr Darcy and Eliza Bennet. The book does go further to provide a glimpse into Charlotte's life as a married woman with her own family, and the ups and downs that may arise as a result.
However, I'm not sure I was convinced of Charlotte's character described in this book (and I didn't warm to her much), and certain events that happens in this book seemed a little shocking and unrealistic given the time period the book is meant to be set in. Having said that, if the book is intended to be a modern refresh of Austen's original novel, a modern reader may be able to relate. This is the first time I am reading a reworked classic, and not sure if it's for me. I think opinions will be divided on this one if you are a fan of Pride and Prejudice.