Description
Fiction. Literature. HTML:NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER � Wonderfully tender and hilariously funny, Eligible tackles gender, class, courtship, and family as Curtis Sittenfeld reaffirms herself as one of the most dazzling authors writing today. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY NPR AND THE TIMES (UK) This version of the Bennet family�and Mr. Darcy�is one that you have and haven�t met before: Liz is a magazine writer in her late thirties who, like her yoga instructor older sister, Jane, lives in New York City. When their father has a health scare, they return to their childhood home in Cincinnati to help�and discover that the sprawling Tudor they grew up in is crumbling and the family is in disarray. Youngest sisters Kitty and Lydia are too busy with their CrossFit workouts and Paleo diets to get jobs. Mary, the middle sister, is earning her third online master�s degree and barely leaves her room, except for those mysterious Tuesday-night outings she won�t discuss. And Mrs. Bennet has one thing on her mind: how to marry off her daughters, especially as Jane�s fortieth birthday fast approaches. Enter Chip Bingley, a handsome new-in-town doctor who recently appeared on the juggernaut reality TV dating show Eligible. At a Fourth of July barbecue, Chip takes an immediate interest in Jane, but Chip�s friend neurosurgeon Fitzwilliam Darcy reveals himself to Liz to be much less charming. . . . And yet, first impressions can be deceiving. Praise for Eligible �Even the most ardent Austenite will soon find herself seduced.��O: The Oprah Magazine �Blissful . . . Sittenfeld modernizes the classic in such a stylish, witty way you�d guess even Jane Austen would be pleased.��People (book of the week) �[A] sparkling, fresh contemporary retelling.��Entertainment Weekly �[Sittenfeld] is the ideal modern-day reinterpreter. Her special skill lies not just in her clear, clean writing, but in her general amusement about the world, her arch, pithy, dropped-mike observations about behavior, character and motivation. She can spot hypocrisy, cant, self-contradiction and absurdity ten miles away. She�s the one you want to leave the party with, so she can explain what really happened. . . . Not since Clueless, which transported Emma to Beverly Hills, has Austen been so delightedly interpreted. . . . Sittenfeld writes so well�her sentences are so good and her story so satisfying. . . . As a reader, let me just say: Three cheers for Curtis Sittenfeld and her astute, sharp and ebullient anthropological interest in the human condition.��Sarah Lyall, The New York Times Book Review �A clever, uproarious evolution of Austen�s story.��The Denver Post �If there exists a more perfect pairing than Curtis Sittenfeld and Jane Austen, we dare you to find it. . . . Sittenfeld makes an already irresistible story even more beguiling and charming.��Elle �A playful, wickedly smart retelling of Jane Austen�s Pride and Prejudice.��BuzzFeed �Sittenfeld is an obvious choice to re-create Jane Austen�s comedy of manners. [She] is a master at dissecting social norms to reveal the truths of human nature underneath.��The Millions �A hugely entertaining and surprisingly unpredictable...… (more)
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Publication
London : Borough Press, 2016
Pages
514
User reviews
LibraryThing member Cariola
Modern day revisions of classics like Pride and Prejudice are always hit or miss. Let me start by saying that I understand why other readers might like this one more than I did. The writing is smart, snappy, and often funny, and Sittenfeld tosses in a myriad of contemporary cultural references:
The problem for me was that this novel is contemporary chick lit, plain and simple--and that's not a genre I often read and even less often enjoy. I know, I know, Austen's original is chick lit of a sort, but it also brims with social commentary and the characters are much more complex and more deeply developed. Men also delighted in her novels when they were originally published, and I can't think of a single man I know that would delight in Eligible. It just doesn't have an edge beyond chick lit.
That said, if you like Jane Austen AND contemporary chick lit, this might be the book for you. Sittenfeld fairly faithfully follows the plot of , and most of the characters bear at least one primary trait of the originals. Jane is pretty and sweet, Lizzie is the clever one and the family "fixer," Mary is a perpetual scholar who spurns society, Kitty and Lydia are pretty young things still living at home (except when they are at Crossfit, which is a lot of the time). There is a Charlotte Lucas, plump and pining for a husband; a geeky rich cousin who visits in hope of finding a wife; a bitchy sister, Caroline Bingley; and a sweet, anorexic sister, Georgie Darcy. Wickham has transformed into Lizzie's coworker and longtime on again/off again married boyfriend, a former Stanford classsmate of brain surgeon Fitzwilliam Darcy with a secret waiting to be revealed--but Lydia elopes with someone else entirely. And Darcy--well, I found him terribly disappointing here compared to Austen's original.
So: chick lit fans, go for it, you'll probably enjoy it. Austen fans, I'd skip this one unless curiosity gets the better of you.
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reality TV (especially shows like "The Bachelor")," cell phone reliance, lesbian and transgender issues, adult children living with their parents, racial prejudice half-hidden by attempt to be PC, popular music, the free use of condoms, career women, a cousin who is a Silicon Valley geek, yoga classes, single women who long to be mothers artificially inseminated, couples jumping into bed or moving in with one another at the drop of a hat, etc. Yes, times sure have changed since Jane Austen's day. She retains the generation gap between parents and daughters, including Mrs. Bennett's desire to see each young woman married of to a man who is 1) rich, 2) of high social status, and 3) handsome. And Mr. Bennett's sardonic humor and long suffering of his wife's foibles remain intact.The problem for me was that this novel is contemporary chick lit, plain and simple--and that's not a genre I often read and even less often enjoy. I know, I know, Austen's original is chick lit of a sort, but it also brims with social commentary and the characters are much more complex and more deeply developed. Men also delighted in her novels when they were originally published, and I can't think of a single man I know that would delight in Eligible. It just doesn't have an edge beyond chick lit.
That said, if you like Jane Austen AND contemporary chick lit, this might be the book for you. Sittenfeld fairly faithfully follows the plot of , and most of the characters bear at least one primary trait of the originals. Jane is pretty and sweet, Lizzie is the clever one and the family "fixer," Mary is a perpetual scholar who spurns society, Kitty and Lydia are pretty young things still living at home (except when they are at Crossfit, which is a lot of the time). There is a Charlotte Lucas, plump and pining for a husband; a geeky rich cousin who visits in hope of finding a wife; a bitchy sister, Caroline Bingley; and a sweet, anorexic sister, Georgie Darcy. Wickham has transformed into Lizzie's coworker and longtime on again/off again married boyfriend, a former Stanford classsmate of brain surgeon Fitzwilliam Darcy with a secret waiting to be revealed--but Lydia elopes with someone else entirely. And Darcy--well, I found him terribly disappointing here compared to Austen's original.
So: chick lit fans, go for it, you'll probably enjoy it. Austen fans, I'd skip this one unless curiosity gets the better of you.
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LibraryThing member etxgardener
How many times can Pride & Prejudice be re-written? Seemingly, I guess an infinite number. I enjoyed Sittenfeld's first novel, Prep and also American Wife, but she seemed to be phoning this one in. In her version, written post-housing bubble, Elizabeth is a writer for a magazine in New York & her
Darcy in this version is a surgeon while Chip Bingley is a reality TV star on a TV show much like "The Bachelor." The younger Bennett sisters don't seem to work. Instead Lydia (who is unspeakably vulgar) and Kitty spend their days in crossfit training, while Mary is working on her third post graduate degree. Mrs. Bennett has gone beyond being a silly woman and is now selfish, homophobic and racist while Mr. Bennett is also much more clueless than in the original version. And the whole sub-plot of Lydia and Mr. Wickham seems to have been thrown into the trashcan. The whole book is much more mean spirited than the original. I expected butter from Ms. Sittenfeld.
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sister Jane is a yoga instructor (although how anyone lives in New York City with that occupation is beyond me) They return home to Cincinnati because their parents have sustained financial reverses and are going to have to sell their house, which in this book is called "the Tudor."Darcy in this version is a surgeon while Chip Bingley is a reality TV star on a TV show much like "The Bachelor." The younger Bennett sisters don't seem to work. Instead Lydia (who is unspeakably vulgar) and Kitty spend their days in crossfit training, while Mary is working on her third post graduate degree. Mrs. Bennett has gone beyond being a silly woman and is now selfish, homophobic and racist while Mr. Bennett is also much more clueless than in the original version. And the whole sub-plot of Lydia and Mr. Wickham seems to have been thrown into the trashcan. The whole book is much more mean spirited than the original. I expected butter from Ms. Sittenfeld.
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LibraryThing member purpledog
I loved this retelling of Pride and Prejudice. It is a great summer beach read… a fun read. I will even go out on a limb here and call it a romantic comedy.
The Bennett sisters are just as I remember them from P&P, even down to the immature younger Bennetts I found myself wanting to reach through
I did find the first portion of the story a little forced. Maybe it was that Mr. Bingley had been on the reality TV show. As the story progressed it flowed better.
If you read a light read this is a book book for you.
The Bennett sisters are just as I remember them from P&P, even down to the immature younger Bennetts I found myself wanting to reach through
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the book and shake them for being so silly and ridiculous. The family as a whole is very dysfunctional and this makes for some very humorous interactions. I laughed out loud several times and this is rare for me. . By the way, the names of the main characters stayed the same.I did find the first portion of the story a little forced. Maybe it was that Mr. Bingley had been on the reality TV show. As the story progressed it flowed better.
If you read a light read this is a book book for you.
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LibraryThing member voracious
Before I review "Eligible" I sheepishly admit I;ve never read "Pride and Prejudice", the classic novel upon which this book was based. I know, I know. Hey we all have our weaknesses and I'm afraid I have a severe case of Classic Literature Narcolepsy Disorder (CLND- Look it up. It's a thing)
This is an ultra-modern tale of a reality TV star and physician Chip Bingley, who was unable to find his true love on the dating show "Eligible (i.e. The Bachelor)." Meanwhile, back in the burbs of Cincinnati, Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are living with their 5 unmarried adult daughters wondering why they can't get them married off and out of their home. Their two oldest, Liz and Jane, have recently returned from New York City to care for Mr. Bennett, who had a heart attack. At Mrs. Bennett's insistence and canoodling, she arranges to have the girls attend a party where Chip Bingley will be in attendance. Jane and Chip do indeed seem to hit it off, but Liz falls into immediate conflict with Dr. Fitzgerald Darcy, whom Liz overhears berating the qualities of the women of Cincinnati. When Liz discovers her family's dire financial situation, she becomes intent on getting her dysfunctional family back on track while maintaining a love/hate relationship with Darcy, who seems to be everywhere Liz goes (Skyline Chili, running in the neighborhood, etc.).
I LOVED this book. Not only was it well written, the dialogue was sharp, witty, and filled with sexual tension. The author completely modernized this story including very current technology, reality television, and recent slang (hate sex, selfies, etc.) This is the ultimate summer read, mixing snarky, intelligent pop culture with characters you come to care about. And now that I've read it, I no longer feel obligated to read P&P. Win-Win.
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However, this novel promised to be a "modern" take on the classic story and since it is written by Curtis Sittenfeld, I thought I'd give it a try. This is an ultra-modern tale of a reality TV star and physician Chip Bingley, who was unable to find his true love on the dating show "Eligible (i.e. The Bachelor)." Meanwhile, back in the burbs of Cincinnati, Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are living with their 5 unmarried adult daughters wondering why they can't get them married off and out of their home. Their two oldest, Liz and Jane, have recently returned from New York City to care for Mr. Bennett, who had a heart attack. At Mrs. Bennett's insistence and canoodling, she arranges to have the girls attend a party where Chip Bingley will be in attendance. Jane and Chip do indeed seem to hit it off, but Liz falls into immediate conflict with Dr. Fitzgerald Darcy, whom Liz overhears berating the qualities of the women of Cincinnati. When Liz discovers her family's dire financial situation, she becomes intent on getting her dysfunctional family back on track while maintaining a love/hate relationship with Darcy, who seems to be everywhere Liz goes (Skyline Chili, running in the neighborhood, etc.).
I LOVED this book. Not only was it well written, the dialogue was sharp, witty, and filled with sexual tension. The author completely modernized this story including very current technology, reality television, and recent slang (hate sex, selfies, etc.) This is the ultimate summer read, mixing snarky, intelligent pop culture with characters you come to care about. And now that I've read it, I no longer feel obligated to read P&P. Win-Win.
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LibraryThing member keywestnan
Brilliant re-imagining of Pride and Prejudice set in contemporary America, with a Bachelor-like marriage show called Eligible as its plot device, at least when it comes to pairing up Jane and Bingley. I loved how she adapted and changed the characters' roles and ages but managed to hold onto the
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essentials - Liz is smart but sometimes a little too sharp, Darcy is uptight but honorable, Jasper Wick (ie Wickham) is a charming d**ch*b*g, Mrs. Bennett is pretty awful but hey, she's your mom and Mr. Bennett is smart and funny but disastrously disengaged. Though my favorite change might be the most radical - Kathy DeBourgh as a formidable Gloria Steinem-like feminist icon. Show Less
LibraryThing member nancyadair
Eligible since is a modern take on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. So, of course, I had to read it.
"Well before his arrival in Cincinnati, everyone knew that Chip Bingley was looking for a wife."
Said Chip had been on the television reality show Eligible, hoping to find love, and broke all the
For Mrs. Bennet, Chip's arrival in Cincinnati was perfect timing. The two eldest Bennet daughters, Jane nearly forty and Liz not far behind, were returning home to help out after Mr. Bennet's coronary artery bypass surgery. After all, Mrs. Bennet couldn't handle an invalid AND chair the Women's League fundraising luncheon. As far as Mrs. Bennet was concerned, having a medical man in the family would be a perk.
Only Liz knows that Jane opted for artificial insemination after the break up of her last relationship. Liz writes for a magazine and has no plans for children. But she has been in love with her 'best friend' Jasper Wick for years, although they never became a 'couple' until after Jasper's married. Fourteen years Liz waited for him to realize they were meant for each other. Jasper had no intention of divorcing his wife, so Liz becomes his 'best friend' with benefits.
Liz soon discovers not only mom but dear old dad needs 'handling,' beginning with mom's shopping addiction and the huge medical bills piling up because dad was uninsured. Living at home still are Mary, in graduate school, and freeloaders Kitty and Lydia, in their early twenties.
The Bennet family are invited to the Lucas's house to meet Chip, where, of course, his friend Darcy snubs Liz. Meanwhile, 'cousin Willie' has made millions and shows up looking for a wife, and a snarky Caroline Bingley warns Liz off.
You know the story--just not this version of the story. Everything is updated: the daughter's ages, their sex lives, and the problems they face are very 21st c. Racism, sexual orientation, transgender issues, and the artificial reality of television make appearances.
It is a very funny novel, and overall a very clever updating of Austen. I especially loved Sittenfeld's version of Mr. Bennet.
"I don't suppose that any of you can appreciate the terror a man might feel being so outnumbered," Mr. Bennet said. "I often weep, and there are only six of you."
I thought the updated scene of Liz trying to get to an ailing Jane was handled well; in the original, Liz walks through dirty lanes and fields, arriving in most unfashionable condition. Sittenfeld has Liz jog across town, arriving drenched in sweat. Each version of Liz shows how she places family bonds above social approbation, and in each she proves herself to be healthy, active, fit, and glowing.
Showing my age, and early monogamy, it was discomforting to read about all the premarital sex going on. All the sexual tension between Darcy and Elizabeth? I sure missed that. And where Austen's Liz has her own pride, Sittenfeld's Liz is a terrible drunk. Not my favorite handling of this character.
Eligible also misses the darker side of Austen: the soldier's camp gathered because of the looming war with France, Liz's challenge to the social hierarchy by not kowtowing to her social superiors, the church held in thrall by those who hold the living to the point of the Rev. Mr. Collins being instructed on what to preach. And Wick is an almost comic philanderer, Liz willing to settle for his terms, when Wickham was a seducer of a young heiress, a liar, a gambler, and an gold-digging opportunist--very evil qualities in Austen's day.
But I applaud Sittenfeld's novel for picking up on Austen's witty social jabs and the bright and sparkling aspect of the original.
I obtained a copy of the book through my local public library.
"Well before his arrival in Cincinnati, everyone knew that Chip Bingley was looking for a wife."
Said Chip had been on the television reality show Eligible, hoping to find love, and broke all the
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girls' hearts by marrying none of them. His Hollywood career over, he went back to practice medicine in a new town.For Mrs. Bennet, Chip's arrival in Cincinnati was perfect timing. The two eldest Bennet daughters, Jane nearly forty and Liz not far behind, were returning home to help out after Mr. Bennet's coronary artery bypass surgery. After all, Mrs. Bennet couldn't handle an invalid AND chair the Women's League fundraising luncheon. As far as Mrs. Bennet was concerned, having a medical man in the family would be a perk.
Only Liz knows that Jane opted for artificial insemination after the break up of her last relationship. Liz writes for a magazine and has no plans for children. But she has been in love with her 'best friend' Jasper Wick for years, although they never became a 'couple' until after Jasper's married. Fourteen years Liz waited for him to realize they were meant for each other. Jasper had no intention of divorcing his wife, so Liz becomes his 'best friend' with benefits.
Liz soon discovers not only mom but dear old dad needs 'handling,' beginning with mom's shopping addiction and the huge medical bills piling up because dad was uninsured. Living at home still are Mary, in graduate school, and freeloaders Kitty and Lydia, in their early twenties.
The Bennet family are invited to the Lucas's house to meet Chip, where, of course, his friend Darcy snubs Liz. Meanwhile, 'cousin Willie' has made millions and shows up looking for a wife, and a snarky Caroline Bingley warns Liz off.
You know the story--just not this version of the story. Everything is updated: the daughter's ages, their sex lives, and the problems they face are very 21st c. Racism, sexual orientation, transgender issues, and the artificial reality of television make appearances.
It is a very funny novel, and overall a very clever updating of Austen. I especially loved Sittenfeld's version of Mr. Bennet.
"I don't suppose that any of you can appreciate the terror a man might feel being so outnumbered," Mr. Bennet said. "I often weep, and there are only six of you."
I thought the updated scene of Liz trying to get to an ailing Jane was handled well; in the original, Liz walks through dirty lanes and fields, arriving in most unfashionable condition. Sittenfeld has Liz jog across town, arriving drenched in sweat. Each version of Liz shows how she places family bonds above social approbation, and in each she proves herself to be healthy, active, fit, and glowing.
Showing my age, and early monogamy, it was discomforting to read about all the premarital sex going on. All the sexual tension between Darcy and Elizabeth? I sure missed that. And where Austen's Liz has her own pride, Sittenfeld's Liz is a terrible drunk. Not my favorite handling of this character.
Eligible also misses the darker side of Austen: the soldier's camp gathered because of the looming war with France, Liz's challenge to the social hierarchy by not kowtowing to her social superiors, the church held in thrall by those who hold the living to the point of the Rev. Mr. Collins being instructed on what to preach. And Wick is an almost comic philanderer, Liz willing to settle for his terms, when Wickham was a seducer of a young heiress, a liar, a gambler, and an gold-digging opportunist--very evil qualities in Austen's day.
But I applaud Sittenfeld's novel for picking up on Austen's witty social jabs and the bright and sparkling aspect of the original.
I obtained a copy of the book through my local public library.
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LibraryThing member MillieHennessy
I’ve heard this book has mixed reviews, but I enjoyed it immensely and while it wasn’t perfect, I think it’s a fantastic modern adaptation.
I think Sittenfeld did a great job of keeping the tone of the original, while updating both characters and situations to suit current times – some
Liz and Darcy’s relationship feels a little more natural, if not slightly more awkward thanks to Liz’s big mouth (which I found funny) and there’s finally some action! –wink wink- Jane is pushing forty, single and trying to have a baby via artificial insemination. Chip Bingley spent time on a Bachelor-esque show trying to find love and Darcy is a neurosurgeon. Kathy de Bourgh shines as a feminist icon and (sadly) Mary is more selfish and annoying than I’ve ever seen her portrayed before. Sittenfeld even includes some LGBT characters.
I wished Mary had been likable (for once!), but overall I was happy with how all the characters played out and the pacing kept me saying “just one more chapter” over and over – it helps that the chapters aren’t more than a few pages each.
I do think the story concluded on a weird note. Not the actual plot of the ending, but the last two pages had an odd tone that didn’t feel like a conclusion for me and brought the focus back to Mary, rather than Liz and Darcy. Rather than finishing with a smile I was left scratching my head.
I recommend this to anyone looking for a modern adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, if only for some scenes where Liz and Darcy actually make physical contact! Jokes aside, this is a solid adaptation and I enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed the updated rendition of Northanger Abbey.
I think Sittenfeld did a great job of keeping the tone of the original, while updating both characters and situations to suit current times – some
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scenes felt more realistic and developed than the original. While the bones of the story are the same, Sittenfeld added many little twists to make this story her own and I appreciated most of them.Liz and Darcy’s relationship feels a little more natural, if not slightly more awkward thanks to Liz’s big mouth (which I found funny) and there’s finally some action! –wink wink- Jane is pushing forty, single and trying to have a baby via artificial insemination. Chip Bingley spent time on a Bachelor-esque show trying to find love and Darcy is a neurosurgeon. Kathy de Bourgh shines as a feminist icon and (sadly) Mary is more selfish and annoying than I’ve ever seen her portrayed before. Sittenfeld even includes some LGBT characters.
I wished Mary had been likable (for once!), but overall I was happy with how all the characters played out and the pacing kept me saying “just one more chapter” over and over – it helps that the chapters aren’t more than a few pages each.
I do think the story concluded on a weird note. Not the actual plot of the ending, but the last two pages had an odd tone that didn’t feel like a conclusion for me and brought the focus back to Mary, rather than Liz and Darcy. Rather than finishing with a smile I was left scratching my head.
I recommend this to anyone looking for a modern adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, if only for some scenes where Liz and Darcy actually make physical contact! Jokes aside, this is a solid adaptation and I enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed the updated rendition of Northanger Abbey.
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LibraryThing member indygo88
This is a fun, easy read that I admittedly flew through. Whether you're a Pride and Prejudice fan looking for a modern adaptation, or someone who's never read that particular Jane Austen classic, it's almost certain you'll appreciate and get some enjoyment from this one. Filled with modern-day
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phrases and references, Curtis Sittenfeld has published another well-written novel. I've enjoyed all of Sittenfeld's books and while this may not be my favorite, it nonetheless is enjoyable and fun, with a more lighthearted tone. Both fans of Pride and Prejudice, as well as others who may struggle with the classics (myself included), will enjoy this one. Show Less
LibraryThing member foggidawn
A modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice, the plot hews close to the original, but with reality shows and cell phones and such. I was more interested to see how the author adapted certain plot points from the original than I was to see Liz and Darcy's romance play out; in this version I didn't
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find Liz entirely sympathetic, and I must make a terrible confession: even in the original, I never much cared for Darcy. No, not even when played by Colin Firth. Where do I go to turn in my book lover card? On the other hand, Lydia, Kitty, and Mary were delightfully snarky, and Mrs. Bennett was all that one could hope. I have also lived close enough to Cincinnati to enjoy the references to Graeter's ice cream (yum!), Skyline Chili (gross), and Joseph-Beth Booksellers (swoon). I'm not sure how well this book would work for readers entirely unfamiliar with the original, but if you enjoy retellings, I thought this one was . . . tolerable. Show Less
LibraryThing member Narshkite
I don't know what to say other than READ THIS. If you love P&P, as I do, you may find breathtaking this faithful modernization which reassures those of us who care that feminists can find old fashioned romance without compromise. But you don't need to love P&P to love this book. It's a great and
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relatable story with smart commentary on modern life for educated middle class women. Best of all it is funny and charming and you will walk away with a solid Elizabeth Bennett girlcrush. Show Less
LibraryThing member ecataldi
When I think of modern re-tellings of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, the Bollywood classic, Bride and Prejudice is my gold standard. This satirical re-telling was definitely more raunchy and more current than I was anticipating. Liz works for a feminist magazine, Jane is a yoga instructor
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trying to get pregnant before she turns 41, Mary is an anti-social weirdo, and Kitty and Lydia are lazy unemployed bums. All the characters are here but there is more modern drama: mixed race couples, transgender dating, hate sex, and more. I tolerated the novel until I got to the relity tc stuff at the end and I would have given it a 3 if it had stopped there, but out of nowhere the last chapter changes characters and is told from Mary's perspective and is so weird and awful that I had to change my rating to a 2. The writing was OK but I did not care for any of the characters in this re-telling and the ending made me hate life. Show Less
LibraryThing member ingrid98684
Not bad, but I wasn't blown away.
LibraryThing member jherring
I didn't like this style or how they tried to basically mirror Pride and Prejudice and used all the edgy and current trends in society. It just wasn't put together well. Granted, it was a hard concept but I just got frustrated with the prose. I did like how Darcy was written and appreciated Lizzy
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but was disappointed in Jane and Bingley. Show Less
LibraryThing member Sheila1957
A modern telling of Pride and Prejudice. Very tongue-in-cheek. I laughed a lot as the story went on. I liked how she brought in so much of today's pop culture. Well done and it stays true to the original. I would read this and Ms. Sittenfeld again. So much fun!
LibraryThing member macescamilla
A fun read for Austen fans! The inventiveness and imagination of the author is great!
LibraryThing member Beammey
**I received this book from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review**
I've won a few P&P retellings from Goodreads so far and they have all been amazing. My only complaint about this one was that some parts felt long winded or like they didn't need to be there? But overall I really loved it. A
I've won a few P&P retellings from Goodreads so far and they have all been amazing. My only complaint about this one was that some parts felt long winded or like they didn't need to be there? But overall I really loved it. A
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great retelling that I would recommend to P&P fans, or fans of classics. It's easy to connect to the characters and you just want them to be happy. 4 out of 5 stars. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookworm12
I wanted to like this one more than I did. It's a retelling of Pride and Prejudice and while it was entertaining, it felt empty. The characters were unlikable and I never found myself rooting for any of the couples.
LibraryThing member MickyFine
In this modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice, Jane and Liz Bennet have left their lives in New York City to come home to Cincinnati to care for their parents after their father has a heart attack. Jane, who is nearly 40, is a yoga instructor and after several failed relationships is
I'm a Janeite through and through and I've enjoyed many contemporary adaptations of Austen's works; Eligible has quickly joined my favourites. Sittenfeld does a brilliant job of bringing the Bennets and their social circle into the 21st century. Not once did the characters feel like they had diverged widely from their original templates. I greatly appreciated that Sittenfeld also brings along all of the major plot points of the original tale into the modern period and makes them utterly believable and compelling reading even though I knew roughly how things would be resolved. A must-read for any Austen and/or P&P fan.
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contemplating single parenthood. Liz, only two years younger, is a successful writer for a feminist magazine with a mildly complicated love life. As Liz and Jane rejoin their family unit they quickly discover that their three younger sisters are next to useless, their mother has a mild shopping addiction, and their father has been hiding the fact that their financial situation is extremely unstable. But in the midst of the familial chaos Liz and Jane make the acquaintance of two recently arrived doctors in Cincinnati, Chip Bingley and Fitzwilliam Darcy who add a whole other layer of complications to being back home.I'm a Janeite through and through and I've enjoyed many contemporary adaptations of Austen's works; Eligible has quickly joined my favourites. Sittenfeld does a brilliant job of bringing the Bennets and their social circle into the 21st century. Not once did the characters feel like they had diverged widely from their original templates. I greatly appreciated that Sittenfeld also brings along all of the major plot points of the original tale into the modern period and makes them utterly believable and compelling reading even though I knew roughly how things would be resolved. A must-read for any Austen and/or P&P fan.
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LibraryThing member Alphawoman
Since I have not gotten very far into any book written by Jane Austen I was surprised by how fun this book was. it's not J.A. but it's the Pride and Prejudice story. I found it very entertaining and seductive. It makes me want to try P&P again!
LibraryThing member deslivres5
I was forewarned that this retelling of Eligible was risqué, so when a few curse words were thrown in at the beginning, I thought, this wasn't too bad. But then, the hate sex began... What??!! Liz has always been the character you root for, but not in this version. I actually listened to the audio
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CD and I don't know if it was the reader's almost valley-girl-esque intonations, but I found almost all the characters, especially Liz, very, very irritating. I won't spoil the plot, but some modernizations I found pretty cool, endearing and fun, but others didn't attempt to modern mirror the original at all and left me confused. Show Less
LibraryThing member mmoj
** spoiler alert ** If you take this book on it's own merits and you enjoy light stories that try and throw in a lot of contemporary issues you'll enjoy the story, if you are looking for a Pride & Prejudice retelling that stays true to the characters - maybe not as much.
Ms. Sittenfeld is an
But I do love P&P and I just had such a hard time with Elizabeth and Darcy (and the fact that there was zero chemistry other than quick beddings). And in this version Elizabeth has apparently lost any type of intelligence and is sleeping with a sleezeball that she's been in love with forever (why is it that "modern" equals women having meaningless sex and sleeping with married men?).
Ms. Sittenfeld is an
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entertaining writer whose pacing makes this for a quick enjoyable read. If I didn't love Ms. Austen's characters so much I probably would have enjoyed this book. I thought it was interesting how the author tied in contemporary issues with the sisters. Mr. & Mrs. Bennet were would I would picture in a contemporary setting.But I do love P&P and I just had such a hard time with Elizabeth and Darcy (and the fact that there was zero chemistry other than quick beddings). And in this version Elizabeth has apparently lost any type of intelligence and is sleeping with a sleezeball that she's been in love with forever (why is it that "modern" equals women having meaningless sex and sleeping with married men?).
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LibraryThing member wagner.sarah35
A really great retelling of the traditional tale of Pride and Prejudice - I burst out laughing so many times during this novel, enjoying the characterizations of the lead actors in this tale and the situations they find themselves in. Also, the author's talent for description and humor is unequal
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to most of the fiction I've read. A fun book & having lived in Cincinnati, I especially enjoyed the references to local places! Show Less
LibraryThing member cbrwn92
I was super excited to read this modern re-telling of Pride and Prejudice, as that is one of my favorite genres to read. Right off the bat, I loved the way Sittenfeld updated the story, particularly the ages of the characters. Often, I read the different retellings and the characters are in their
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twenties, typically around the same age they are in the original. However, in Eligible, Elizabeth and Jane are in their thirties pushing forty. This really set the story up for me in a realistic way. Rather than just reading a modern romance happening to people around my age, I felt as though I understood the original a bit better. I often forget that in Jane Austen's world, those the original ages of the eldest Bennet sisters would have been seen as getting almost too old to get married and start a family. Sittenfeld took that feeling and put it in context for a modern reader. All throughout the story, the original was updated in a way that made me feel connected and hopeful for the characters. The author changed characters and events in ways that seemed more honest to Austen than other stories I have read. The ending did leave me slightly disappointed, but because it was realistically done. It didn't feel as grand or as romantic as the original ending, but it did feel like a modern romance. The entire story was something that was understandable, relatable, and ultimately, loveable. I would recommend this book to anyone whom enjoys romance, family stories, modern fiction, or Jane Austen. Show Less
LibraryThing member beckakw
This modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice is hilarious, fun, and just a great story.
Sittenfeld adds her own modern twists to the original story, and I think it was very well done. She addresses issues in our society regarding feminism, racism, and the LGBT community that really speak to modern
So overall, it was an interesting retelling that made me laugh out loud multiple times.
Sittenfeld adds her own modern twists to the original story, and I think it was very well done. She addresses issues in our society regarding feminism, racism, and the LGBT community that really speak to modern
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times. And I think the Bennet family would really address these issues the way they did if they were brought to the 21st century. So overall, it was an interesting retelling that made me laugh out loud multiple times.
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LibraryThing member revliz
Excellent, well-written and spot-on.
Awards
Original publication date
2016-04-19