I'm a sucker for a good Pride and Prejudice retelling, and this book definitely fits the bill!
Format: Hardback
Genre: Historical Fiction
Page Length: 368 pages
Publisher: Harper Teen (April 6, 2021)
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mr. Darcy‘s Rating: “You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
A Chasing Mr. Darcy Review
Here’s a plot synopsis from GoodReads: When a scandalous murder shocks London high society, seventeen-year-old aspiring lawyer Lizzie Bennet seizes the opportunity to prove herself, despite the interference of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the stern young heir to the prestigious firm Pemberley Associates. Convinced the authorities have imprisoned the wrong person, Lizzie vows to solve the murder on her own. But as the case—and her feelings for Darcy—become more complicated, Lizzie discovers that her dream job could make her happy, but it might also get her killed.
Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price is so well-written! I enjoyed this book immensely, and it was the perfect read for October. The story reimagines the characters from P&P in a new world (still set in a similar time period). In the new world, Lizzie's father owns a law firm, as does Darcy's father. Mr. Collins is as insufferable as ever, and of course Mrs. Bennet's poor nerves are still on the fritz!
I thought the adaptation of the plotline was very well-done in this story. Mr. Hurst's murder gave Louisa something I thought she always wanted in the original - freedom, and gave Bingley a dose of reality when he was immediately arrested as the culprit (I always thought Bingley needed a dose of reality in the original as well). Lizzie does much of the work to exonerate Mr. Bingley on her own in this book, and it isn't until later in the story that she really begins working with Mr. Darcy to free him. Their chemistry is perfection, though, and I like the easy way in which Darcy slips into admiration of Lizzie in this story. Her mind slowly captivates him, and the way they slip into having feelings for each other is really organic.
I thought Lizzie's character was well-written as well with just enough sharp edges to make her stick out in the time period. I also thought Darcy's character was perfectly reimagined. This Darcy is softer than the original, a bit more approachable...and I love him! I just wish he had been in the book more because it's not really until the last 30% or so of the book that the romance between them becomes a focal point. I wanted more of their banter and teasing. Overall, though, I really enjoyed this version of Darcy. But, let's be honest...I will enjoy any version of Darcy I can get! I also thought the updated portrayal of Lady Catherine, Wickham, Jane, etc were perfection.
My only other complaint in this book is about Charlotte Lucas. In this version, Charlotte is an orphan who has been a bit ostracized because of her darker skin color. The book ties her lack of marriage prospects to her darker skin color, and I just didn't like that a character's value was diminished due to her skin color.
Overall, though, this is a solid four star young adult read. The writing is sharp and fun, and I loved the plot. And of course, I still love Darcy and Elizabeth!
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