Pride: A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Ibi Zoboi
(Format used for this book: Audiobook)
In a timely update of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, National Book Award finalist Ibi Zoboi skillfully balances cultural identity, class, and gentrification against the heady magic of first love in her vibrant reimagining of this beloved classic. A smart, funny, gorgeous retelling starring all characters of color.
Zuri Benitez has pride. Brooklyn pride, family pride, and pride in her Afro-Latino roots. But pride might not be enough to save her rapidly gentrifying neighborhood from becoming unrecognizable.
When the wealthy Darcy family moves in across the street, Zuri wants nothing to do with their two teenage sons, even as her older sister, Janae, starts to fall for the charming Ainsley. She especially can’t stand the judgmental and arrogant Darius. Yet as Zuri and Darius are forced to find common ground, their initial dislike shifts into an unexpected understanding.
But with four wild sisters pulling her in different directions, cute boy Warren vying for her attention, and college applications hovering on the horizon, Zuri fights to find her place in Bushwick’s changing landscape, or lose it all.
I love Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice….the book, the movie, the miniseries ( COLIN FIRTH is FOREVER Mr. Darcy to me!)
I also love when authors take well known literature and rewrite it with modern spin.
Some people think that isn’t very creative…that it just “uses” other people’s ideas…but personally, I think it is a WONDERFUL way to celebrate creativity and grow a more inclusive literary culture.
Especially when it’s a creative work like THIS one.
I have read and watched different interpretations of this story before, but this one is the most unique I have seen.
Most of what we call “classic” literature is written by white authors from a white perspective. (and MOST of the time MALE as well)
“Classic” works are monochromatic…and often times not just exclusionary of diverse cultures and people, but full of harmful and toxic racist tropes and stereotypes as well.
This author had such an innovative perspective…the story is richly immersed in Black culture with a cast of various characters that embody varied Black experiences and backgrounds.
Even if you “know” the basic story and what will happen in the plotlines, everything in these pages is fresh and exciting and surprising.
It feels familiar but at the same time brand new.
This story is also told with important social commentary as well, addressing gentrification, racism, sexism, and multiple stereotypes and biases.
This book is a powerful, important and entertaining retelling.
Highly recommend it and look forward to reading many more like it.