Flirting with Pride and Prejudice:Fresh Perspectives on The Original Chick-lit Masterpiece
edited by Jennifer Crusie
Published: 2005
Genre: Essays
Paperback: 230 pages
Rating: 3
Inspiration: Everything Austen Challenge hosted by Stephanie's Written Word
Description from amazon.com:
One of fiction's most well-loved novels, this 19th-century classic continues to capture the hearts of contemporary readers with its notions of marriage, dating, and romance. Leading authors in the area of women's literature and romance contribute to this fresh collection of essays on everything from Lydia's scandalous marriage to George Wickham to the female-dominated Bennett household and the emphasis placed on courtship and marriage. Contributors include Jo Beverly, Alesia Holliday, Mercedes Lackey, Joyce Millman, and Jill Winters. This compilation is an excellent companion for both those new to Jane Austen and well-versed Austen-philes.
My thoughts:
In-a-word: Flirting
Cute cover, eh? with the girl holding the cell phone, the starbucks cup on the table and guy with the shades. I'm usually not an essays reader so I admit I skimmed through most of these. Sorry to say they just didn't grab me. Along with essays there are short stories and a quiz contributions by current chick-lit authors. The one that stood out to me was Pride and Prejudice: The Reality Show by Joyce Millman. It re-worked our beloved P&P story by pulling all the current day reality shows themes (i.e. American Idol, Survivor, The Practice, etc.) into it. Ryan Seacrest makes an appearance in the story as the host of the P&P show!
Oh yeah, for those who are going to watch Bride and Prejudice there is a critique of the movie written by Laura Resnick.
