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izzys_internet_bookshelf's review
2.0
2/5
I was never a big Pride and Prejudice fan. So going into this book I was kind of iffy about it. I wanted to like it but in the end, it was hard to enjoy the plot.
I was never a big Pride and Prejudice fan. So going into this book I was kind of iffy about it. I wanted to like it but in the end, it was hard to enjoy the plot.
aielinnae's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I’m a huge fan of the recent remixed classics, enjoying the modernizing, updating, or showing the story from a different point of view. Accomplished hit all my happy marks; it’s a modern update focusing on Georgianna as an elite private school student forever in her brother’s shadow and in the cold. Seeing the characters from the side and not the focus made me rethink how I saw Georgianna. A definite read for all Pride and Prejudice fans.
groundsatpemberley's review
3.0
Accomplished is a cute YA Austen adaptation that reimagines Georgiana (Georgie) Darcy as high school student at Pemberley Academy. Austen fans will be pleased to see the characters we love (and love to hate) from P&P. Georgiana is seriously underrepresented P&P adaptations, making this a fun and fresh take on the classic.
andreatypesbraille's review
3.0
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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Georgie Darcy is beginning her junior year at the prestigious Pemberly Academy, a school which has a history of the Darcy family as alumni. However, Georgie is going into this schoolyear a bit of a social pariah, having spent the past two years isolating herself from making any other friends. Her freshman year she spent entirely with her brother, Fitzwilliam Darcy, a senior who went off to college the next year. Her sophomore year was spent taken up being wooed and deceived by Wickham. She wound up being raveled into a pill dispensing drug ring, organized by Wickham, using her single dorm room as his home base for dealing. Wickham had quite the following, either among the band class, where he excelled at playing trumpet, or among the rest of the school, who missed their dealer. Georgie is able to stay at the school while Wickham is expelled, which leads to Georgie facing some harassment.
This modern-day retelling of Pride and Prejudice follows the basic personalities established in the original story, the frigid Fitz Darcy, the confident and intelligent Lizzie Bennet, the affable Charlie Bingley, and of course, Wickham. Lydia and Jane Bennet also make brief appearances, and Mr. Collins and Lady/Aunt Catherine are referred to as well. It's what I think any Austen fan, and more specifically a fan of Pride and Prejudice, would want to see in a retelling of the classic, brought into a modern backdrop.
With all that being said, Georgie Darcy is not a sympathetic character. She's so wound up in her own problems, which are significantly eased by her family's wealth and reputation, that Georgie is petulant and whiny. I had a hard time reading through the first third of the book, as Georgie is either whining about how difficult her life has been, or engaging in behavior she acknowledges in the moment before is counterproductive to how she wants to live. The driving force, Wickham threatening to tell Fitz that he is still in contact with Georgie, really has no leg to stand on. Because we as the audience, and Georgie herself, know that Fitz would immediately step in and end the relationship, eliminating the issue.
There are plenty to root for in this story though. The dialogue between characters can be quick and acerbic in a fun way. Georgie has a tendency towards sarcasm or being too biting in her retorts, but that holds with her character. Getting to see the interactions between the characters we know and love, Fitz, Lizzie, Charlie, really does bring joy back into the reading. I think the author did a great job reenvisioning a modern day Charles Bingley, a ripped frat boy hopelessly besotted with the lovely Jane Bennet.
The marching band aspect was also an interesting perspective. Having been a music student myself in high school, I appreciated the clique cultural that orchestra or band classes can have being shown in full light.
As previously mentioned, the first third of the book was difficult for me to get through, but after that point, the story begins progressing and picking up steam. I initially rated a 2.5, but round up to a 3 star because I was truly enjoying how the story progressed, the dialogue, and the addition of more of Lizzie's character near the end.
I would recommend this to students in high school and up. There is some references to drug use, and possible sexual situations, though nothing explicit happens. I think it may be a great introduction to classic-averse readers, allowing them to dip their feet into the Austen world in a modern, relatable setting.
------
Georgie Darcy is beginning her junior year at the prestigious Pemberly Academy, a school which has a history of the Darcy family as alumni. However, Georgie is going into this schoolyear a bit of a social pariah, having spent the past two years isolating herself from making any other friends. Her freshman year she spent entirely with her brother, Fitzwilliam Darcy, a senior who went off to college the next year. Her sophomore year was spent taken up being wooed and deceived by Wickham. She wound up being raveled into a pill dispensing drug ring, organized by Wickham, using her single dorm room as his home base for dealing. Wickham had quite the following, either among the band class, where he excelled at playing trumpet, or among the rest of the school, who missed their dealer. Georgie is able to stay at the school while Wickham is expelled, which leads to Georgie facing some harassment.
This modern-day retelling of Pride and Prejudice follows the basic personalities established in the original story, the frigid Fitz Darcy, the confident and intelligent Lizzie Bennet, the affable Charlie Bingley, and of course, Wickham. Lydia and Jane Bennet also make brief appearances, and Mr. Collins and Lady/Aunt Catherine are referred to as well. It's what I think any Austen fan, and more specifically a fan of Pride and Prejudice, would want to see in a retelling of the classic, brought into a modern backdrop.
With all that being said, Georgie Darcy is not a sympathetic character. She's so wound up in her own problems, which are significantly eased by her family's wealth and reputation, that Georgie is petulant and whiny. I had a hard time reading through the first third of the book, as Georgie is either whining about how difficult her life has been, or engaging in behavior she acknowledges in the moment before is counterproductive to how she wants to live. The driving force, Wickham threatening to tell Fitz that he is still in contact with Georgie, really has no leg to stand on. Because we as the audience, and Georgie herself, know that Fitz would immediately step in and end the relationship, eliminating the issue.
There are plenty to root for in this story though. The dialogue between characters can be quick and acerbic in a fun way. Georgie has a tendency towards sarcasm or being too biting in her retorts, but that holds with her character. Getting to see the interactions between the characters we know and love, Fitz, Lizzie, Charlie, really does bring joy back into the reading. I think the author did a great job reenvisioning a modern day Charles Bingley, a ripped frat boy hopelessly besotted with the lovely Jane Bennet.
The marching band aspect was also an interesting perspective. Having been a music student myself in high school, I appreciated the clique cultural that orchestra or band classes can have being shown in full light.
As previously mentioned, the first third of the book was difficult for me to get through, but after that point, the story begins progressing and picking up steam. I initially rated a 2.5, but round up to a 3 star because I was truly enjoying how the story progressed, the dialogue, and the addition of more of Lizzie's character near the end.
I would recommend this to students in high school and up. There is some references to drug use, and possible sexual situations, though nothing explicit happens. I think it may be a great introduction to classic-averse readers, allowing them to dip their feet into the Austen world in a modern, relatable setting.
jalou2123's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
samstillreading's review
2.0
Like many, many other people, I am a big fan of Pride and Prejudice. Therefore, it makes it difficult for me to resist sequels, prequels or stories about the other characters. Accomplished is one of the latter, taking Georgiana Darcy and plonking her story in contemporary America. It sounded like a great idea – Pemberley is an exclusive boarding school and SUNY Meryton is where Fitz Darcy and Lizzie and Jane Bennet attend university. In practice, I found Georgie’s ruminations and inability to read the room quite annoying and repetitive.
The story opens as Georgie is preparing to return to Pemberley after a major scandal involving Wickham’s sideline in selling drugs out of her dorm room. It’s only because she’s a Darcy (as Fitz reminds her and as Georgie constantly reminds herself) that she’s allowed to go back to school this year. To make matters worse, Fitz has transferred colleges to be much closer to Georgie and home. Georgie feels lost, guilty and a pariah at school where virtually no one will give her the time of day. Even her marching bands colleagues don’t want to know her – or so she thinks. It’s just Georgie against the world, with only her fascination with a Downton Abbey-like show and fan fics to keep her company. Gradually, Georgie lessens her constant self-loathing and makes friends with Avery who becomes her great support as she opens up to him. But things come to a head when she is snapped in a compromising position on social media and she runs again. Can Georgie tell Fitz how she feels and get over her shame?
I get that Georgie feels like she’s let everyone down, particularly Fitz who is her only family. I get that she feels left out and hated by her peers. But Georgie doesn’t really do a great deal to help herself, which made this reader frustrated. She’s not really good at reading the room (case in point: surprise catering a ton of food for the band, which makes others feel like she’s buying them off with her wealth). Perhaps because she’s been so sheltered, Georgie isn’t great at defending herself or sticking to her guns. At the first sign of trouble, she retreats. A lot of the narrative is Georgie’s feelings of self-loathing, then doing something stupid (like sending massive bouquets to Lizzie at university) and then repeat. It was really frustrating at times.
There are some really cute nods to P&P in the narrative, especially in the minor character creation. Mr Bingley is a hot frat boy and Lydia works at Target. (I would have loved to have seen what Mary was up to in a modern world where she can read and study to her heart’s content.) Fitz is just as stern at times, which didn’t really work in the modern setting (no wonder Georgie is in a shame spiral) but what we see of Lizzie is fun. Overall, this just didn’t work for me with the shame-drama-repeat style but others may find Georgie more likeable than I did.
Thank you to Pan Macmillan for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
The story opens as Georgie is preparing to return to Pemberley after a major scandal involving Wickham’s sideline in selling drugs out of her dorm room. It’s only because she’s a Darcy (as Fitz reminds her and as Georgie constantly reminds herself) that she’s allowed to go back to school this year. To make matters worse, Fitz has transferred colleges to be much closer to Georgie and home. Georgie feels lost, guilty and a pariah at school where virtually no one will give her the time of day. Even her marching bands colleagues don’t want to know her – or so she thinks. It’s just Georgie against the world, with only her fascination with a Downton Abbey-like show and fan fics to keep her company. Gradually, Georgie lessens her constant self-loathing and makes friends with Avery who becomes her great support as she opens up to him. But things come to a head when she is snapped in a compromising position on social media and she runs again. Can Georgie tell Fitz how she feels and get over her shame?
I get that Georgie feels like she’s let everyone down, particularly Fitz who is her only family. I get that she feels left out and hated by her peers. But Georgie doesn’t really do a great deal to help herself, which made this reader frustrated. She’s not really good at reading the room (case in point: surprise catering a ton of food for the band, which makes others feel like she’s buying them off with her wealth). Perhaps because she’s been so sheltered, Georgie isn’t great at defending herself or sticking to her guns. At the first sign of trouble, she retreats. A lot of the narrative is Georgie’s feelings of self-loathing, then doing something stupid (like sending massive bouquets to Lizzie at university) and then repeat. It was really frustrating at times.
There are some really cute nods to P&P in the narrative, especially in the minor character creation. Mr Bingley is a hot frat boy and Lydia works at Target. (I would have loved to have seen what Mary was up to in a modern world where she can read and study to her heart’s content.) Fitz is just as stern at times, which didn’t really work in the modern setting (no wonder Georgie is in a shame spiral) but what we see of Lizzie is fun. Overall, this just didn’t work for me with the shame-drama-repeat style but others may find Georgie more likeable than I did.
Thank you to Pan Macmillan for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
rcwaring29's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
beyondevak's review
2.0
Quick Summary: Accomplished: A Georgie Darcy Novel was an interesting +/- read, at best.
My Review: This book was an OK read. I can't venture beyond that assessment much more, unfortunately. The story didn't blow my mind or draw me in, as I thought it would, although it did make me smile a couple of times. I used the word interesting to describe my take on the book because although it was fair in standing, the premise was unique.
I felt that the story had a really dry beginning, so much so that I, literally, had to put the book down, then come back to it. It was surprising to me that I was initially unable to connect with the story or with the characters. Once the pace picked up, however, things got a little better.
What I liked and/or appreciated: Avery, Emily, the Freshman Trombone Section (minus the section leader), Mrs. T, the idea of a modern day P and P, the playful banter between Georgie and Avery, and the young love dual romance angle
What I did not like or was confused by: Wickham, Braden, the unrealistic desire Georgie had about proving something to that ridiculous fellow (Wickham), the misplaced use of profanity, the rather inappropriate name calling or references to the male anatomy when something was not agreed upon by two characters, and the uneven, dysfunctional relationship between the siblings (Noted: the fluctuating emotional drama, the poor communication, the instability with their life roles, their public disputes, the unspoken resentment from both parties)
What boggled my mind: the lack of structured counseling for the siblings (Obviously, they both needed grief counseling...and more.), the school's lack of response to Georgie's repeated noncompliance and disregard for the rules, the on again-off again conflict between brother and sister, Georgie's access to AP classes after the failed general education grades, the granting of guardianship to an emancipated teen who just so happened to be incredibly young and somewhat immature himself, and the unexplained extended absence of the mother (who just so happened to "care" enough to email)
Rating: 2/5
Recommend: +/-
Audience: OYA (PG 17+ due to the use of profane language)
Warning: Profanity used. References to drug use.
Thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. The words I have expressed are my own and were not influenced by the aforementioned in any way.
My Review: This book was an OK read. I can't venture beyond that assessment much more, unfortunately. The story didn't blow my mind or draw me in, as I thought it would, although it did make me smile a couple of times. I used the word interesting to describe my take on the book because although it was fair in standing, the premise was unique.
I felt that the story had a really dry beginning, so much so that I, literally, had to put the book down, then come back to it. It was surprising to me that I was initially unable to connect with the story or with the characters. Once the pace picked up, however, things got a little better.
What I liked and/or appreciated: Avery, Emily, the Freshman Trombone Section (minus the section leader), Mrs. T, the idea of a modern day P and P, the playful banter between Georgie and Avery, and the young love dual romance angle
What I did not like or was confused by: Wickham, Braden, the unrealistic desire Georgie had about proving something to that ridiculous fellow (Wickham), the misplaced use of profanity, the rather inappropriate name calling or references to the male anatomy when something was not agreed upon by two characters, and the uneven, dysfunctional relationship between the siblings (Noted: the fluctuating emotional drama, the poor communication, the instability with their life roles, their public disputes, the unspoken resentment from both parties)
What boggled my mind: the lack of structured counseling for the siblings (Obviously, they both needed grief counseling...and more.), the school's lack of response to Georgie's repeated noncompliance and disregard for the rules, the on again-off again conflict between brother and sister, Georgie's access to AP classes after the failed general education grades, the granting of guardianship to an emancipated teen who just so happened to be incredibly young and somewhat immature himself, and the unexplained extended absence of the mother (who just so happened to "care" enough to email)
Rating: 2/5
Recommend: +/-
Audience: OYA (PG 17+ due to the use of profane language)
Warning: Profanity used. References to drug use.
Thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. The words I have expressed are my own and were not influenced by the aforementioned in any way.