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A review by isotope_s
Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This Pride and Prejudice retelling focuses most on Liz's relationship with her sister's and family; which is generally not the focus of retellings so it was quite refreshing. Liz make's actual attempts to get along with her siblings and help her mother.
The romance I could probably do without entirely, it quite literally was the weakest point of the book. This reads much more like a fiction book with a romantic plot; it's very reflective.
This book gives both Kitty and Lydia the most satisfying and fair treatment. They're actual well rounded characters who grow and change over the book. Lydia full on apologizes to Mary for what she's said in the past which is maybe the most character growth/arc Lydia has ever been able to experience.
I think despite being quite offensive at parts every character has a full arc, even Mrs. Bennet for how ridiculous and insensitive this book made her. The epilogue with Mary was kind of out of left field--but kind of nice too because Mary never gets any sort of arc. Kind of bad ace rep, but I've seen Mary as ace for a while now, so it's nice to see it in a book.
"Phyllis and Bob’s daughter had all sorts of procedures, and what did she end up with but little Ying from Shanghai.” Yeah this is a super turn off and extremely offensive. It doesn't even need to be here. As if adopted kids are less than children who have the privilege of staying with their birth parents. "Ah yes, adoption, what a nice consolation prize". Fuck you. This quote almost made me drop the book and it's only 6% in.
The romance I could probably do without entirely, it quite literally was the weakest point of the book. This reads much more like a fiction book with a romantic plot; it's very reflective.
This book gives both Kitty and Lydia the most satisfying and fair treatment. They're actual well rounded characters who grow and change over the book. Lydia full on apologizes to Mary for what she's said in the past which is maybe the most character growth/arc Lydia has ever been able to experience.
I think despite being quite offensive at parts every character has a full arc, even Mrs. Bennet for how ridiculous and insensitive this book made her. The epilogue with Mary was kind of out of left field--but kind of nice too because Mary never gets any sort of arc. Kind of bad ace rep, but I've seen Mary as ace for a while now, so it's nice to see it in a book.
"Phyllis and Bob’s daughter had all sorts of procedures, and what did she end up with but little Ying from Shanghai.” Yeah this is a super turn off and extremely offensive. It doesn't even need to be here. As if adopted kids are less than children who have the privilege of staying with their birth parents. "Ah yes, adoption, what a nice consolation prize". Fuck you. This quote almost made me drop the book and it's only 6% in.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Homophobia, Infertility, and Transphobia