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A review by hippolyta_vi
Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa
Did not finish book. Stopped at 39%.
When I first heard of a trans remix of Pride & Prejudice I was so excited. I couldn't get my hands on it fast enough, but then I started reading it and I couldn't DNF it fast enough...
I will say, if you're not too familiar with the original text, you'll probably find this an enjoyable book, so ignore me. However, if you're a big Austen fan like myself, I'd si this one out. I do want to know what happens to Oliver, but unfortunately can not get past how this adaptation does not do Austen's text any justice.
Many of the characterizations are completely wrong, almost offensive. Mrs. Bennet goes from being frantic, emotional comedic relief (original) to being downright evil (this version). Mr. Wickham is just immediately unlikeable which is ???? Maybe there were reasons for these choices but I couldn't make myself read more to find out.
Also, I found that the author forced his own opinions about 19th century life and society that his characters would not share, and yet they did. It was almost anochronistic but not for any valid artistic reason. I'm not asking for Austenian prose or complete historical accuracy, but you could at least still write a story that could make sense for the 19th century. For example, (I have multiple)Oliver thinks it's annoying and can't understand why his mother jumps to the conclusion that Bingley will propose to Jane after the first ball. Well, when a man shows interest in a woman and then proceeds to invite her for tea, it is likely that he is highly interested in her and higher 19th century folks didn't exactly date around.
Another example is when Miss Bingley and Oliver "take a turn" around the room and Mr. Darcy openly criticizes them for it. In Austen's works, this scene would be read as mocking the upper class in a tongue-in-cheek sort of way. This author just removes the humour completely in an attempt to half-ass banter/arguing from Oliver (as Elizabeth) and Darcy.
ANOTHER example is when Oliver is disgusted that Mr. Collins would take an interest in him because he is his cousin. While yes, it is obviously very weird to want your cousin, it wasn't in the 19th century! Mr. Collins is undesirable for a number of reasons.
All of these examples go to show that the author didn't take care in translating the original source material to his new plot. There is a disconnect between Oliver's storyline and its relation to Pride & Prejudice.
Just very disappointing. While I did want to know how the story ends, I can't bring myself to read another page of cringey dialogue, mischaracterizations, and a bastardization of Austen's genius. Very intriguing concept of introducing queer narratives into a well-known story and period of time but poor execution.
I will say, if you're not too familiar with the original text, you'll probably find this an enjoyable book, so ignore me. However, if you're a big Austen fan like myself, I'd si this one out. I do want to know what happens to Oliver, but unfortunately can not get past how this adaptation does not do Austen's text any justice.
Many of the characterizations are completely wrong, almost offensive. Mrs. Bennet goes from being frantic, emotional comedic relief (original) to being downright evil (this version). Mr. Wickham is just immediately unlikeable which is ???? Maybe there were reasons for these choices but I couldn't make myself read more to find out.
Also, I found that the author forced his own opinions about 19th century life and society that his characters would not share, and yet they did. It was almost anochronistic but not for any valid artistic reason. I'm not asking for Austenian prose or complete historical accuracy, but you could at least still write a story that could make sense for the 19th century. For example, (I have multiple)
Another example is when Miss Bingley and Oliver "take a turn" around the room and Mr. Darcy openly criticizes them for it. In Austen's works, this scene would be read as mocking the upper class in a tongue-in-cheek sort of way. This author just removes the humour completely in an attempt to half-ass banter/arguing from Oliver (as Elizabeth) and Darcy.
ANOTHER example is when Oliver is disgusted that Mr. Collins would take an interest in him because he is his cousin. While yes, it is obviously very weird to want your cousin, it wasn't in the 19th century! Mr. Collins is undesirable for a number of reasons.
All of these examples go to show that the author didn't take care in translating the original source material to his new plot. There is a disconnect between Oliver's storyline and its relation to Pride & Prejudice.
Just very disappointing. While I did want to know how the story ends, I can't bring myself to read another page of cringey dialogue, mischaracterizations, and a bastardization of Austen's genius. Very intriguing concept of introducing queer narratives into a well-known story and period of time but poor execution.