A review by tay_af
Eligible: A Modern Retelling of Pride & Prejudice by Curtis Sittenfeld

  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

0.0

It is a truth universally acknowledged that just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should, and this book should not exist. It is maybe the worst book I’ve ever read. It featured an egregious misunderstanding of character dynamics and fundamental (and lovable) traits. Its attempts toward diversity were sloppy and self congratulatory at best, and more often, explicitly racist, homophobic, and transphobic in the execution, no matter how well intentioned it may have been. It’s insanely fatphobic as well: for instance, Charlotte Lucas’s undesirability which, in the original book, is principally linked to her lack of fortune and the fact that she is no great beauty, is replaced by a high paying job that cannot counter the fact she’s plus size. It’s a clear example in the need for sensitivity readers, even from authors who mean well. Beyond that, the writing is in general mediocre to abysmal, with terrible description and exposition. You have to try really hard to make Pride and Prejudice this bad, honestly. I could go on for days about it, but suffice to say, there are no redeeming qualities. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings