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A review by sunlit_music
Pride: A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Ibi Zoboi
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Honest, open, raw, and vibrant, Pride: A Pride and Prejudice Remix is a special story not to miss. Zuri is warm, spunky, tough, loving and fearless - a true modern day Lizzie Bennett, while Darius Darcy is reserved, intelligent and quiet, a teen Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Ibi Zoboi puts a modern twist on a classic tale and adds depth, humour, insightful thoughts on classism and racism in modern day America.
The main leads are likeable and deep, while side characters such as Madrina, Zuri's parents (her Mama and Papi) shine with love, liveliness, and wisdom. Zuri's sisters are fun and hilarious, and Darius' brother Ainsley is charming and kind.
Zuri's poems in the book are filled with sincerity and passion - she loves her neighbourhood, she's not ashamed to be from Bushwick, and she's openly proud of her Haitian and Dominican heritage. Reading about her pride in her different cultures, her cuisine, music, dancing, religion, and people is beautiful to see.
Her neighbourhood in Bushwick isn't perfect, but it's filled with community, love and support - people constantly visiting each other, checking on one another, celebrating, having parties, taking care of their neighbours. It's one of the best things about this book that I truly love.
I also like how characters are shown to have more depth and kindness than I first thought. Darius is much kinder than he seems, and Warren isn't as nice as he appears. Carrie also turns out to have a decent side in the end, looking out for Layla - one of Zuri's younger sisters - when Warren hits on Layla.
Both Darius and Zuri unlearn prejudices about each other, and Zuri and her family also deal with grief andthe death of a loved family friend, as well as moving to a new neighbourhood when their landlord raises the rent.
Another highlight is watching Zuri and her sister Janae blossom and shine with happiness when they visit their dream universities. They have goals of going to college and supporting their families, and it's truly delightful watching their parents and sisters support them in this.
This story is filled with positivity and love, and worth looking out for. Definitely one of the best YA books out there. :)
Ibi Zoboi puts a modern twist on a classic tale and adds depth, humour, insightful thoughts on classism and racism in modern day America.
The main leads are likeable and deep, while side characters such as Madrina, Zuri's parents (her Mama and Papi) shine with love, liveliness, and wisdom. Zuri's sisters are fun and hilarious, and Darius' brother Ainsley is charming and kind.
Zuri's poems in the book are filled with sincerity and passion - she loves her neighbourhood, she's not ashamed to be from Bushwick, and she's openly proud of her Haitian and Dominican heritage. Reading about her pride in her different cultures, her cuisine, music, dancing, religion, and people is beautiful to see.
Her neighbourhood in Bushwick isn't perfect, but it's filled with community, love and support - people constantly visiting each other, checking on one another, celebrating, having parties, taking care of their neighbours. It's one of the best things about this book that I truly love.
I also like how characters are shown to have more depth and kindness than I first thought. Darius is much kinder than he seems, and Warren isn't as nice as he appears. Carrie also turns out to have a decent side in the end, looking out for Layla - one of Zuri's younger sisters - when Warren hits on Layla.
Both Darius and Zuri unlearn prejudices about each other, and Zuri and her family also deal with grief and
Another highlight is watching Zuri and her sister Janae blossom and shine with happiness when they visit their dream universities. They have goals of going to college and supporting their families, and it's truly delightful watching their parents and sisters support them in this.
This story is filled with positivity and love, and worth looking out for. Definitely one of the best YA books out there. :)
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism, Grief, and Classism