Published by Random House
Publication date: April 19th 2016
In case you weren’t aware or hadn’t noticed the subtitle, Curtis Sittenfeld’s new novel Eligible is a retelling of the Jane Austen classic Pride and Prejudice. If you’re a purist about your classics, then you probably ought to stop reading now, pour yourself a glass of sherry and go back to your needlework by candlelight. If, on the other hand, you’re in the mood for everything that makes modern America train-wreck fascinating then read on because this novel has got you covered.
Eligible could have been a straightforward update with each character the same as the original except dressed in athleisure wear and tapping a iPad. Instead, Sittenfeld goes beyond the basics and layers on a contemporary sensibility that makes the novel as horrifying as it is hilarious. Yes, the storylines are similar, but now Jane and Elizabeth (Liz) are entering their forties, unmarried and not particularly interested in being married. They live in NYC while the rest of the family is in Cincinnati. The remaining sisters still live at home despite being in their twenties and none shows any interest in getting a job. Mrs. Bennet’s delusions of grandeur are intact and Mr. Bennet is as put-upon as he ever was. In this way, Sittenfeld shows no interest in changing her characters. There is no attempt to modify Mrs. Bennet’s social climbing mania, Mary’s superior attitude, Bingley’s goofy charm or Darcy’s condescension. What there is is Kitty and Lydia with all of twenty-first century technology at their disposal so every moment is selfies, Crossfit workouts, texting, and an appalling lack of manners and self-restraint.
Sittenfeld even goes so far as to format Eligible for today’s reader—chapters are no more than a page or two, which makes for scrolling-style reading and a pace that moves like TMZ updates. All in all, each and every character is scrutinized in the novel and each rings as absolutely true now as they did then. What was a socially inept and self-important parson in the 1800s is now a wealthy software titan somewhere on the Aspberger spectrum. What this means is that there are parts of Eligible that are painfully un-PC, but did you really expect Mrs. Bennet to transform into anything other than a foolish, narrow-minded bigot? Because she can’t and Sittenfeld goes all-in in bringing her into the 21st century, even when it must have been painful to write. Even the high-minded, Liz, who’s a journalist now, has her prejudices, as noted when she sees a high school classmate in a restaurant with her four children
How was this mathematically possible? And wasn’t there, in Vanessa’s avid reproduction, something unseemly, some announcement of narcissism or aggression?
All in all, Sittenfeld does a marvelous job at taking what was a lighthearted reflection of its times and mirroring it back at us now. Is it embarrassing? Yes. Cringe worthy? Yes. Unrealistic? Sadly, no. Entertaining and a novel meant to be read in one sitting with a cocktail? Absolutely. As the indomitable Mrs. Bennet says, in what may be the culturally defining moment of Eligible, when confronted about telling a lie on reality television
“Oh, for heaven’s sake… That doesn’t matter.”
I’m so turned off by retellings of classics and have never read the original P&P (my mom is appalled by this to this day), BUT you make it sound like something I’d enjoy!! Maybe for when I need something light, which feels like all the time now (with everything going on at home – Lea has the flu for a second time in 3 weeks).
Oh no! If you haven’t read the original than I’d say it could be perfect for you. It is appalling moern day behavior but done with wit and intelligence. It will provide you with much needed laughs.
This is good to know! You know how I feel about Austen, I think. 😉 But I think a modern retelling might be worth trying. 🙂 This sounds like a nice choice next time I’m in the mood for chick lit.
It is perfect for a modern American satire. I don’t even think you need to know about P&P to still find it a great read.
Ah, Catherine, you have nailed this book on the head so hard. Your review is perfect. The book *is* cringeworthy in that it mirrors all the worst aspects of our time. But that’s what Austen did in the original and it’s why Sittenfeld has been so successful with her iteration.
I loved this book! (And I loved the original too!)
Wow, Catherine; I didn’t even think about the short chapters and their resemblance to our current way of life. That’s such a great observation. I absolutely LOVED this book; great review, as always!
I’m generally a bit wary of classic retellings, but I’m so tempted by this one! It sounds like a really fun weekend read.
I’ve heard such mixed reviews about this one that I’ve been on the fence. You (and Pop Culture Nerd) may have convinced me. I’m hit or miss on retellings. They are fantastic when they are done well (Jane Steele) and just mindnumbingly awful when they miss the mark.
Somehow, I was able to let go of the retelling and got hooked on the awfulness of so much of society today. It made me laugh and cringe enough that the P&P aspect was secondary.
THIS review is the best! Especially this…
“pour yourself a glass of sherry and go back to your needlework by candlelight. ”
I am weary of retellings but your excellent comparison of what Austen pointed out then about society and what Sittenfeld does with this one is a great thought. Since I’m not a classics purist, I did put it on hold. Might completely do the trick with my moody reading lately.
Read in one sitting with a cocktail? Sign me up. That sounds glorious. I’m 212 on the library list for this. Maybe I can read it by the pool this summer.
Sounds perfect, dahling!