Eligible: A modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice by Curtis Sittenfeld. “Known for her novels, Prep and American Wife, Curtis Sittenfeld’s new book Eligible puts a modern-day twist on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. This version tells the story of the Cincinnati Benet family and the parents’ quest to marry off their five daughters. Two daughters living in New York come home when the father has a health scare. Two new-in-town doctors become perfect candidates for the Benet daughters. The book is clever and funny -- even includes a dating reality show participant. It is a quick read and easy to follow.” “A perfect summer read (and a welcome break after finishing Infinite Jest)... humorous and insightful window into the Bennet family." "The plot is a familiar one with modern twists. Before moving to Cincinnati, Chip Bingley was the star bachelor of a reality tv show called Eligible in which 25 women compete for a marriage proposal. It is a good, comfortable read- perfect for the beach or a long plane ride.” “Wonderfully tender and hilariously funny, Eligible tackles gender, class, courtship, and family as Curtis Sittenfeld reaffirms herself as one of the most dazzling authors writing today.” “She really knocked it out of the park. If you liked Sittenfeld's Prep - her first novel - or Jane Austen, you will enjoy it.” [Ed: As an Austen lover, i have been wary because of some of the reviews online. I pressed one reviewer who added the following: "Like it or not, Eligible provides an accurate, albeit slightly conflated (e.g., her sister’s marriage to a transgender Cross Fit instructor) look at what is happening in the world today. I decided to laugh and appreciate the author’s ability to hit on nearly every trend, norm and societal issue through the different characters and situations." She recommended P&P lovers just have fun and think, "I see what you did there Sittenfeld." Those who haven't read P&P read this first as the accessible version then read the original.]
