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ISBN 9780062889805
Published by HarperTeen, 2020
Genre: Mystery, historical fiction
Format: Hardback, paperback, audio
Awards
2018 Goodreads Choice Award
2019 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults
Reading Level Grades 9 and up (NoveList)
Plot Summary: Pride and Premeditation is a murder mystery remake of Jane Austen's classic, Pride and Prejudice. Though it’s not necessary to have read or seen the original to enjoy this novel, it is a delight to see how Jane Austen’s familiar characters conduct themselves in this whodunit. In this version the focus for Lizzie Bennet isn't Darcy but, rather, it's on her desire to become a lawyer at her father's firm, Longbourn. But, first she must prove herself to Mr. Bennet by demonstrating her skills, showing that she deserves to become a lawyer. Fortunately, a murder has occurred and Mr. Bingley is the prime suspect. Will Lizzie be allowed to help and keep him from the gallows, or will Mr. Darcy stand in her way? Will the always-irritating Mr. Collins and his benefactress sabotage Lizzie's progress? Can Mr. Wickham ever be trusted? Pride and Premeditation answers all of these questions and more in this lively retelling.
Author Background: Pride and Premeditation is Tirzah Price's first novel. She has an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults, has worked as a bookseller and as a teen librarian. In addition to writing, Price is also an editor at Book Riot (Price, 2021, p. 360).
Critical Evaluation: Pride and Premeditation is a fun summer read. Even so, it doesn't hesitate to confront patriarchy, classism and racism. Lizzie is remade as a feminist hero which creates conflict at every turn. There is a greater awareness of class roles and their impacts in this version, as well, indeed there is a plot point that turns on this issue. Racism lurks about in one subplot and is confronted directly. Critics of this novel might find Lizzie's ability to subvert and overcome the patriarch unrealistic but, although it was an impossibility during the Regency Era, it seems quite plausible in this retelling. Of course, as in most whodunits, much of the plot relies on coincidences to occur and Pride and Premeditation is no exception. Still, it's an enjoyable book and a pleasure to meet so many favorite characters again.
Speed-Round Book Talk: It is a truth universally acknowledged that all Jane Austen novels remade as murder mysteries are a fun summer read!
Library Program: I would hold a Jane Austen week (or month) at my library for the teen book club. There will be displays promoting her books and other works inspired by her work, screenings of movie adaptations. Pride and Premeditation would be the book club selection and the discussion will be held during high tea (because teens love snacks!).
Potential Challenges: Challenges to this novel might have to do with the description of crime scenes and physical assaults, However, this is true of all mysteries so that is no reason to exclude Pride and Premeditation. Some might challenge this book due to its lack of representation, indeed there is only one person of color. My defense is that all books cannot be everything to everyone. Austen portrayed her world as only white and this book acknowledges that by introducing a black woman.
Reason for Inclusion: Many people are fans of Jane Austen and murder mysteries, and Pride and Premeditation is a perfect blend of the two. Anyone who has been hesitant to read Austen because she seems old-fashioned will enjoy the modern re-telling of this classic.
References
@mrscurrylibrarylady. (2021). Nothing is more boring than state testing. Tiktok.com.
https://tinyurl.com/mrscurrylibrarylady
Price, T. (2020). Pride and Premeditation. HarperTeen.
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