"Pride and Prejudice in Space" by Alexis Lampley

 

It is a truth universally acknowledged that one can never have enough of Elizabeth Bennet and Darcy. I adore Jane Austen's work, and "Pride and Prejudice" is among my favorite books of all time. Therefore, I eagerly seized the opportunity to delve into a retelling of it set in a futuristic universe. For those unacquainted with the original tale or who haven't watched the movies (is it possible??), here's a brief summary.

"Pride and Prejudice in Space" unfolds in the Londinium Lunar System, following the Bennet family, blessed with five daughters. We meet sweet Jane, who sees the good in everyone; spirited and witty Elizabeth, who harbors a passion for spaceships; bookish and reserved Mary, also fond of music; Lydia, an art enthusiast and talented gowns designer; and the youngest, Kitty, with a love for nature and gardens. With their estate set to pass to a relative due to an entailment clause upon their father's death, their mother is determined to see them all married and settled.

When the affable and wealthy bachelor Charles Bingley arrives in the neighborhood, accompanied by his sisters and the aloof Darcy, the mother sets her sights on pairing him with Jane. While Bingley is warmly received, Darcy's prideful demeanor earns him Elizabeth's immediate disdain, sparked by a petty remark. What ensues is a tale as old as time, replete with humor, pride, and prejudice.

Though Elizabeth serves as the primary protagonist, the narrative also delves into the stories of Jane and several other characters. The author vividly paints the futuristic world, inviting readers to yearn for its exploration. I found the adaptation of the original tale delightful and appreciated the subtle changes made to it. Despite my familiarity with the story from numerous readings, this version provided an enjoyable experience. While some lines were directly lifted from the original and the plot largely followed the same lines with a twist or two, it was to be expected.

The book boasts over 50 illustrations depicting the Londinium Lunar System, Lydia Bennet's gown designs, and Elizabeth Bennet's spaceship sketches, all of which I adored. Additionally, diary entries and communications from various characters added depth to the narrative. The setting, descriptions of interplanetary travel, witty banter, and world-building were all highlights for me. I appreciated the portrayal of the sisters as more caring and loving than in the original tale, as well as the alterations made by the author. The substitution of outings with visits to other planets or space escapades added a fresh dimension. The mother remained as irritating as ever, while the father remained indifferent and cynical.

However, one aspect troubled me. Given the futuristic setting, it seemed odd that the main protagonists remained idle. What functioned in the original narrative, where upper-class women did not work during the Regency era, felt somewhat out of place in a futuristic society. Nevertheless, I understand the need to remain true to the original tale. Additionally, there were a few typos, instances of the title insertion on odd pages, and an occasional lack of spacing between words, suggesting another round of editing would be beneficial.

Overall, "Pride and Prejudice in Space" was a delightful and charming read that I immensely enjoyed. Despite knowing the outcome, I remained invested in the story throughout. Therefore, I rate it 4 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it to fans of the original book, aficionados of space opera, and anyone seeking a captivating tale. Even those unfamiliar with the original tale will find enjoyment in the story.

* Thank you Edelweiss and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "Pride and Prejudice in Space" by Alexis Lampley