Book Review: Prom and Prejudice

Prom and Prejudice

By: Elizabeth Eulberg

Published By: Point

Release Date: January 2011

Buy it at Amazon

Source: Library

First, I have to admit that I was hesitant to pick this book up. It seems like Pride and Prejudice has become the new vampire novel. Everywhere I look someone is doing some retelling of the classic. I loved the original so I am often scared of these spin-offs. However, since I was a big fan of The Lonely Hearts Club and knew that I dug Elizabeth's writing style, I decided to give this one a try. I had been having a pretty rough few weeks. Work was super hectic and a nasty cold was rearing its ugly head. I just felt stressed out and icky. What is a girl to do when she gets like that? In my case the answer is READ. Prom and Prejudice was just the medicine I needed. I devoured this book over a span of two days. It is a quick read, but one that satisfies. Think of it as a mini cupcake. It's just enough to give you a warm fuzzy feeling, but not so much that you feel bloated afterward. This book is one that is light and fluffy; it is purely for fun. It won't hit the spot for you if you're seeking a book with serious issues or deep symbolic meaning.

I think Elizabeth did a great job of balancing the events of the original within the modern world she created. I really liked how she kept the socioeconomic status issue as a driving force behind character motivations and actions. Many people don't think of this issue as something that would persist in modern times, but it is all around us in the US today. I think this book would be great for kids who are going through similar issues at school. My heart broke each time Lizzie was treated poorly simply because her family was not insanely wealthy. I think Lizzie is a strong female who would do the original Elizabeth Bennett proud.

This book was also like a scavenger hunt for me. I kept looking for more names and events I recognized from reading the original. Overall, this book was just what I needed at the time. It felt like I was laughing and conversing with a very old, dear friend.

I also cannot say enough good things about Elizabeth's writing. I can't even place my finger on what it is exactly. There is just something about her characters and the way the story flows that pulls me in every time. I can't wait to see what she'll come up with next.

One Last Gripe: I still get so irked with Caroline Bingley - it doesn't matter which version of the story I read

My Favorite Thing About This Book: Lizzie & Jane's relationship in this context

First Sentence: It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single girl of high standing at Longbourn Academy must be in want of a prom date.

Favorite Character: Lizzie

Least Favorite Character: Wick

Summary:

After winter break, the girls at the very prestigious Longbourn Academy become obsessed with the prom. Lizzie Bennet, who attends Longbourn on a scholarship, isn’t interested in designer dresses and expensive shoes, but her best friend, Jane, might be — especially now that Charles Bingley is back from a semester in London.

Lizzie is happy about her friend’s burgeoning romance but less than impressed by Charles’s friend, Will Darcy, who’s snobby and pretentious. Darcy doesn’t seem to like Lizzie either, but she assumes it’s because her family doesn’t have money. Clearly, Will Darcy is a pompous jerk — so why does Lizzie find herself drawn to him anyway?

Will Lizzie’s pride and Will’s prejudice keep them apart? Or are they a prom couple in the making? Whatever the result, Elizabeth Eulberg, author of The Lonely Hearts Club, has concocted a very funny, completely stylish delight for any season — prom or otherwise.