Have you read these modern Regency era novels
For more than 200 years, Jane Austen's novels have charmed readers with their sharp wit, enduring romance, and insightful social commentary. Her portrayal of the Regency era is vivid and engaging. Today's authors have embraced the challenge of reinterpreting these classic tales, offering new angles that maintain the integrity of Austen's original works while providing contemporary insights.
'Eligible'
Curtis Sittenfeld's Eligible offers a fresh take on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. This contemporary version is set in Cincinnati and follows the Bennet sisters as they deal with love and life in the modern world. Incorporating elements like reality TV, Sittenfeld delivers a diverse cast of characters, humorously updating the classic story to reflect today's societal norms.
'Sense & Sensibility'
Joanna Trollope's Sense & Sensibility repositions the Dashwood sisters in the heart of contemporary Seattle. After their father's death, they navigate a new world of complex emotions, from budding romances to profound loss. Trollope retains the spirit of Austen's original while crafting a narrative that speaks to the hearts and minds of today's readers, blending classic themes with the challenges of modern life.
'Emma'
Alexander McCall Smith's contribution to The Austen Project reimagines Emma with a modern twist. The story still unfolds through letters, but now we find Emma Woodhouse as a recent interior design school graduate in today's England. Confident in her matchmaking abilities, she takes on the role of Cupid amongst her circle of friends, navigating love and life in the 21st century.
'Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors'
Sonali Dev's Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors sets the stage in San Francisco, where Dr. Trisha Raje and chef DJ Caine's story unfolds. Echoing the dynamics of Austen's Elizabeth and Darcy, their spirited exchanges are at the heart of this adaptation. The novel celebrates Indian culture and Bollywood's exuberance, enriching the classic narrative with new cultural dimensions and contemporary relevance.
