Prom And Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg

Prom And Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg

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. (courtesy of Goodreads)

Review

Drop what you're reading and pick up Prom & Prejudice right now! I usually don't write reviews books for days or even weeks after I've read them. I just don't feel inspired. I only finished P&P two hours ago, but I cannot stop gushing about it. I just had to write my review as soon as possible. I enjoyed Elizabeth Eulberg's first book Lonely Hearts Club, but wasn't blown away. I don't know if I've changed or she's changed, but she came up with something really special with Prom & Prejudice. The book is simply adorable. Perfect, fun fluff.

I'm a huge Pride & Prejudice fan (I re-read it every year). Eulberg incorporated the story that we all know into a modern setting. The book is filled with little Easter Eggs to make a fangirl squeal - Longbourn Academy, Pemberley Academy, a Mr. Meryton, a Mrs. Reynolds, and more. I loved how the plot followed Austen's work, but still managed to be its own story. Lizzie Bennet is a student at the posh Longbourn Academy, a girls' boarding school. All most Longbourn students are interested in is getting a date to the prom. Lizzie is a music and academic scholarship student. She's a lot more interested in making it through her snobbish school unscathed with a good education than in boys and prom dresses. Then Will Darcy enters the scene. He's conceited and rude. Lizzie hates him, but he always seems to be hanging around...

One of the most fun aspects of Prom & Prejudice is seeing how Lizzie and Darcy act when they are no longer under the constraints of early 19th century morés. Now they can actually talk and be together unsupervised without starting a major scandal. This allows for a lot more dialogue and plot development than the classic P&P. I love how Lizzie and Darcy actually got to know one another. They were still blinded by their own prejudices, but ultimately their relationship grew out of friendship. It felt like a relationship that might exist in real life. Lizzie was an excellent modern heroine. She was smart and sassy just like the classic Lizzie. I loved that she had a strong work ethic that showed in her coffeeshop job and dedication to the piano and enjoyed flirting with boys, but didn't live and die for a boyfriend. It's how I imagine the classic Lizzie would be if she was alive today.

Of course, we know how the plot of Prom & Prejudice will play out. But Eulberg still manages to pull a few twists out of her hat. Many parts of the story are more in the spirit of the classic novel than an exact re-telling. For example, the weeks Lizzie spends around Darcy at Lady Catherine's home are transformed into walks back from Lizzie's coffeeshop job. It's a different plot, but serves the same function - to push the relationship along. The side characters were also fabulous. Sweet Jane, wild Lydia, cunning Charlotte, awkward Colin, witchy Caroline. All your favorite characters fit into Prom & Prejudice in ways that fit with the modern story but are still loyal to the classic. My favorite part of the book was probably the ending. They obviously aren't going to get married - the way Eulberg chose to end the book was perfectly fitting with Darcy and Lizzie's personalities. The classic Darcy and Lizzie would have done the same thing.

I highly recommend Prom & Prejudice. It is a very quick, breezy read. Lighthearted fluff that will make you squeal with delight.

Rating: 5/5