Pride, Prejudice and Jasmin Field – Melissa Nathan

This has got to be the most meta Jane Austen adaptation I’ve ever read. Jasmin Field is a columnist for a moderately successful women’s magazine, and has just enough clout to get invited to audition for a charity play being directed by Harry Noble, the most famous, handsome and sought over actor in England. They’re doing Pride and Prejudice. Jazz is the last to audition, after her much more attractive sister, George, and hears Harry labeling her as the Ugly Sister. Incensed, she nails the audition, and gets cast as Lizzy. I’m sure you can see where this is going.

This is a fun little story. Jazz’s family is at least not entirely identical to the Bennetts, so while you know actions must surely follow the story, it’s not immediately apparently how that will happen, so there’s at least some mild suspense. But it’s really only mild. Read this is you like chick lit and Jane Austen. If you can’t stand chick lit, tread carefully.