Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix

A queer retelling of Jane Austen's classic novel, “Pride and Prejudice.” Set in the 19th century, it offers a fresh perspective by focusing on a romance between a non-binary character and another person of the same gender, while staying true to the themes of love, societal expectations, and personal growth that are central to Austen's original world:

Good Parts:
1. Unique and Fresh Perspective:
   - The retelling through a queer lens is one of the book's strongest features. By introducing non-binary and same-sex relationships into a historically heteronormative setting, Novoa breathes new life into the familiar narrative. This inclusion not only provides representation but also explores the nuances of identity and love in a historical context.

2. Faithfulness to Austen's Themes:
   - Novoa adeptly retains the core themes of “Pride and Prejudice,” such as class disparity, pride, and societal norms. The dynamics between the characters and the challenges they face in overcoming prejudices are thoughtfully reinterpreted in this new context.

3. Engaging and Rich Prose:
   - The writing style is both engaging and rich, capturing the essence of Austen's prose while also being accessible to contemporary readers. The language used effectively conveys the time period and the intricacies of social interactions.

4. Strong Character Development:
   - The main characters are well-developed, with the protagonist showing a compelling arc of growth and self-discovery. The exploration of gender identity and the internal and external conflicts faced by the characters are handled with sensitivity and depth.

Bad Parts:
1. Pacing Issues:
   - The novel sometimes suffers from uneven pacing. Certain sections, particularly in the middle, can feel slow or overly detailed, potentially detracting from the overall flow of the story. This can make the book feel longer than it is, especially during less action-packed scenes.

2. Predictability:
   - For those familiar with “Pride and Prejudice,” the plot developments can be predictable. While the unique elements of the retelling add fresh interest, the overarching storyline follows closely to the original, which might lessen the sense of suspense or surprise for some readers.

3. Secondary Characters Underexplored:
   - Some of the secondary characters, while interesting, do not receive as much development or exploration as they could. This leaves certain aspects of the story feeling a bit shallow or rushed, especially in comparison to the richly developed main characters.

4. Historical Accuracy vs. Modern Sensibilities:
   - While the book is set in the 19th century, some readers may find the modern sensibilities and language used by the characters somewhat anachronistic. This blend of modern and historical elements may not always feel seamless, occasionally pulling readers out of the immersion in the period setting.