Readers wanting a real taste of Austen won’t find it, but it’s a pleasant enough sojourn in her world regardless
Farrant bravely takes on Pride and Prejudice from the point of view of the youngest Bennet sister.
This tale offers a peek into the life of 15-year-old Lydia Bennet, the youngest of the infamous Bennet sisters who grace the romantic stage of Pride and Prejudice. Farrant’s Lydia Bennet is a flighty, boisterous tomboy who likes to ride horses and shoot guns by day, easily switching gears to wear her finest dresses at any prestigious ball that she can attend. In the spirit of the time, like every eligible young British teenager of privilege, Lydia lets her eyes roam every public event, hoping to find the perfect suitor, one who will take her on worldly adventures and rescue her from life with her dull family—which, readers will note, is characterized by servants, glamorous balls, and no chores. This story is a whimsical introduction for teen readers who have yet to taste the waters of the world of Mr. Darcy, and yes, readers get a few glimpses of the dark brooding aristocrat because, as with all things Bennet, Darcy is always lurking nearby. Despite the title, the novel offers little in the way of secrets, as this tale is necessarily predictable, and Lydia’s voice and interpolated scenes don’t do enough to give it real originality. Yet at the same time, there is a charming humor that Farrant does manage to capture for readers who want to take another romp in the Bennet household.
Readers wanting a real taste of Austen won’t find it, but it’s a pleasant enough sojourn in her world regardless . (Historical fiction. 13-17)Pub Date: Oct. 25, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-545-94031-3
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Chicken House/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: June 27, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Despite some missteps, this will appeal to readers who enjoy a fresh and realistic teen voice.
A teenage, not-so-lonely loner endures the wilds of high school in Austin, Texas.
Norris Kaplan, the protagonist of Philippe’s debut novel, is a hypersweaty, uber-snarky black, Haitian, French-Canadian pushing to survive life in his new school. His professor mom’s new tenure-track job transplants Norris mid–school year, and his biting wit and sarcasm are exposed through his cataloging of his new world in a field guide–style burn book. He’s greeted in his new life by an assortment of acquaintances, Liam, who is white and struggling with depression; Maddie, a self-sacrificing white cheerleader with a heart of gold; and Aarti, his Indian-American love interest who offers connection. Norris’ ego, fueled by his insecurities, often gets in the way of meaningful character development. The scenes showcasing his emotional growth are too brief and, despite foreshadowing, the climax falls flat because he still gets incredible personal access to people he’s hurt. A scene where Norris is confronted by his mother for getting drunk and belligerent with a white cop is diluted by his refusal or inability to grasp the severity of the situation and the resultant minor consequences. The humor is spot-on, as is the representation of the black diaspora; the opportunity for broader conversations about other topics is there, however, the uneven buildup of detailed, meaningful exchanges and the glibness of Norris’ voice detract.
Despite some missteps, this will appeal to readers who enjoy a fresh and realistic teen voice. (Fiction. 13-16)Pub Date: Jan. 8, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-06-282411-0
Page Count: 384
Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Oct. 14, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2018
BOOK REVIEW
Despite the well-meaning warmth, a wearying plod.
Can a 17-year-old with her first girlfriend prevent real-life folks from discovering her online fandoms?
Cass is proudly queer, happily fat, and extremely secretive about being a fan who role-plays on Discord. Back in middle school, she had what she calls a gaming addiction, playing “The Sims” so much her parents had to take the game away. Now, turning to her role-play friends to cope with her fighting parents, she worries that people will judge her for her fannishness and online life. To be fair, her grades are suffering. And sure, maybe she’s missed a college application deadline. Also, her mom has suddenly left Minneapolis and moved to Maine to be with a man she met online. But on the other hand, Cass is finally dating her amazingly cute longtime crush, Taylor. Pansexual Taylor is a gamer, a little bit punk, White like Cass, and so, so great—but she still can’t help comparing her to Rowan, Cass’ online best friend and role-playing ship partner. But Rowan doesn’t want to be a dirty little secret and doesn’t see why Cass can’t be honest about this part of her life. The inevitable train wreck of her lies looms on the horizon for months in an overlong morality play building to the climax that includes tidy resolutions to all the character arcs that are quite heartwarming but, in the case of Cass’ estranged mother, narratively unearned.
Despite the well-meaning warmth, a wearying plod. (Fiction. 13-16)Pub Date: Feb. 7, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-06-324332-3
Page Count: 384
Publisher: Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Nov. 15, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
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