Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix

Remixed Classics, Book 9

By: Gabe Cole Novoa

Narrated by: Harrison Knights

Length: 7 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

In the Remixed Classics series, authors from marginalized backgrounds reinterpret classic works through their own cultural lens to subvert the overwhelming cishet, white, and male canon. This bittersweet Pride & Prejudice remix follows a trans boy yearning for the freedom to live openly, centering queerness in a well-known story of longing and subverting society’s patriarchal and cisheteronormative expectations.

London, 1812. Oliver Bennet feels trapped. Not just by the endless corsets, petticoats and skirts he's forced to wear on a daily basis, but also by society's expectations. The world—and the vast majority of his family and friends—think Oliver is a girl named Elizabeth. He is therefore expected to mingle at balls wearing a pretty dress, entertain suitors regardless of his interest in them, and ultimately become someone's wife.

But Oliver can't bear the thought of such a fate. He finds solace in the few times he can sneak out of his family's home and explore the city rightfully dressed as a young gentleman. It's during one such excursion when Oliver becomes acquainted with Darcy, a sulky young man who had been rude to "Elizabeth" at a recent social function. But in the comfort of being out of the public eye, Oliver comes to find that Darcy is actually a sweet, intelligent boy with a warm heart. And not to mention incredibly attractive.

As Oliver is able to spend more time as his true self, often with Darcy, part of him dares begin to hope that his dream of love and life as a man could be possible. But suitors are growing bolder—and even threatening—and his mother is growing more desperate to see him settled into an engagement. Oliver will have to choose: Settle for safety, security, and a life of pretending to be something he's not, or risk it all for a slim chance at freedom, love, and a life that can be truly, honestly his own.

The Remixed Classics Series

A Clash of Steel: A Treasure Island Remix by C.B. Lee

So Many Beginnings: A Little Women Remix by Bethany C. Morrow

Travelers Along the Way: A Robin Hood Remix by Aminah Mae Safi

What Souls Are Made Of: A Wuthering Heights Remix by Tasha Suri

Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix by Anna-Marie McLemore

My Dear Henry: A Jekyll & Hyde Remix by Kalynn Bayron

Teach the Torches to Burn: A Romeo & Juliet Remix by Caleb Roehrig

Into the Bright Open: A Secret Garden Remix by Cherie Dimaline

Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Gabe Cole Novoa

A Macmillan Audio production from Feiwel & Friends.

©2024 Gabe Cole Novoa (P)2024 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"The minute I finished, I knew this book had already replaced the original Pride and Prejudice in my heart. Gabe Cole Novoa has infused this timeless love story with so much care for its transgender protagonist, so much reverence for its queer love story, that I’d happily hand him my whole stack of classics to remix. A beautifully crafted novel, and a gift to those of us still looking for a home in literature’s most celebrated tomes.”—Tehlor Kay Mejia, bestselling author of We Set the Dark on Fire

"This triumphant queer and trans retelling of Pride and Prejudice holds and cares for its readers, offering a gentle story during an especially difficult period in history for those outside the norm. The relationship between Darcy and Oliver is tender and rooted in mutual compassion. For every reader who fell in love with Pride and Prejudice but wished it was a little more queer."—Booklist

"There is much this book does well, including the historical details of clothing being used to highlight both Oliver’s discomfort when wearing women’s attire and his euphoric freedom when wearing men’s outfits. ... Queer people living full, happy lives have too often been erased from history, and this book is a fine attempt to paint them back into the picture."—The Bulletin

Represented trans person so well

Love the representation and clever retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Gave modern twist to those lenses.

A Most Delightful Adaptation

There are a lot of retellings of pride and prejudice out there but this is the first where I wasn’t quite sure how it would be changed. What I can say is that I believe it was changed for the better. Oliver’s journey added a level of emotional depth to the story that I have never experienced. Heartfelt, charming, and still most ardently pride and prejudice. An absolute joy to read.

So much queer joy

I was hooked when I heard "queer and trans Pride and Prejudice retelling" but I had no idea just how wonderful this book would be. The whole book gave me so much to smile and laugh about, the rejections were incredibly satisfying, and all of the reveals towards the end of the book were absolute perfection, especially when Oliver told Darcy his given name. Easy five stars, can't recommend this book highly enough.

Sweet

A very sweet story that deals heavily with dysmorphia, and gender biases. You need to suspend disbelief in several places in order to fully enjoy the fantasy of the tale. To be totally honest, I've never read (or watched) Pride & Prejudice so I wasn't impacted by changes made to the story. I'm in full support of having more trans love stories like this in the world.

Brought me to tears

The writing in this story truly expressed the emotions that a trans man goes through while having to parade as someone he is not. I cried multiple times while listening to the love that was shown to our dear Oliver and felt the euphoria of acceptance through his eyes. I cannot express how much I enjoyed this book and look forward to more works from this author. The characters are lovable, real, and filled with a life that can only be written by someone with real passion for their work. I knew I would adore this book from the moment I saw it and yet, I was surprised by just how much it affected me. My little trans soul was healed a little more by every word.

Beautiful and Needed

This book had me completely entranced from beginning to end. Mind you, I'm not particularly one for romances, but the concept of this remix to the classic was too interesting not to immediately search for the title.

The acknowledgment at the beginning told me in itself that I was in for a powerful ride. Though I am not trans, I can certainly attest to spending a lifetime having to pretend being someone I am not to satisfy society's perception of who and what I am. The story was so pure and beautifully told. The historical context was also a wonderful lesson, as I had no idea there was such a thing as Molly Houses.

The author did a splendid job crafting this narrative. I am so glad I was able to follow along Oliver's journey and was so happy that he had a beautiful, deserving end.

My little heart

I absolutely adore this. 10/10 would read everything else in your collection. I’m going to go add it to my list. So heartwarming.

What you love about Austen, but queer

This was a wonderful way to spend the day. Adding a trans element to a familiar story, made it all the more enjoyable. I’ll definitely be listening to it again

absolutely wonderful

This was such a joy to listen to. the language and setting is so well done and the characters are so well articulated and matches the tone so well to its original story counter part that I loved it. I was so enthralled I finished it in less than 3 days and by the time it was over I wish there were more. The story was such a comfort and I'll definitely be keeping an eye for the authors future work moving forward. Also the narrator did a marvelous job. I very much recommend giving the book a listen.

One's truth acknowledged

This classic remix centers around Pride and Prejudice with a twist! Here Lizzy isn't the heroine of the story, but the trans boy living a hidden life in the austerity and strict manners of the Regency Era. While it does follow elements of the original classic it does deviate to suit the story. Gone is the Lydia incident, but Wickham still is sneaking about. Within the story it's mostly about Oliver (Lizzy's chosen name) trying to come to terms and be honest with his family and friends. He does not want to be somebody's demure wife, but wishes to live independently as himself. How he finds love or acceptance in this world of etiquette and status you should go read for yourself. Harrison Knights did a great job in the audio portion with the characters and their voices. Also of the book version I read along side it, I love the cover and its call back to the peacock from the original cover (there's an allusion on that proud, elegant bird in the book too).