Eligible

A Modern Retelling of Pride and Prejudice

By: Curtis Sittenfeld

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Length: 13 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

From the "wickedly entertaining" (USA Today) Curtis Sittenfeld, New York Times best-selling author of Prep and American Wife, comes a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Equal parts homage to Jane Austen and bold literary experiment, Eligible is a brilliant, playful, and delicious saga for the 21st century.

This version of the Bennet family - and Mr. Darcy - is one that you have and haven't met before: Liz is a magazine writer in her late 30s who, like her yoga instructor older sister, Jane, lives in New York City. When their father has a health scare, they return to their childhood home in Cincinnati to help - and discover that the sprawling Tudor they grew up in is crumbling, and the family is in disarray.

Youngest sisters Kitty and Lydia are too busy with their CrossFit workouts and paleo diets to get jobs. Mary, the middle sister, is earning her third online master's degree and barely leaves her room except for those mysterious Tuesday-night outings she won't discuss. And Mrs. Bennet has one thing on her mind: how to marry off her daughters, especially as Jane's 40th birthday fast approaches.

Enter Chip Bingley, a handsome new-in-town doctor who recently appeared on the juggernaut reality TV dating show Eligible. At a Fourth of July barbecue, Chip takes an immediate interest in Jane, but Chip's friend, neurosurgeon Fitzwilliam Darcy, reveals himself to Liz to be much less charming....

And yet, first impressions can be deceiving.

Wonderfully tender and hilariously funny, Eligible both honors and updates Austen's beloved tale. Tackling gender, class, courtship, and family, Sittenfeld reaffirms herself as one of the most dazzling authors writing today.

©2016 Curtis Sittenfeld (P)2016 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Narrator Cassandra Campbell's lively narration complements Sittenfeld's sharply observed and witty updates. She voices Darcy, now an accomplished, if snobby, neurosurgeon, in a dry and understated style, contrasting him beautifully with the often exasperated and indignant Liz, a magazine writer. Especially notable is Campbell's handling of party scenes, in which the five Bennet sisters and assorted other characters interact in rapid-fire dialogue. To Campbell's credit, each character remains clearly distinguishable through subtle vocal variations. Sittenfeld's retelling is smart and funny, and Campbell's performance highlights the novel's many strengths." ( AudioFile)

Daring and Entertaining

Why do people read Jane Austen retellings and then complain that they aren't faithful enough to the original stories? I was absolutely along for the ride here. Sure, it was a bit jarring that one of the plot points was omitted, but it worked. All the shocking drama was there in a new way, so well done Curtis Sittenfeld. I'll know I'll listen to it again when I want a feel-good "read." It was a fun, clever, well-written homage to Jane.

Super fun!

Great voices, fun twist on this classic tale. I couldn't stop listening....
I was rooting for Liz, even though I knew how it would ultimately end. There are some great little twists to make it more modern, yet, believable.

Longer than it needed to be

Given the light plot content, the book was too long. Hearing about dating issues, whining family members and the way all matters worked out was cliche. This would have made a better novella.

loved it!

This was a great story of family and friendship. How sticking together and sharing secrets can effect each other help or hurt. I loved the writing.

Loved it!

I loved this modern adaptation of Pride and Prejudice! It truly kept my attention and the relationship between Liz & Darcy was very well played!! Definitely recommend!

An interesting, too long, twist on the original

If you loved Pride & Prejudice, you may not love this book. Though the update is good fun at times (the younger sisters loving CrossFit was a nice touch), the author relies too heavily on backstory and "quirky character pieces" to make this a favorite.

Entertaining update on a classic

Though not a classic in its own right, Eligible was a fun read that used the plot and characters of Jane Austen's story in an entertaining and sometimes surprising way. Those familiar with Pride and Prejudice ultimately know the fate of each character, however, the unexpected twists and humorous quips kept this reader smiling with interest until the book's inevitable end.

Loved it

Modern story, great characters, interesting family, very entertaining, well written. Did not want to stop listening.

Modern takeoff of P and P

Interesting modernization of Pride and Prejudice. Light-hearted, fun and entertaining update, although not my personal favorite.

Very cute!

This is a quick and fun listen. "Pride and Prejudice" purists may not enjoy this as the author has changed the characters alot while modernizing the story, but their spirit is the same. And it's funny! Lizzy is still the best. Very cute.