Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix (Remixed Classics, 9)
As someone whose favorite required reading of senior year was Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, I was more than excited to get the opportunity to read this epic, remixed retelling, and it greatly exceeded my expectations! Most Ardently is told from the point of view of a trans boy named Oliver who yearns to be seen for who he really is. Oliver takes us through all the haunts that fans of Austen would be familiar with, and an array of dynamic characters, which provide new outlooks on this classic tale of craving to be understood and dissolving the fetters of patriarchal societal expectations. As a queer trans boy still pretending to be a girl, he finds turning over the heteronormative culture of 1813 London is no easy task, but when Oliver meets the brooding Mr. Darcy, who likes him for who he is, Oliver believes that just maybe everything he’s never dared to dream could come true.
At times heartbreaking and full of warmth, this retelling is everything it promises to be. It is a charming and wonderful read for anyone who enjoys classic literature, Regency romances, and LGBTQIA+ works. This epic love story for a young adult audience provides wonderful representation for anyone who identifies as trans, and an easy-to-read, grand story of acceptance and self-discovery that anyone could relate to. As Novoa himself states in his dedication, “To my trans siblings: We deserve romances that will sweep us off our feet too. That’s why this book is for you.” I believe that Novoa has succeeded in his aim. This book is certainly “sweep you off your feet” worthy.
