“A Pride and Prejudice Remix”
Before I get into this review, let’s talk about how I found Pride by Ibi Zoboi, because it’s bit of a coincidence and a journey. Recently I decided that I wanted to read books from the library instead of purchasing them. So, I dug around my room and found my old library card. After many failed attempts to log into my online account, and several forgotten pin emails later, I discovered that my card was expired. I went over to my local library the next day to renew it, when I stumbled on Pride sitting on a display stand in the new arrivals section. What caught my attention was the cover art. It looks like fancy gold-plated wall-art with a beautiful couple on it. “A Pride and Prejudice Remix” was printed at the top and I immediately picked it up. When I read it was about an Afro-Latina in NYC, I was sold, and checked the book out that day. The funny coincidence was that prior to that, I had been re-reading Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I am a massive Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice fan. I felt like I had found a little gem with Zoboi’s updated version of this iconic story.
Pride
Pride is about Zuri Benitez, a Haitian-Dominican teen from Bushwick and the summer that changed her life. Zuri deals with her rowdy sisters, college applications and the rich family that has just moved across the street: The Darcy’s, who are just another example of the changes in Zuri’s beloved neighborhood. On top of that, Zuri can not stand Darius Darcy, the handsome, but incredibly stuck-up and judgmental son of the Darcy’s. All the while her eldest sister, Janae is falling for Darius’s brother, Ainsley. What ensues are a bunch of cute and funny moments between Zuri, her friends, family and her growing romance with Darius.
A Wonderful Take on Pride and Prejudice
Zobio captures the soul and heart of New York City and the lives of those who come from immigrant homes and communities. The characters and the neighborhood come right off the page and you can feel yourself right there, in Zuri’s stoop with her sisters. Zuri is such a delightful narrator. She is quick-witted, snappy, observant, opinionated and prideful. She’s also unintentionally funny and super relatable. Watching her relationship with Darius evolve from adversaries to lovers was such a delight.
Pride is a contemporary reimagining of Pride and Prejudice and a great one at that. Even though you know who each character is supposed to be and how their storylines will unfold, you are still pleasantly surprised by what transpires and how. In this version, Zoboi tackles a number of themes: from the acceptance of change, gentrification, family, class, cultural identity, feminism, and growing up. One of the major conflicts between Zuri and Darius/The Darcy’s is this conflict around class and blackness. What is blackness? How are black people supposed to behave around each other and in white spaces? Zuri is very proud to be black and what that represents for her. She’s proud of the rough edges of her neighborhood and her community. But Darius, who is also black, doesn’t think about race the way Zuri does. He grew up sheltered, in a wealthy family, around white kids, but he is still affected by racism. As a result, we get to see them spar around their thoughts around culture and race.
Some Shortcomings
For me, one of the book’s shortcoming are the sections of poetry. I understand that this was Zuri’s way of interpreting the events happening in her life, but I found them awkward and felt that they slowed down the pace. I almost wanted to skip over them, but I didn’t because it felt like I’d be missing out on a part of Zuri’s characterization. Which is a testament to Zoboi’s ability to write such a likable character.
In the End...
If you love romance stories, Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice, you should definitely read Pride. It offers a fresh take on this classic love story and features a cast of diverse and endearing characters that feel familiar, yet fresh.
Have you read Pride? Tell me what you thought about it in the comments below!
Hi! Shantal here. I’m a writer and a storyteller. I created Shantal Writes to share my experiences with writing fiction. I also provide new writers with tips, tools, and writing advice. I hope you find something helpful while you’re here!
More On Shantal Writes
NEXT UP
Previous
Let's Connect
Listen to The Podcast
Great book review, I was thinking about reading it and now I definitely will!
Thanks for your comment, Demi! I would like to hear what you thought of it when you do. Feel free to comment here again.