A Modern Twist on Pride and Prejudice

Book: Accomplished

Author: Amanda Quain

Synopsis

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Georgiana Darcy should have been expelled after The Incident with Wickham Foster last year – at least if you ask any of her Pemberley Academy classmates. She may have escaped expulsion because of her family name, but she didn’t escape the disappointment of her big brother Fitz, the scorn of the entire school, or, it turns out, Wickham’s influence.

But she’s back for her junior year, and she needs to prove to everyone—Fitz, Wickham, her former friends, and maybe even herself—that she’s more than just an embarrassment to the family name. How hard can it be to become the Perfect Darcy? All she has to do is:

– Rebuild her reputation with the marching band (even if it kills her)
– Forget about Wickham and his lies (no matter how tempting they still are), and
– Distract Fitz Darcy—helicopter-sibling extraordinaire—by getting him to fall in love with his classmate, Lizzie Bennet (this one might be difficult…)

Sure, it’s a complicated plan, but so is being a Darcy. With the help of her fellow bandmate, Avery, matchmaking ideas lifted straight from her favorite fanfics, and a whole lot of pancakes, Georgie is going to see every one of her plans through. But when the weight of being the Perfect Darcy comes crashing down, Georgie will have to find her own way before she loses everything permanently—including the one guy who sees her for who she really is.

Review

Amanda Quain’s “Accomplished” takes the timeless themes of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” and skillfully intertwines them with the challenges of modern-day teenage life, resulting in a refreshing and engaging read.

Georgiana Darcy, our protagonist, finds herself navigating the complexities of reputation, family expectations, and personal growth at Pemberley Academy. Following a scandal involving Wickham Foster, Georgie returns for her junior year determined to redeem herself in the eyes of her peers, her brother Fitz, and herself. What follows is a journey of self-discovery, as Georgie embarks on a mission to rebuild her reputation, confront her feelings for Wickham, and perhaps most dauntingly, play matchmaker for her brother and his classmate, Lizzie Bennet.

While the initial pacing of the novel may be sluggish, Quain gradually draws readers into Georgie’s world with her endearing portrayal of the protagonist. Georgie is a multifaceted character who grapples with insecurities, self-doubt, and the weight of familial expectations. Her journey feels authentic and relatable, making her a character readers will root for from the start.

One of the novel’s strengths lies in its depiction of the sibling relationship between Georgie and Fitz. Their dynamic is both heartwarming and believable, adding depth to the narrative. Quain skillfully captures the nuances of sibling bonds, from moments of support and understanding to occasional clashes and misunderstandings.

Furthermore, Quain’s decision to set the story in a high school environment adds a contemporary flair to Austen’s classic tale. The merging of themes such as pride and prejudice with the angst of teenage struggles feels organic and well-executed. While the characters remain faithful to their counterparts in “Pride and Prejudice,” they are also fleshed out in a way that makes them accessible to a modern audience.

However, “Accomplished” is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the pacing slow in the beginning, and the cover design may not accurately reflect the contemporary nature of the story. Additionally, while the tension between Georgie and Fitz serves the plot well, it may feel somewhat disconnected from their relationship in “Pride and Prejudice.”

Overall, “Accomplished” is a charming retelling that will delight fans of Jane Austen and contemporary YA alike. With its endearing protagonist, authentic portrayal of teenage struggles, and clever adaptation of classic themes, it is a must-read for anyone seeking a fresh take on a beloved tale.