Pride, Prejudice, and Jasmin Field
By Melissa Nathan


Book Review by Joanna E. Lopez

I have read many of Jane Austen's original

novels as well as the updated versions. Melissa
Nathan's version is among my favorite of all. If you
are looking for a light, fun book to take with you on
your travels this summer. Pride, Prejudice, and Jasmin
Field is just what you may be looking for.

Jasmin Field is a reporter for a woman's magazine
called Hoorah! She decides to try out for a charity
production of Pride and Prejudice at the Gothic church
in London which is to be directed by the Academy Award
winning actor Harry Noble. Jasmin, nicknamed Jazz is
left with a bad impression of the great Mr. Noble when
he inadvertently causes her to be late for a meeting
with her sister and roommate Mo right before the
audition. This happens when he is let off the train
they are both on before the other passengers so that
he can leave the station without being harassed by his
many fans.

Jazz overhears Noble in his office, critizing her
looks to his friends. She auditions then leaves and is
later shocked to learn she has landed the lead role of
Elizabeth Bennet. Noble drives Jazz hard and is always
watching her. She talks disparagingly about Noble to
anyone who dislikes him as much as she does, all the
while never suspecting her life has begun to imitate
the play.

Melissa Nathan follows Jane's Austen's original plot
of Pride and Prejudice. She only twists some facts to
fit the Twenty- First Century. Her writing is fresh
and cleverly witty. The new characters are lovable
updated versions of their roles in the play. This
novel is a wonderfully original interpretation of
Austen's beloved play. A great summer read. Die-hard
fans will love this version as much as the original.