Brigid Coady

I really, really wanted to love this Emma update, so much so that I pre-ordered my copy months in advance. And from a technical, 'I've read far too many twists on Austen's classic, give me something fresh' angle, I do love Brigid Coady's multi-fandom tribute. Emma Woodhouse is no longer a young woman living a sheltered life with her ageing father, matchmaking her friends out of boredom and the best of intentions, she's a publicist, twisting the truth for a living and creating 'fauxmances' for celebs. 'Gee' Knightley, a former boy band member, is her best friend and housemate. Harriet Smith becomes Jamie, her gay assistant, and Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill become two members of the latest hot pop band. All very different to the usual modernisations, albeit in a familiar chick lit formula.

But there was a magic ingredient lacking for me - by trying to write about two fandoms, Austen and boy bands, I think the author spread the chemistry too thin. For a start, the best part of Emma for me, even after reading the novel over and over again, is that moment when Emma finally realises how much Mr Knightley means to her - with this version, Emma fancies Gee from the off, constantly lusting after him but ridiculously trying to kid on that they are merely friends because she's afraid to take the risk. So when the inevitable happens, the emotion is hardly overwhelming. Secondly, or maybe firstly in order of the plot, Austen's Emma is not a calculating bitch - she tries to 'help' Harriet because she wants the best for her 'little friend', not because she's being paid to be a control freak. I understand the updated psychology, but I don't like how Emma's characters suffers as a result. And making 'Gee' bisexual really only served to play them as a sort of Will and Grace with a chance - although I know from Tumblr that there are many people who will appreciate a story with a leading man who is not afraid to be himself.

Trendy, well written, cleverly paced - but just not for me. Fans of One Direction (especially the 'Larries') and chick lit aficionados will love this 'right under your nose' romance, though.… (más)

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

A modern day retelling of "Persuasion", in which the updating worked pretty well, I thought. The Elliot and Musgrove families are actors cast in the filming of (confusingly) "Pride and Prejudice", with Anne Elliot as the producer and Austen (again, confusing - why not just Frederick?) Wentworth as Darcy.

It is hard to decide how much I would have enjoyed the story as it stood, if I were not looking out for and appreciating all the nods to the Austen novel. I found the beginning repetitive, with endless reminders of how kick ass Anne is in her job, but how weak in submitting to her terrible family. When we actually saw Anne doing her job, she didn't seem all that great at it - how difficult could it be to spot credit card payments going out of the film's budget?

There was a difference between the Austen novel and this one in the motivation for Anne to refuse Wentworth eight years ago; this novel introduced the concept of Anne needing to "find out who she was" (the answer seems to be - a producer). This muddied the waters somewhat and I found the ending rather abrupt - I wanted Anne and Austen to have a proper conversation about the past and the future. Also, I thought there was going to be a moment when he discovered her tattoo - I was looking forward to it...… (más)

Jane Hunt Writer First Steps

Jane Hunt Writer Book Reviews Google

The Last Kiss is the contemporary equivalent of a short story in a woman's magazine so prevalent in the '70s.

The story's ambience is a little like 'Brief Encounter' you're not hopeful for a happy ever after. The concept is modern and something most can relate to. I loved the thread of hope which ran through the story and the twist at the end.
The characters are realistic and despite the brevity you empathise with them.

I read this is in less than ten minutes so it is ideal for a coffee break read.

I received an ARC from Harper Collins UK HarperImpulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
… (más)