A review by katieikewilhelm
Elizabeth of East Hampton by Emily Harding, Audrey Bellezza

4.0

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that some Jane Austen retellings are a dumpster fire (looking at you, Eligible), and I am beyond happy to report that Elizabeth of East Hampton is NOT one of them. I am so, so glad that Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding exist to bring Austen’s stories into the 21st century with the charm and snark they deserve. Like The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, the characters stay true to their personalities, the storyline is modernized in a way that makes sense, and the enemies-to-lovers trope is done justice.

The plot felt a little draggy in a few parts…although that’s not necessarily a bad thing, as it bought Lizzy and Will more screen time as they actually built a relationship. Jane and Charlie were less one-dimensional than they come across in the original version…so, still adorable and earnest, but with a bit more of a backbone? And the spice level fell on point for the retelling of a story where no one even held a lingering glance for more than three seconds before betrothal, so that was a sizzle in the right direction…AND AND AND. So glad to see Freddie Wentworth and Christopher Brandon get a mention…can’t wait to see which one is featured next. Ultimately, I think I loved their Emma retelling more, but this is still a must-read for my fellow dedicated modern-day Jane-ites!