Devoted Romance Reader: this is a five-star, sure thing. Read it yesterday. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wary/Scandalized Austen Fans: this review is for you.
From its title, both rom-com fans and Austen scholars know what to expect from “Emma of 83rd.” Having been on the scholarly side of this house, I’m sure there are those who will take issue with this book. An Austen-inspired (and spicy!) rom-com on the Amazon bestseller list?
Some will shudder. But likely those who know so much about Austen they forget how SHE approached writing and storytelling.
Now alive for new readers, is “Emma of 83rd Street” the same experience as reading “Emma”? Absolutely not.
[It’s 👏🏼 not 👏🏼 trying 👏🏼 to 👏🏼be 👏🏼.]
But did the friends-to-lovers trip hit you in the gut here too? Absolutely.
Know this: Emma of 83rd Street is a story that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s clear the authors know Austen (and know her well), and from the title to the character names, they aren’t going to shy away from the fact that their inspiration was a literary legend.
[My favorite scene that illustrates this point was when the two were clearly watching a movie that I imagine was the modern Pride and Prejudice 😂.]
This is adaptation done right. So often those who base a modern story in the shadow of a classic literary masterpiece —like Jane Austen’s “Emma”—treat nods to the original narrative as if these details are surprise “Easter eggs,” not trusting their readers to see it.
Not the case here. What could have been heavy-handed, was instead delightfully clear. Bellezza and Harding know what they trying to do with this book. And what they aren’t.
As a 21st-century rom-com, I adored this read. It’s modern enough for those who love a popular best-selling modern romance novel. And it’s enough of its own modern romance, that fans of Austen should not be scandalized.
While the title and character names are direct, the overall homage to Austen and her project is subtle and charming. I cannot wait to read Bellezza and Harding’s next installment, Elizabeth of East Hampton (out Aug 20).
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