Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix

by Gabe Cole Novoa

Overview

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!

In the Remixed Classics series, authors from marginalized backgrounds reinterpret classic works through their own cultural lens to subvert the overwhelming cishet, white, and male canon. This bittersweet Pride & Prejudice remix follows a trans boy yearning for the freedom to live openly, centering queerness in a well-known story of longing and subverting society’s patriarchal and cisheteronormative expectations.

London, 1812. Oliver Bennet feels trapped. Not just by the endless corsets, petticoats and skirts he's forced to wear on a daily basis, but also by society's expectations. The world—and the vast majority of his family and friends—think Oliver is a girl named Elizabeth. He is therefore expected to mingle at balls wearing a pretty dress, entertain suitors regardless of his interest in them, and ultimately become someone's wife.

But Oliver can't bear the thought of such a fate. He finds solace in the few times he can sneak out of his family's home and explore the city rightfully dressed as a young gentleman. It's during one such excursion when Oliver becomes acquainted with Darcy, a sulky young man who had been rude to "Elizabeth" at a recent social function. But in the comfort of being out of the public eye, Oliver comes to find that Darcy is actually a sweet, intelligent boy with a warm heart. And not to mention incredibly attractive.

As Oliver is able to spend more time as his true self, often with Darcy, part of him dares begin to hope that his dream of love and life as a man could be possible. But suitors are growing bolder—and even threatening—and his mother is growing more desperate to see him settled into an engagement. Oliver will have to choose: Settle for safety, security, and a life of pretending to be something he's not, or risk it all for a slim chance at freedom, love, and a life that can be truly, honestly his own.

The Remixed Classics Series

A Clash of Steel: A Treasure Island Remix by C.B. Lee

So Many Beginnings: A Little Women Remix by Bethany C. Morrow

Travelers Along the Way: A Robin Hood Remix by Aminah Mae Safi

What Souls Are Made Of: A Wuthering Heights Remix by Tasha Suri

Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix by Anna-Marie McLemore

My Dear Henry: A Jekyll & Hyde Remix by Kalynn Bayron

Teach the Torches to Burn: A Romeo & Juliet Remix by Caleb Roehrig

Into the Bright Open: A Secret Garden Remix by Cherie Dimaline

Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Gabe Cole Novoa

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250869807
Publisher:	Feiwel & Friends
Publication date:	01/16/2024
Series:	Remixed Classics , #9
Pages:	304
Sales rank:	16,943
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.30(h) x 1.30(d)
Age Range:	13 - 18 Years

About the Author

Gabe Cole Novoa (he/him) is a Latinx transmasculine author who writes speculative fiction featuring marginalized characters grappling with identity. Now leveled up with an MFA in Writing for Children, when he isn't being nerdy at his day job, or buried under his TBR pile, you’ll likely find him making heart-eyes at the latest snazzy outfit he wants to add to his wardrobe. Gabe is the author of The Wicked Bargain and the Beyond the Red trilogy, written under a former pseudonym. He also runs a popular writing-focused YouTube channel, bookishpixie and is very active on Twitter.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Most Ardently:

A New York Times Bestseller

"Novoa’s interpretation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is a testament to the power of queer spaces and community. ... Brimming with wit and chemistry, this queer revision of a much-beloved source text is nothing short of masterful. A must-purchase." —School Library Journal, starred review

"The minute I finished, I knew this book had already replaced the original Pride and Prejudice in my heart. Gabe Cole Novoa has infused this timeless love story with so much care for its transgender protagonist, so much reverence for its queer love story, that I’d happily hand him my whole stack of classics to remix. A beautifully crafted novel, and a gift to those of us still looking for a home in literature’s most celebrated tomes.” —Tehlor Kay Mejia, bestselling author of We Set the Dark on Fire

"This triumphant queer and trans retelling of Pride and Prejudice holds and cares for its readers, offering a gentle story during an especially difficult period in history for those outside the norm. The relationship between Darcy and Oliver is tender and rooted in mutual compassion. For every reader who fell in love with Pride and Prejudice but wished it was a little more queer." —Booklist

"A beautiful blend of wit, romance, and self discovery, Most Ardently is a must read." —Kels, bookseller at Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore (San Diego, CA)

"Fleshing out the familial and platonic love found in the original novel, Most Ardently is an ode to historical LGBTQ+ people and a hopeful queer future, providing a thoughtful exploration of solidarity and the rebellion of authenticity." —Grace Enright, bookseller at The Bookstore of Glen Ellyn (Glen Ellyn, IL)

"At times heartbreaking and full of warmth, this retelling is everything it promises to be. It is a charming and wonderful read for anyone who enjoys classic literature, Regency romances, and LGBTQIA+ works. ... This book is certainly 'sweep you off your feet' worthy." —The Historical Novel Society

"Entertaining and fast paced." —Kirkus Reviews

"There is much this book does well, including the historical details of clothing being used to highlight both Oliver’s discomfort when wearing women’s attire and his euphoric freedom when wearing men’s outfits. ... Queer people living full, happy lives have too often been erased from history, and this book is a fine attempt to paint them back into the picture." —The Bulletin

"If you’re an Austenphile or simply someone who was forced to read her work in high school, you’ll enjoy Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix. If you like queer stories, particularly about gay trans guys, you’ll like it. Are you a fan of both? Well, then, you’ll adore this lovely novel." —Geek Girl Authority

Praise for Remixed Classics:

"Lee (the Sidekick Squad series) elegantly situates Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1882 Treasure Island against a richly embroidered Qing dynasty backdrop in this carefully crafted queer interpretation. ... Inspired by female pirate Zheng Yi Sao, this deeply immersive adventure features deftly interwoven Chinese and Vietnamese, luscious culinary descriptions, and well-rendered explorations of imperialism, treasure, found family, and love." —Publishers Weekly, starred review, on A Clash of Steel: A Treasure Island Remix by C.B. Lee

"'Fun' doesn’t even begin to describe this rich and imaginative retelling of Treasure Island. ... It’s obvious that this book was a labor of love, which made it all the more enjoyable to read. Pirate stories don’t get much better than this." —Hypable, on A Clash of Steel: A Treasure Island Remix by C.B. Lee

"Morrow’s ability to take the lingering stain of slavery on American history and use it as a catalyst for unbreakable love and resilience is flawless. That she has remixed a canonical text to do so only further illuminates the need to critically question who holds the pen in telling our nation’s story." —Booklist, starred review, on So Many Beginnings: A Little Women Remix by Bethany C. Morrow

"Impressive ... Via delicately written characterizations, each March woman exemplifies the notion that the wounds of bondage don’t disappear simply because freedom is at hand, and the racist catalyst of enslavement doesn’t disappear with the stroke of a pen, as a beloved story gains new meaning through the lens of enduring Black resilience, love, and hope." —Publishers Weekly, starred review, on So Many Beginnings: A Little Women Remix by Bethany C. Morrow

"Rousing ... Wholly original in its cultural perspective and its centering of strong female characters. ... By creating an almost all-female cast, Safi makes women the heart of her story at a time when they were seen as a 'bargaining chip.'" —Shelf Awareness, starred review, on Travelers Along the Way: A Robin Hood Remix by Aminah Mae Safi

"In Travelers Along the Way, Safi has assembled the perfect team to steal my heart. This is the thoughtful, thought-provoking, and wildly fun retelling of Robin Hood you’ve been waiting for!" —Kiersten White, New York Times-bestselling author of And I Darken, on Travelers Along the Way: A Robin Hood Remix by Aminah Mae Safi

"A gorgeously reclaimed Gothic. Atmospheric and incisive, What Souls Are Made Of cuts deep into the question of identity and the ghosts of legacy haunting these windswept moors. I’m a Tasha Suri fan for life." —Chloe Gong, New York Times-bestselling author of These Violent Delights, on What Souls Are Made Of: A Wuthering Heights Remix by Tasha Suri

"This remix of Wuthering Heights is an epic piece of historical fiction, and a testament to Suri's incredible storytelling skills." —Buzzfeed, on What Souls Are Made Of: A Wuthering Heights Remix by Tasha Suri

"McLemore’s triumphant retelling is for anyone who read The Great Gatsby and thought, this book needs to be much gayer ... In this satisfying, emotional journey that celebrates love, family, friendship, identity, and forging one’s own path, McLemore captures the spirit of the original while adding nuance and depth, setting a new bar for what a great retelling can be." —Booklist, starred review, on Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix by Anna-Marie McLemore

"Compelling and satisfying for Gatsby fans, critics, and neophytes alike, avoiding and subverting tropes and giving the main quartet the happy endings they deserve. In this absolutely stunning work, McLemore delivers their signature lyrical prose and rich symbolism. ... Richy imagined, fiercely tender, and achingly beautiful. —Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix by Anna-Marie McLemore

"Addressing invisibility, power, and passion, Bayron’s updated classic simmers with Gothic imagery, romance, and a robust exploration of what it means to be whole. A vibrant retelling." —Kirkus Reviews, on My Dear Henry: A Jekyll & Hyde Remix by Kalynn Bayron

"Part of the exquisite Remixed Classics series, this take on Jekyll & Hyde is more proof that Bayron is a must-read YA author." —Buzzfeed, on My Dear Henry: A Jekyll & Hyde Remix by Kalynn Bayron

"An exquisite reimagining ... Honors the source material while bringing new meaning to Shakespeare's work. Romeo, Valentine, Juliet, and the entirety of Roehrig's cast of characters are true gems, each sparkling with wit, determination, and most of all, love for one another." —Lillie Lainoff, bestselling author of All For One, on Teach the Torches to Burn: A Romeo & Juliet Remix by Caleb Roehrig

From the Publisher

★ 12/08/2023

Gr 8 Up—As the second eldest, the clock is ticking for Oliver Bennet to find a husband. He refuses. Forced into gowns, Oliver is wrongfully assumed to be another Bennet daughter. While dressed in trousers that validate his identity, Oliver visits a gentleman's club for the first time. An initially tense connection between Oliver and Fitzwilliam Darcy slowly blossoms into something more. With Darcy, will Oliver finally get to kiss a boy as a boy? Novoa's interpretation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is a testament to the power of queer spaces and community. Oliver and Darcy's push-and-pull relationship is magnetic as they navigate societal challenges in 1800s London. Though Oliver is constantly deadnamed, the narrative itself is respectful. A historical note offers important context about some creative liberties. VERDICT Brimming with wit and chemistry, this queer revision of a much-beloved source text is nothing short of masterful. A must-purchase.—Alec Chunn

School Library Journal

Harrison Knights gives a quietly charming performance of this queer YA retelling of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. He portrays Oliver Bennet, a trans boy who just wants to live openly as himself, with a soft voice that sometimes edges into despair but just as often warms with humor. When Oliver meets Darcy on one of the rare nights he's out in London as himself, they form an instant connection. But as they become closer, Oliver struggles with the knowledge that Darcy also knows him as "Elizabeth"--with whom Darcy has no connection to speak of. Knights perfectly captures Darcy's gruffness, Mrs. Bennet's pushiness, and Mr. Bennet's unconditional love for his son. A poignant retelling that will delight Austen fans and newcomers alike. L.S. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine

JANUARY 2024 - AudioFile

2023-10-21
Oliver Bennet is not like the other Jane Austen characters you know; he’s not interested in “having a wife. Or, more importantly, being one.”

As the second-eldest child in the Bennet family, Oliver is expected to marry to maintain the family’s wealth and not be a financial burden. But Oliver’s family knows him as Elizabeth, assigning him an identity that causes him great discomfort, as he knows he’s a boy. Rather than finding a suitable husband, Oliver is much more interested in letting his family (and the rest of the world) know his true identity. If he happens to find love along the way with someone who embraces who he really is, all the better; in the meantime, he’s grateful for the support of older sister Jane, who accepts him as her brother. When Oliver, forced into a gown by Mama, meets the enchanting Fitzwilliam Darcy at a ball, he’s taken aback by how coldly the other boy treats him. However, after a subsequent chance encounter at a fair, where Oliver is dressed in trousers, the boys become friends—and, eventually, something more. Novoa builds on the source text’s narrative, including detailed descriptions of queer life in Regency England as well as the period’s clothing and domestic life. The story is entertaining and fast paced, but a lack of narrative tension serves to keep readers from feeling fully immersed. Cast members are cued white.

An accessible queer retelling with a low-conflict storyline. (author’s note, historical note) (Historical romance. 12-18)

Kirkus Reviews