Monday, June 04, 2018

Review and Givewaway: First Impressions


As part of the Bethany House new book review program, I have another book review to share with you today. First Impressions: A Contemporary Retelling of Pride and Prejudice by Debra White Smith is the book I recently finished reading.

I love the story of Pride and Prejudice so I really expected to love this book. The book is a literal re-telling of the story line of P & P and includes the fact that the characters are acting out the story on their local stage. So it is sort of a double telling of the story.

This story takes place in London, Texas - and to be honest, I found this confusing. When I read "London" in the story my mind went to London, England - not to the Texas variety! The main characters are Eddi and Dave - this is really picky, but I found the name Eddi very hard to read, it just didn't flow in the story as I had to stop and think about how to pronounce her name every time.

At any rate, Dave and Eddi are on stage together during the practices and performances of Pride and Prejudice for the local dinner theater. She's a lawyer and is very curious about who Dave really is and what secrets he is concealing.

As I mentioned above, I expected to love this story - but I didn't love it. I'm not even sure I can put my finger on it. Because it is contemporary, there are some modern day issues such as drugs, considering abortion, etc. Yes, the story is predictable because of course we know how it will turn out but that isn't what bothered me. I struggled to get into the characters and just felt sort of so-so about the whole book.

It is a good reminder, no matter what, that our first impressions may or may not be accurate and to be careful about both our pride and prejudices from those initial impressions!

As another reviewer on Amazon pointed out, and I would agree with, it was lacking spiritual depth as well. 

If you would like an opportunity to win this book - leave a comment below. Comments will be accepted until Friday, June 8, 2018 at 7pm EST. Winner must have a US mailing address. What are you reading right now?

I received a copy of this book in exchange for sharing an  honest review. Affiliate link is provided above.

5 comments:

Mom said...

As you know, I'm reading this book right now and agree with your comment about Eddi's name. I have only read a few chapters and an hoping to enjoy the story more as I get further into the book. I agree that it is always a good idea to be careful of first impressions. Love you!

Anonymous said...

I’m reading a parenting book right now called the passionate mom. I would love to win this book!

Dianna said...

I'm always game for trying a retelling of one of my favorite stories! Well, usually. I have read a couple of really terrible ones. Right now I'm reading Proteinaholic by Garth Davis—a far cry from a romance, but I'm enjoying it!

Lisa M. said...

I am reading Chasing Slow by Erin Loechner.
Clmay5@sbcglobal.net

Anonymous said...

Currently re-reading Through Gates of Splendor. Spending time with Elisabeth Elliot!
Would love to try this book as P&P is a favorite!

Jenny Goldsby
jennibek@hotmail.com