Book Review: Pride and Prejudice in Space by Alexis Lampley
If you’ve ever wondered what Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice would look like set in space, Alexis Lampley’s Pride and Prejudice in Space answers that question with a delightful and fun retelling. The novel gives us all the characters we know and love—and love to hate—while placing them in an entirely new, futuristic setting. Lampley successfully takes the classic story and makes it feel fresh while staying true to the essence of Austen’s original work.
What I Loved:
One of the things I truly enjoyed about this retelling was the fleshing out of the characters, particularly the Bennett sisters. Lampley brings them to life in a way that adds new depth and complexity, especially in the context of a sci-fi universe. The chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy remains the heart of the story, but there’s a certain freedom in exploring these characters in an entirely new setting.
The extras in the book are a wonderful touch. From drawings to posters, diary entries, and extra communications, these added elements make the story feel immersive and interactive, allowing readers to dive deeper into the world Lampley has created. It’s clear that a lot of care went into these details, and they add a fun layer to the reading experience.
What I Didn’t Love:
Despite my enjoyment, there were a few things that didn’t sit perfectly with me. As much as I adore Jane Austen’s prose, having read Pride and Prejudice countless times, I found myself wishing for more of Lampley’s own voice and less of the original text. I’m a huge Austen fan, but after so many retellings, I longed for something a bit more unique to the author’s perspective. It’s a small gripe, but I felt the author could have deviated more from the source material, especially since she did so beautifully in other aspects of the story.
Towards the end, the frequency of the extras started to feel a bit overwhelming. With something new every few pages, I began to feel like they interrupted the flow of the story. While I appreciated the creativity, it felt like overkill.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, Pride and Prejudice in Space is a clever and fun retelling of a classic. The creative twists, fleshed-out characters, and sci-fi setting offer something new for fans of Austen and sci-fi alike. Despite a few minor pacing issues, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. After borrowing it from the library, I loved it enough to purchase my own copy—a true sign of how much I enjoyed it. If you’re a fan of Pride and Prejudice and sci-fi, this book is definitely worth checking out.
