ENTHUSIASM

In this modern-day PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, protagonist Julie yearns to find her Mr. Darcy, while balancing the crazy antics of her socially unfettered friend, Ashleigh, who tries to find her Mr. Bingley. Mimicking the characterizations of sisters Elizabeth and Jane of the original story, Jennifer Ikeda portrays these misses in classic style. She captures the emotional angst of quiet, reserved Julie and the boisterous Ashleigh equally well. Other characters such as the snooty prep school boys, their headmaster, and the girls' unwitting mothers also come alive through skillful narration. Jane Austen would be happy to listen to this well-done rendition of her classic story and know that traditional romance is still in style in the 21st century. D.L.M. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 07]