Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ is a romance novel. But it also speaks to the societal oppression of women in the 19th century. Elizabeth Bennett the second daughter drives Austen’s narrative as her family is nearly torn apart. But it is of course saved in the end through marriage. This convention is not new, but what makes Austen’s story timeless is that it speaks to the wants and fears of anyone who reads it. In its own way it teaches whoever reads it to not make quick assumptions. And perhaps being judgmental may block the blessing or person who can improve your life. Ibi Zoboi has taken Austen’s tale and placed her own spin on it. ‘Pride’ is more than a romance novel. It’s about gentrification and how change is inevitable. But in the midst of it all is the Benitez family from Brooklyn, specifically Bushwick. With a headstrong, judgmental teenager at the center.
From the first lines of ‘Pride’ you’re going to fall in love. Zuri Benitez is the second sister in a family of a hardworking father, a mother who cooks enough to feed the neighborhood and her four sisters. They love each other and one day she meets the new people moving into the newly renovated home. They aren’t just rich, these people exude what it’s like to have always had money. Still Zuri with her hand-me-downs still judges the newcomers and Darius Darcy in particular. And she’s not altogether wrong. Darius’ grandmother is the type of person that you hate on site. With all her money the first thing she does is look down on Zuri. But wait, isn’t that what Zuri thought of Darius early in the novel? You take an immediate dislike to Darius’ grandmother because she pre-judges Zuri. Our heroine may have flaws, but she’s young and cares for her family. Meanwhile, this woman who appears younger than her mother has already dismissed her. The exchange between the two women is familiar. There’s a clear comment on class-struggle, but what lingers is that Zuri has to stand up for herself. Darius doesn’t defend her. While being entertained, Zoboi has us ask why is it that women of color have to protect themselves, why can’t someone rescue them just once. That’s one of the best parts of this book it makes you think about your own life and why you build up walls. Mostly it can be for protection. Being judgmental sometimes protects you from being hurt. When you let your guard down with the wrong people, it puts you in a compromising position, like it does with one of Zuri’s sisters. But in the end that’s no way to live.
Interwoven between poetry and comments on what it’s like to be Black in New York, Zoboi has made a funny, heartfelt, realistic story where you may feel a slight familiarity to Austen’s. Pick it up and read it. It’s not a carbon copy of ‘Pride and Prejudice.’ Rather, this novel with its Afro-Latina protagonist is everything you need right now. From the description of Mama’s cooking to Zuri’s Afro brings you into a world, that if you’re from Brooklyn is authentic and familiar. You need these characters in your life. As you wipe away tears at several points in the book you will find yourself rooting for Zuri. You want her to succeed. And perhaps you’ll open your own heart and be a bit less judgmental along the way.
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