Inspired by Pride and Prejudice, this modern tale captures the spirit and energy of Austen’s original satire of manners, while updating and developing it for contemporary audiences, coming of age in the 2020s.
The quiet coastal community of Pippi Beach is rocked when a party of young Hollywood movie stars and influencers arrives for the summer. Like most of the locals, mum Lydia is thrilled but her teenage daughter Lily, isn’t. Lily finds Hollywood types superficial and arrogant – especially Dorian, the most famous of them all. Lily’s opinion is confirmed by handsome backpacker Alex, who has quite the story about Dorian’s past.
On a holiday to Los Angeles, Lily stays with family friend Wilson, an ambitious player who introduces her to powerful movie producer Stacy Black. Lily is in turns amused and appalled by the excesses of the movie business, and more than a little surprised when Dorian Khan seeks her out. Could they actually become friends? And what’s more, has she been what she hopes never to be… stupid?
Who better to write about mothers and daughters than the fabulously refreshing voices of the real-life mother- daughter team of Angourie and Kate Rice? Who better to write of the foils and foibles of Hollywood A-Listers than one of Australia’s hottest young rising stars, Angourie Rice? And who better to offer up a fun and spirited retelling of Pride and Prejudice than two women who have a deep respect and ear for Austen’s wit and irony? Were Ms Austen alive today, I daresay she’d have some cracking insights into Hollywood stars and Influencers. Angourie and Kate Rice have channelled that beautifully into this fresh and fun YA debut offering.
The pace is fast, the quips are clever and the characters are amusing. It’s entertaining summer reading regardless of your age, though YA readers are certainly bound to be engaged in the drama this offers. If you loved Legally Blonde and Clueless, then Stuck Up & Stupid is for you. We recommend it for YA readers aged 12+.
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