The Austen Project books are a series of modern retellings of Jane Austen‘s classic novels.
The series was launched by Harper Collins in 2013 and features contemporary authors reimagining Austen’s classic stories in a modern context. Authors include Joanna Trollope, Val McDermid, Alexander McCall Smith and Curtis Sittenfeld.
Each Austen Project book offers a unique and modern take on Austen’s classic stories while still retaining the original themes and characters.
It isn’t necessary to read the Austen Project books in order as they are standalone novels. However I have organised this list by publication date.
In her reimagining of Sense and Sensibility, Joanna Trollope brings the classic romance into the modern era with a fresh perspective. Through witty storytelling, Trollope explores themes of love, money, and societal expectations, transforming Austen’s tale into a charming coming-of-age story that resonates with contemporary audiences.
Trollope skillfully reminds readers that while times may change, the timeless complexities of human relationships and financial matters remain constant.
Northanger Abbey by Val McDermid
In Northanger Abbey, Val McDermid offers a contemporary twist on Jane Austen’s classic tale. The story follows a young woman’s visit to a wealthy acquaintance’s grand estate, where her vivid imagination leads her into suspenseful and macabre adventures.
McDermid’s witty narration injects the story with an added layer of suspense, providing readers with a fresh and captivating take on Austen’s beloved novel.
Emma: A Modern Retelling by Alexander McCall Smith
In this delightful retelling, Alexander McCall Smith skillfully transports Jane Austen’s beloved heroine, Emma, into the modern era with wit and charm. Through gentle satire and a cozy, old-fashioned sensibility, McCall Smith captures the essence of Austen’s characters while seamlessly integrating them into the twenty-first century.
Despite the shift from carriages to Mini Coopers and tea to cappuccinos, Emma’s story remains timeless, proving once again the enduring appeal of Austen’s wit and insight into human nature.
Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld
In Eligible, Curtis Sittenfeld delivers a refreshingly tender and hilariously funny take on Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. With skillful storytelling, Sittenfeld navigates themes of gender, class, courtship, and family dynamics.
Set in modern-day Cincinnati, this brilliant retelling breathes new life into Austen’s classic tale, offering readers a contemporary perspective on love, society, and the intricacies of relationships.
