Prada & Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard
Source: Purchased Paperback, 286 pgs. I am an Amazon Affiliate
Prada & Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard mixes a modern day teenage story of geeky Callie Montgomery with a loosely based historical fiction of Pride & Prejudice involving England's peerage. In the time travel piece of the story, readers will have to suspend disbelief, forego an explanation, and go with the flow. But for summer reading, this book as the romance, comedy, and social angst readers look for.
"Sometimes I feel more alone when I'm surrounded by my classmates than I do when I'm actually by myself." (pg. 3)
Callie finds herself in England on a school trip, but in her efforts to impress the popular girls in her class so they invite her out and she doesn't have to spend another day and night alone in her room -- chaperones say they must travel in pairs -- her clumsiness pegs her as an outsider. But an epiphany strikes and she heads out to the shops where she buys red Prada heels to fit in. She's sure the heels will have her invited to the club with the popular girls. Only trouble is she trips and knocks her head on the sidewalk before waking up in 1815.
"I have to pull it together. I can't just lose it like that, throwing my shoes like I'm in a shot-put competition." (pg. 53)
Hubbard's teen protagonist is a believable girl who has issues fitting in, but placing her in 1815 makes her stand out even more, especially when she has little control over her responses to social norms of the time. This makes for some hilarious scenes, but it also could make readers notice the things out of place in 1815 a little bit more. If you're a stickler for historic detail, this book will drive you crazy. However, if you're just looking for a fun read, this is definitely that.
There are scenes when Callie commits several faux pas and she would be in hot water for sure, but it's a good thing the duke she's falling for is sweet on her. The end also wraps up quickly and in a very predictable and cinematic way. Prada & Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard is a fun and quick read for those looking for a cute fish out of water story.
RATING: Tercet
About the Author:
Mandy Hubbard is the author of PRADA & PREJUDICE, YOU WISH, and FOOL ME TWICE, as well as BUT I LOVE HIM (written under the psuedonym Amanda Grace). She lives in Enumclaw Washington, with her husband and daughter.