Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Most Ardently

Author: Gabe Cole Novoa

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Copyright Date: 2024

ISBN: 9781250869807

Format: Print Prose Book

Genre: Retelling/ Romance/ Historical Fiction/ LGBTQIA+

Awards: None...yet

Interest Level: Grade 8 and up (School Library Journal)

Plot Summary:

A Pride and Prejudice remix. Oliver Bennet was mistaken at birth to be a girl that his parents named Elizabeth. Only a few people know his true identity in regency England. The longer Oliver goes pretending to be someone he is not, the more painful his dysphoria feels. But Mrs. Bennet is relentless about marrying off her "daughters", so Oliver is forced to dress in gowns, attend balls, and be objectified as someone he is not. The only solace he has is when he sneaks out and gets to dress as himself. When Mr. Bingley and Darcy come into town things begin to get interesting. Jane, Oliver's sister catches the eye of Mr. Bingley and Oliver happens to befriend both gentleman earning special attention from Fitzwilliam Darcy.

Author Background:

Gabe Cole Novoa is a LatinX transmasculine author specializing in speculative fiction for marginalized young adults who are deconstructing identity. Gabe has as MFA is writing for children. He enjoys spending time with his two cats and loves crocheting and knitting. Some other works by Gabe are The Wicked Bargain, The Diablo's Curse, and the Beyond the Red trilogy.

Critical Evaluation:

I have a slight obsession with Pride and Prejudice, the 1995 tv series is my oxygen. Mr. Darcy is my favorite book boyfriend, and while he would not have me in this rendition, he remains my one true love! One thing I appreciate is how real Oliver is, he is not some unrealistic unattainable character no one can relate to, he is real. Oliver though has way more courage than me. To go out and not be scared that someone may discover his secret while also going to large public events alone, I could never. Moment of applause for the breakout character of this novel, with a landslide victory, best dad in literature goes to Mr. Bennet!

On a more serious note, Most Ardently was so beautiful. Not only did it provide a unique look at a classic novel, it gave the trans community such a fun and heart skipping romance. While this story is written for young trans folks, I think this book gives so much to humanity. I learned so much, it helped me begin to understand an experience I have not had, one that is not discussed enough, and silenced. The description of emotions surrounding body and social dysphoria were enlightening while also heartbreaking. In terms of story, this followed so much of the dialogue of Pride and Prejudice, I smiled whenever I caught an infamous line! The Wickham situation was done in a fresh way that fit the storyline and the ending was perfect! Smiles and feels all around!

Creative Use for Library Program:

Blind Book Recs- Teens will fill out book interest forms (anonymous to all but librarian) and other teens recommend books based on the interest forms. In Most Ardently Darcy recommends some unique books curated for Oliver at the molly house.

Regency Ball- Most Ardently features multiple balls, so does Pride and Prejudice. Library throws a regency themed ball complete with historical dances, music, and refreshments. Teens are encouraged to dress up historically (sewing workshops can be held before event to create historical garb).

Speed Round Book Talk:

What if the second child of the four Bennet children was actually a son, named Oliver, who is mistaken for a daughter named Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy was a gay young man.

Potential Challenge Issue and Defense Preparation:

Pride and Prejudice purists may argue with the creative liberty that Gabe Cole Novoa took. However as a Pride and Prejudice fanatic, I thought that the story followed much of the original storyline and dialogue. Gabe Cole Novoa adds at the end a historical note that explains a lot of aspects included in the novel, decisions he made with the storyline, and the realistic value of the queer and trans inclusions in a historical context.

Reason for Inclusion:

The dedication that Gabe wrote for this novel perfectly states why this book is included in this collection. "To my trans siblings: We deserve romances that will sweep us off our feet too. That's why this book is for you." With so many classics being centered around cis white middle to upper class people, this novel and other novels in this series are essential for teens of diverse backgrounds to feel seen and heard.

Check Out:

Gabe Cole Novoa's youtube channel and the other Remixed Classics novels.

References:

Bookishpixie. (2022, May). You Asked, I (Finally) Answered [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeydyOpUL8s

Chunn, A. (2023). Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix. School Library Journal. https://www.slj.com/review/most-ardently-a-pride--prejudice-remix

Gabe Cole Novoa. (n.d.). Home. Accessed August 2024 from https://www.gabecolenovoa.com/

Goodreads. (n.d.). Most Ardently. Accessed August 2024 from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/111673641-most-ardently

Macmillan. (n.d.). Remixed Classics. Accessed August 2024 from https://us.macmillan.com/series/remixedclassics