A few months ago, I read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. I'm a big fan of Jane Austen and so it was a nice twist on an old classic. The book begins with: "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains." With an opener like that how could it not be entertaining right?! A "mysterious plague" has awakened the dead. There are countless attacks by zombies. The Bennet sisters are all trained in the ninja arts and are well-known throughout the county as being excellent warriors. Elizabeth is especially ferocious in her defending against "the unmentionables."
In this story, in certain characters, their original personality characteristics are magnified. Elizabeth is fiercely loyal, and definitely has a temper. Only in this story she definitely is more violent in her thinking. Mr. Darcy is just as stubborn and Lady Catherine is not nearly as useless! The story follows the original with a few delightful changes.... I especially like the Charlotte and Mr. Collins storyline as well as the Lydia and Mr. Wickham ending. This version is a bit gruesome so those with a weak stomach might want to avoid eating for a few hours or so. There are plenty of zombies, brains, duels, romance, and some laugh out loud moments. I am looking forward to the film adaptation starring Natalie Portman. I think she's a great young actress with the acting chops for this role...
After reading P & P & Z, I was quite excited to read Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters. I had the chance to read it this weekend and it did not disappoint. The very beginning of the book refers to "the Alteration, when the waters of the world grew cold and hateful to the sons of man, and darkness moved on the face of the deep." There are revengeful tunas, homicidal lobsters, mysterious symbols, evil pirates, a sea witch, etc. Technology in this book is much more advanced. They have sub-marine stations! There are scientists experimenting with genetic engineering in humans as well as in sea life creatures. However, most of the clothing remains the same, minus the diving costumes.
The characterization in this book seemed rather authentic to the original. Elinor was sensible, wise, caring. Marianne continued to be the hopeless romantic with not much thought of propriety. Colonel Brandon has a "condition" where tentacles cover his face and he has the ability to breath underwater. His personality is the same though. He is constant, loyal, and an overall great man. Mr. Willoughby is the same rogue who just so happens to be a treasure hunter.... The only change in Edward is he wants to be a lighthouse keeper. He still has an overpowering sense of duty as well as being very shy. Once again the overall storyline remains unaltered. Definitely the specifics are much different. Overall, it was a very enjoyable read.
Honestly, I don't think you can really compare P & P & Z, and S & S & SM. Both have different strengths. P & P & Z has more of a horror feel to it. It is rather funny though. I laughed a lot more in this book. Probably because it was so ridiculous and the characterization was a bit different. S & S & SM seemed to mesh a little bit better. The majority of people will probably enjoy it better as it's not really violent/gory. The main characters had little change to their personalities. Even though it's clearly a fantasy, it is a bit more realistic. It seems like maybe this could happen in the very, very, far future. Just with different clothes and societal traditions... Maybe....
If anyone has read them, let me know what your thoughts are! On a side note... how about Northanger Abbey and Vampires....? Someone needs to write that!