Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix

Between tight corsets, expectations of marriage, and the crushing weight of being misunderstood, Oliver Bennet feels trapped in his 1813 London life. While the rest of the world believes he is a young woman by the name of Elizabeth, he is actually a boy who wants nothing more than to be accepted as himself. To make matters worse, his mother pressures Oliver to find a husband and become the perfect wife—a prospect that makes Oliver’s stomach churn. When he meets Mr. Darcy, a harsh but intriguing young man who is rude to “Elizabeth” yet charmed by Oliver, he develops confusing feelings that may be the push he needs to live as his authentic self.  

Oliver begins to get to know Darcy by living a double life. As his true self, Oliver feels a growing attraction to Darcy and the world of men, which he is finally able to enter. While playing the part of “Elizabeth,” Oliver increasingly worries that his identity will be discovered, particularly with the mounting aggression of his male suitors. As the two young men grow closer, Oliver considers the complexities of two men falling in love and begins to imagine something beyond his wildest dreams: could he find love not as an obedient wife, but as himself?  

In this thought-provoking twist on Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride & Prejudice, the character of Lizzie Bennet is filled by a young transgender man fighting for freedom from the constraints of being labeled a woman. Oliver’s two identities make for a fascinating and complicated dynamic between him and Darcy, particularly because Darcy does not know the two are one and the same. Oliver and Darcy form an endearing bond based on respect and admiration, which soon grows into something deeper and more passionate.  

Oliver’s friend Charlotte and sister Jane, two of the few people who know about his true self, become important confidantes, along with Oliver’s father. As a woman who loves women, Charlotte is able to relate to Oliver’s difficulty fitting into the rest of society. Oliver’s close relationships with his sister and father mirror the close relationships from Austen’s original novel. The two are able to help support Oliver in his difficult journey of revealing himself to his family, and especially his mother, who puts a lot of pressure on him to be a proper lady. Fans of Pride & Prejudice will find these background characters familiar enough to be comforting, yet different enough to be interesting.  

Novoa certainly takes liberties with the story in terms of adaptation. The way he writes a trans character in a Victorian setting feels rather contemporary, particularly knowing there are so few records of real transgender people from the time period. What the story lacks in faithfulness, though, it makes up for in queer representation and joy. Reading about Oliver’s experience is a great way for readers to gain a deeper understanding of the trans experience. His struggles with gender dysphoria, fear of coming out, and leading a double life are struggles that are also relevant in today’s world. This gives an already romantic and delightful read a deeper layer of importance.  

Sexual Content  

• Though not explicitly sexual in nature, there are several references to parts of Oliver’s body that make him feel dysphoric—particularly his chest. For example, “Mrs. Bennet yanked on the lacing of the stay pressed tight beneath his breasts” and Oliver “gritted his teeth as the cinching fabric pushed his chest up and forward—accentuating a shape that made him utterly nauseous.”  
• There are a few references to Molly Houses, or places for non-traditional people like Oliver to gather and be authentic. Though they are harmless in reality, Oliver says they have a reputation of being “scandalous sex dens.”  
• While dancing together at a Molly House, Darcy kisses Oliver, “a taste at first, then again with slightly more pressure.”  
• A later kiss is described as follows: “Oliver pulled away, just slightly, the warmth of Darcy’s breath spreading over his nose and mouth. Darcy opened his eyes, his heated gaze searching Oliver’s.”  

Violence  

• While considering having to marry a man who would treat him as a wife, Oliver makes a vague reference to harming himself. He thinks that “he would prefer far darker ends” to marrying Mr. Collins, one of his suitors.  

Drugs and Alcohol  

• None 

Language  

• Occasional profanity is used. Profanity includes arse, bastard, and hell.  
• Oh God and similar phrases are used as exclamations occasionally.  

Supernatural  

• None 

Spiritual Content  

• While walking through thick mud, Oliver “swore at the heavens above and hells below.” 

by Edie Meehan