Unleashing Mr. Darcy

Pride and Prejudice’s love story gets a lighthearted update, setting Elizabeth Scott and Donovan Darcy’s relationship against the backdrop of the modern-day dog show world. Elizabeth is about to turn 30 when she is unfairly suspended from her ritzy Manhattan private school teaching job. She throws herself into showing her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy, and at one show she meets (and, Elizabeth Bennett–like, butts heads with) wealthy and arrogant English breeder and philanthropist Donovan. Two wealthy Brits hire Elizabeth to help with their dogs, whisking her off to London, where she and Donovan continue to encounter each other. Their attraction grows despite her pride and his prejudice, though the obstacles to their romance are flimsy. Wilson wisely avoids repeating Austen’s plot or attempting to emulate her sharp satire, but she manages to get in more than a few bits of homage, including a clever tip of the hat to Colin Firth’s famous swim in the BBC production. Devoted Austen fans will find much to enjoy in this fun contemporary rendition. (Jan.)