Good Fortune

Chau’s witty and entertaining debut puts a contemporary spin on Pride and Prejudice in New York City’s Chinatown. Elizabeth Chen, the second born of the large Chen family, feels nothing but pride for her community. So when her realtor mother, Jade, secures an offer on a rundown local recreation center from business partners Darcy Wong and Brendan Lee, who say they hope to “clean up” the neighborhood, Elizabeth is furious, fearing the men really mean to strip the area of its identity in an inauthentic makeover. Elizabeth sets out to stop the stoic, pompous Darcy, even while her meddling mother plays matchmaker. Once Elizabeth starts to see Darcy’s layers peeled away, however, she’s forced to balance her desire to protect her community with the simmering romantic tension building between them. Chau nails the characterization of her leads, who are as charismatic as they are flawed, and hits enough familiar plot beats to please Austenites while still delivering some surprises. With sharp dialogue, a vibrant backdrop, smart explorations of gentrification and family duty, and, above all, an endearing central romance, this should win Chau many fans. Agent: Isabel Kaufman, Fox Literary. (July)