Cover Image: Good Fortune

Good Fortune

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Member Reviews

I've always loved Pride & Prejudice adaptions, whether it's a more direct one, or one that completely reinvents the story in ways I'd never imagined. Good Fortune falls a bit closer to the former, where the original story plot is present, but that's not to say that Chau didn't make the story her own. This is the first Chinese-American take I've read on the classic, and it was so fun to watch the story unfold through this lens. Elizabeth, or LB, was so passionate about her community, and I loved how fiercely protective she was of it and her family. NYC, Chinatown, this is her home, and I loved her appreciation for all of the little things about it that other people would (and did) normally overlook. And Darcy? He was just as pompous and charming as ever. The banter between them was so fun, and while things got a little more intimate than the hand flex, I felt like it suited both iterations of the characters well.

I did think that some of the characters got better represented than others, but I feel like it was to try to keep the story strictly to what it needed to be about, instead of going into detail over each of the Bennett sisters when some really weren't necessary to the plot. Also, everyone using Lulu's as a hangout just made me so happy, because food is a love language and Chau uses it well (the soup scene!?! SO good).

If you're a fan of Pride and Prejudice, definitely try picking this up! Just don't expect it to reinvent the wheel (the original plot is fine, thank you very much). Chau's writing style suits Elizabeth's voice well, and the banter and snark had me laughing to myself while I read. I'd love to see more of this universe, and Chau's writing in the future.

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A witty and thought-provoking retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I enjoyed this modern take on the classic story.

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I loved this one! I am such a big fan of classics with a fresh spin. Thanks for letting me read this NetGalley

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A fantastic pride & prejudice retelling. Retellings have a habit of falling short but this one does not disappoint. Chau manages to hold on to the central themes of the original without losing her own touch.

4.5 rounded up.

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'Good Fortune' by C.K. Chau is a modern retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. The characters are charming but the story feels like it stands on its own merits. Though, you'll probably want to reread P&P when you're done!

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This is such a refreshing twist on Pride and Prejudice. I have read many retellings of this storyline in the past but I really enjoyed the cultural dynamics in this one.

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it's a rare and wonderful adaptation that gives me a deeper and fuller understanding of the original work. beautifully and lovingly detailed, and incredibly fun to read for the sake of the prose as well as the story.

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I have tried a few times to start this one and each time I can't seem to get into it. Even waited as long as for the audiobook to come out. Not sure why it loses my interest so quickly (honestly makes me sad) but for now I'm just putting it to the side. Will try again another day because I do genuinely want to read this book. Giving 2 stars because of all what I've just said.

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Charming, lighthearted book that’s more than just fluff.

The book is a retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice set in New York’s Chinatown. The author hilariously and insightfully explores the divisions of class within the Chinese American and Chinese community.

I especially enjoyed the central conflict of the main character who wanted to save the community center versus the overseas investors, who were more interested in turning a profit.

Highly recommend!

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While this retelling also deals with issues of identity, gentrification, capitalism, immigration, etc. I think trying to stick to the original's framework probably hindered the retelling a bit. This is inevitable because some elements simply will not translate to the modern day (what's the equivalent of a cell phone?) and like others, I wish this had deviated from the original a little more to better adapt to today.

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Thank you for giving me the arc in exchange of my honest review.

It's quite enjoyable book about a family. I like it how the tale sets in different culture.

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This was not for me. I wanted to love it because I love reading books about different cultures...but the sister characters were so whiny. It was a clever take on Pride and Prejudice, but ultimately the angsty vibe didn't work for me.

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I am an avid consumer of all retellings of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, and this particular adaptation is no exception. It is brilliantly executed, as it is set in a modern era and in the Chinatown neighborhood of New York City. I enjoyed the original novel immensely, and I find that this retelling is no less witty, well-written, and enjoyable.

I would like to extend my gratitude to NetGalley and Harper Collins for providing me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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I wanted to love Good Fortune, and in fact I loved a few of the plot lines (namely, the brother’s), but the overall premise didn’t totally hook me. Still, a cute story of familial love.

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This Pride and Prejudice retelling is set in New York City's Chinatown. Elizabeth Chen's family runs a real estate company and struggles to make ends meet. Darcy Wong is well-off and travels all over the world. In typical stereotyping, all the same misconceptions that occur in the original tale occur. It's interesting to see the tale set in a new modern setting with a new location and culture.

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I really wanted to get into this read but I just couldn't get into it. I couldn't connect with the characters maybe I'll try to revisit this read at another time.

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Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC! I was intrigued by the premise when I saw this was available. A Pride and Prejudice retelling, set in NYC’s Chinatown and in the early aughts? It sounded tailor made for my millennial heart! This book had a strong start but unfortunately the middle of the book slow down (which happens in the source material) was significant. It took me a long time to finish. I think where Good Fortune fails is that it tried to become a romcom whereas P&P is really more of a comedy of manners and family story with romantic elements. But it wasn’t just that. I found the writing plodding and failed to deliver on its charming premise. If you’re looking for a creative, finely crafted P&P retelling set within an ethnic enclave, I recommend Uzma Jalaluddin.

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This was such a fun retelling of Pride and Prejudice. I liked how the author took such a classic story and gave it hwr own special twist. A Chinese family, in Chinatown New York, in the 1990s. I especially loved how sassy Elizabeth was and the banter between her and her sisters, her mother, and of course, Mr. Darcy. A great read for anyone who loves a retelling.

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I requested this because if the description. I’ve never read Pride and Prejudice but I have wanted to for a long time now. I’m glad I chose this, it was fun, witty, and well written! It is also a huge plus that it’s a story told from an ethnic perspective.
I also loved that community was a big theme throughout this story, because in todays world especially in large cities like NY, the concept can get lost.

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This Pride and Prejudice retelling follows Elizabeth Chen as navigates expectations from her family, community, and just a coming-of-age. The book is set in the 90's in NYC. Elizabeth tries hard to save a local community center that has been in her neighborhood for a long time until Darcy Wong comes into the picture.

This book touches on the difference within a culture and how classes are viewed. The story does a good job of following Elizabeth as she moves through trying to find out who she is within her own culture and the culture of her community.

I love Pride and Prejudice retellings. Chau did a good job with the story and putting a modern-day spin on it.

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