Bag a Boyfriend

"The book made me question my love for reading." - Goodreads review Take one of the best novels ever written. Move it to Aotearoa New Zealand. Add one of the worst TV formats ever invented. And...you've got this novel. "..the reality TV show setting (is) the closest thing in modern society to resemble early 19th century Britain" - Goodreads review Lizzy is devoted to her work to avoid her life, or lack there of, till her mother signs her up for a dating show. Mrs Bennet is "plain rude, toxic and passive aggressive towards everyone, especially her daughter" (Goodreads review) just like she is in the novel. There isn't a lot of reality in reality TV, manipulation is the name of the game and the terribly named "Bag a Boyfriend" is no different. Lizzy swings between mocking every aspect and enchanted with the love story developing between "the boyfriend" and Jane, another contestant. When the show finally screens she has no idea how she'll be portrayed, whether she'll destroy her mothers business, what's going on with her sexuality and there's always that pesky producer hovering in the background. Austenite Frances Duncan's reimagining of Pride and Prejudice set in New Zealand is an complicated romp through reality TV clichés where everyone gets a happy ending. Still not sure if you want to read? "This book is absurd." - Goodreads review What else do you need to know?