Inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion, this YA book stands out from the others on the post-apocalypse bookshelf. A sci-fi tale that tackles issues of genetic modification, For Darkness Shows the Stars is an exciting story about risk and choices.
Containing thought-provoking ideas regarding the relentless march of progress and technology, Peterfreund’s powerful novel is a must-read for fans of Persuasion.
In general, I like the idea of Jane Austen retellings. Of all her books, I’ve found that I’m drawn the most to variations of Persuasion. Perhaps there is something about it that lends itself to adaptation. However, you don’t have to know anything about Persuasion in order to enjoy this book.
Book Jacket:
In the dystopian future of For Darkness Shows the Stars, a genetic experiment has devastated humanity. In the aftermath, a new class system placed anti-technology Luddites in absolute power over vast estates—and any survivors living there.
Elliot North is a dutiful Luddite and a dutiful daughter who runs her father’s estate. When the boy she loved, Kai, a servant, asked her to run away with him four years ago, she refused, although it broke her heart.
Now Kai is back. And while Elliot longs for a second chance with her first love, she knows it could mean betraying everything she’s been raised to believe is right.
For Darkness Shows the Stars is a breathtaking YA romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.
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Oh, I’ve had this on my “to-read” list for ages and I’d forgotten why! I really need to get to this; I love sci-fi and Persuasion is my favorite Austen 🙂 Love that the main character is named “Elliot”–a little nod to the Austen version there.
I hope you like it as much as I did! The book blurbs really don’t emphasize, or sometimes even mention, the Austen connection, but you’ll find more than a few Persuasion similarities/references if you watch for them.