Modern contrast to pride and prejudice!

Hi everyone,

I'm currently doing a project where i'm studying changing attitudes to romance over time and how this is reflected in literature - I'm looking to compare 'Pride and prejudice' with a contemporary romance. Only problem is, I can't find the right modern romance to contrast it with!

Preferably, it should be written by a woman, have some kind of literary merit, have some themes in common with P&P and most importantly give me lots to talk about in terms of changing romantic etiquette - for example, a woman with a job, actively dating, premarital sex, etc, would all be points to contrast with the more conservative society of Austen's time.

I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas? :) would be much appreciated!

Thanks!
Esther

Bridget Jones' Diary maybe?

I second that! The author of that novel admitted she wrote the character Mark Darcy with Colin Firth in mind (hence wh he was cast for the film).

I third it, LOL. I just can't think of any others. Of course, it is an acknowledged interpretaion of Pride and Prejudice so I don't know if it counts, but it shows how well Austen's themes adapt themselves to the contemporary dating scene.