ROSEWOOD

The works of Jane Austen and William Shakespeare blend well in this contemporary love story starring two Bengali American teens.

Eila and Mallika Das share traits with Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, respectively, from Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility: Responsible Eila plans to put aside her love for Shakespeare and acting to pursue law, a more sensible career path; vivacious, bisexual Mallika is emotionally driven and enjoys watching titillating Regency-era romances. Eila is devastated to learn that her beloved Shakespeare summer academy has been canceled and replaced by a Regency camp set up by the producers of Rosewood, a television show Mallika describes as “Bridgerton meets Murder, She Wrote.” Not only that, but Mallika has submitted applications on behalf of them both to attend the camp for opportunities to be cast as minor characters in the show’s second season. Though she’s reluctant, Eila agrees to go, hoping to feel carefree again, like she was before their father died. After Eila encounters rakish camper Rahul Lee, “a somewhat good Bangladeshi Chinese Singaporean British boy” who matches her in wit and appreciation for theater and literature, she explores the intricacies of the heart—much to her head’s apprehension. DasGupta immerses readers in a Regency experience, providing information regarding attire, etiquette, and history between chapters, and actively promotes inclusivity through the diversity of the characters, who challenge casting norms.

Rollicking, romantic, and relevant fun.