What Is The Plot Summary Of Most Ardently?

Gosh, 'Most Ardently' hit me right in the feels! It’s basically if you took everything you love about 'Pride and Prejudice'—the banter, the slow burn, the societal drama—and gave it a vibrant LGBTQ+ twist. Oliver Bennet is such a relatable protagonist; his frustration with being seen as a 'daughter' when he knows he’s a son is portrayed with so much heart. The way Darcy’s pride clashes with Oliver’s prejudice (against high society’s rigidity) creates this delicious tension. And the letters! They’re even more emotional here, with Oliver hiding his true self in ink.

The side characters add so much flavor—like Charlotte Lucas becoming Oliver’s confidante, or Bingley’s awkward but well-meaning attempts to be supportive. The plot’s faithful enough to satisfy Austen purists but bold enough to stand on its own. That moment when Oliver binds his chest with linen strips? Historical accuracy meets raw vulnerability. And the ending—no spoilers, but let’s just say Darcy’s 'most ardently' line lands differently when directed at a man he truly sees. Perfect for book clubs because you’ll argue about which version of Darcy is more swoon-worthy.

The novel 'Most Ardently' is a fresh, queer retelling of 'Pride and Prejudice' that flips the script in the most delightful way. Imagine Elizabeth Bennet as Oliver Bennet, a trans man navigating Regency-era England's stifling expectations while wrestling with his identity and growing feelings for Darcy. The core tension remains—class divides, misunderstandings, and societal pressure—but with added layers of gender exploration. Oliver's sharp wit and defiance shine as he resists being forced into marriage plots, while Darcy's arc becomes even more poignant as he grapples with his attraction to Oliver. The book cleverly preserves Austen’s social commentary but injects modern urgency into Oliver’s struggle for self-determination.

What really stuck with me was how the author reimagined iconic scenes, like the disastrous first ball or the infamous proposal, through Oliver’s perspective. the lake scene? Absolute chills. It’s not just a gender-swapped gimmick; the emotional weight feels deeper because Oliver’s authenticity is constantly under threat. The supporting cast gets subtle twists too—Jane’s quiet support as an ally, Lady Catherine’s transphobic villainy—making the world feel both familiar and thrillingly new. If you’ve ever wished Austen’s characters could break free from their era’s constraints, this book lets them fight for it, corsets and all.

A friend shoved 'Most Ardently' into my hands saying, 'You need this,' and wow, were they right. It’s 'Pride and Prejudice' but gayer and with way more corset-related angst. Oliver’s journey mirrors Lizzy’s independence but amps up the stakes—every misgendering or marriage ultimatum feels like a knife twist. The romance is slower, sweeter, because Darcy isn’t just overcoming pride; he’s unlearning prejudice about gender. The scene where Oliver finally corrects someone’s 'Miss Bennet'? Cheered out loud. Also, the book nails the humor—imagine Mr. Collins fumbling through a sermon about 'natural order' while Oliver rolls his eyes. Pure gold.