'Eligible' by Curtis Sittenfeld explores the life of a 37-year-old magazine writer, Liz Bennet, who returns to her hometown to care for her ailing father. The narrative cleverly intertwines themes of family, societal expectations, and romance, while satirizing modern-day life compared to Jane Austen's original 'Pride and Prejudice,' from which it is inspired. As Liz navigates relationships with her sisters and reconnects with the local community, she grapples with her identity and desires.
One character in the story stands out, as Liz reflects on him, saying he seems to have received unearned praise for being both intelligent and virtuous solely based on superficial attributes like height. This observation raises questions about how society often assesses individuals and their worth based on appearances or arbitrary standards rather than their true character and actions. Sittenfeld's narrative delves into these complexities, highlighting both humor and critique in contemporary societal norms.