Gay version of 'Emma' in the works

LOS ANGELES, July 23 (UPI) -- Norilana Books has announced it is publishing "James Fairfax," a re-imaging of Jane Austen's novel "Emma," in which same-sex marriage is commonplace.

Penned by Adam Campan, the book is slated for release next month. Austen is also given writing credit for "Fairfax," which draws largely on her 1816 British romance.

"In this stunning, gender-bending, stylish dance-of-manners version of Jane Austen's beloved classic novel 'Emma' -- an alternate Regency where gay marriage is commonplace and love is gender-blind -- matchmaking Emma Woodhouse tries to find a suitable spouse for her lover Harriet Smith, and is embroiled in the secrets of the relationship between the mysterious and accomplished James Fairfax and the handsome Frank Churchill."

The original novel is about Emma's discovery that she is in love with family friend Mr. Knightley after her friend Harriet shows interest in him. The book also features a sub-plot involving a clandestine relationship between Churchill and Jane Fairfax.