in case you can't tell by the title, Jane is a re-telling of Jane Eyre (by Charlotte Bronte).
before i can even talk about the book, though, i have a major confession to make: i don't really like the whole classic-retelling genre. it seems like half the romances out there are retellings of Pride and Prejudice, and then of course there's the whole Pride and Prejudice and Zombies series of bizarre spin-offs (which didn't really do much for me, honestly). of course, you're welcome to your own opinion on this genre! maybe you love the retellings. i just feel that they've gotten a bit out of control.
okay, rant over. back to the book.
synopsis (from author April Lindner's page):
Forced to drop out of an esteemed East Coast college after the sudden death of her parents, Jane Moore takes a nanny job at Thornfield Park, the estate of Nico Rathburn, a world-famous rock star on the brink of a huge comeback. Practical and independent, Jane reluctantly becomes entranced by her magnetic and brooding employer and finds herself in the midst of a forbidden romance. But there's a mystery at Thornfield, and Jane's much-envied relationship with Nico is soon tested by an agonizing secret from his past. Torn between her feelings for Nico and his fateful secret, Jane must decide: Does being true to herself mean giving up on true love?An irresistible romance interwoven with a darkly engrossing mystery, this contemporary retelling of the beloved classic Jane Eyre promises to enchant a new generation of readers.
needless to say, i was a little apprehensive when picking up Jane. but then i thought about it: a retelling of Jane Eyre? okay, that would have to be quite a bit different than a spin-off on Pride and Prejudice...the theme is much harder to copy...this could be interesting. and i did love the idea of a rock star being Mr. Rochester.
and then? i fell in love with the book. i hated it when i had to stop reading. i marvelled at how the story transferred so well to a modern setting. i felt as though i had rediscovered an old friend.
April Lindner is a genius. bottom line.
naturally, there aren't a lot of twists in the story if you've already read Jane Eyre--most of the creativity is in the way Ms. Lindner adapted the classic. however, if you aren't familiar with Jane Eyre, you will still be hooked because Jane completely recaptures the mystery and subtle charm of the original romance. it's the perfect retelling for readers who are or aren't familiar with the original classic!!
didn i mention April Lindner is a genius??
Jane will be officially released on October 11th. i don't normally do this, but i am urging those of you who love British classics as well as modern lit to do yourselves a favor and pick up a copy!
my rating out of 5.0: 4.9
I loved this book as well, and I'm not really into retelling stories usually, either!
ReplyDeleteyay! glad to hear it!!
ReplyDeleteI'm actually a sucker for retellings, but only if they're well written. JANE is definitely high on my list of to-by books, as I loved JANE EYRE. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the review!
you're welcome! i hope you enjoy Jane--it's well-worth the read.
ReplyDeletewow! that's a good score! usually i HATE retellings, but maybe i'll have to give this one a shot...
ReplyDeleteyeah, i think this is one of the highest scores i've given out...
ReplyDeleteIt seems this book is actually worth picking up! (Have read some atrocious "sequels" to JE. Some not even worth the paper they're printed on.) I think this is the second or third review I've read, and people are so positive that I'm definitely getting my hopes up. :)
ReplyDeleteJust not sure when I should read it, as I'm also in the process of creating a modern version of JE as well, and I don't want to be influenced by Lindner's take on things - or be put off writing! (Because I'll probably read hers and go "well there's no point me doing it as well when she's already done it and it's so much better than whatever I'd come up with". ... I have self-esteem issues. :/ )
On the other hand, I am curious about what she's done with poor ol' Bertha, because that's what I'm having a hard time trying to figure out how to modernise, and reading her solution might give me ideas on how to solve it. Oh well. We shall see. :)
This book sounds great!
ReplyDeleteTraxy--sound like a dilemma! but on one hand, people always say you should be well-read in the genre you are writing....
ReplyDeleteMelissa--i'm glad you think so! it really is : )