Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
I read this for the 2019 Pop Sugar Reading Challenge category Retelling of a Classic and I enjoyed it very much. Jane Eyre has always been one of my favorites and for fan fiction this was quite well done and would have been interesting even as a standalone story. The book is told in the first person from Mr. Rochester's point of view and follows the same pattern as Jane Eyre did for Jane, beginning with his lonely childhood and unconventional education, and then fleshing out the events in Jamaica that ended with his being wed to the beautiful but insane Bertha Mason. The tone was very similar to that of Jane Eyre, and after reading about how Edward, like Jane, grew up without love, made dear friends and then lost them, and was then forced to fend for himself, it made sense that these two people would view each other as soulmates. There was also a plot twist that explained why Edward decided to propose to Jane when he did, which made him seem a bit less selfish than he comes across in Jane Eyre.
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Probably the best - or certainly one of the best - books I’ve read this year so far, and I’ve read some brilliant books this year! Not only a brilliant and imaginative retelling of Charlotte Brontë’s ‘Jane Eyre’ from Mr Rochester’s perspective, but the character of Mr Rochester has really been brought to life through an in depth telling of his life story. From when he was a child through to adulthood, and the fantastic climax of when he meets and develops his relationship with Jane, Sarah Shoemaker develops a believable and fantastic interpretation of Mr Rochester. He is written with sympathy and detail that explores his relationship and similarities with Jane even when she is not there, and gives insight readers may not have otherwise considered. Overall producing a fresh, new text that at the same time complements and cooperates with the original. Shoemaker has expertly developed the characterisation of many (including Rochester himself) and perfectly matched the literary style of the story’s context to truly capture Rochester’s own voice.
A thrilling, heartbreakingly devastating and enjoyable read that provides a fresh outlook of a beloved character’s life and mind. I reread ‘Jane Eyre’ every year as it is my all time favourite book, and I daresay I shall be rereading this alongside it in the future also.
A thrilling, heartbreakingly devastating and enjoyable read that provides a fresh outlook of a beloved character’s life and mind. I reread ‘Jane Eyre’ every year as it is my all time favourite book, and I daresay I shall be rereading this alongside it in the future also.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Edward Fairfax Rochester is the neglected younger son of an absent father and a dead mother. His brother, Rowland, is the one who is groomed to be the heir to the estate whilst Edward is destined to make his own way in business in the Caribbean. Proving adept at commerce Edward takes over his father's interests in Jamaica and comes into contact with the Mason family, neighbours and family friends. When Edward falls for the charms of Bertha and rapidly marries her he doesn't realise the legacy that he has inherited and how it will scar and shape his own life.
This is a fictional imagining of the life of Edward Rochester based on the hints contained within Jane Eyre. Shoemaker has stayed closely within the writing style of the 19th Century novel, first person and reflective, and the book works for that. Edward suffers loss at many stages and his later brusqueness is explained by the betrayals by his father. This is a readable and entertaining book - definitely far superior to most 'fan fiction'.
This is a fictional imagining of the life of Edward Rochester based on the hints contained within Jane Eyre. Shoemaker has stayed closely within the writing style of the 19th Century novel, first person and reflective, and the book works for that. Edward suffers loss at many stages and his later brusqueness is explained by the betrayals by his father. This is a readable and entertaining book - definitely far superior to most 'fan fiction'.
I held onto this book a long time before reading it. Now I really wonder what exactly I was waiting for!
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down. If you liked Jane Eyre or Jane Austen's books, you will love this one. Totally captivating story. I was sorry it ended.