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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
I loved the protagonist in this book, although she turned out to be much different than what I expected when I first started it. The twists were fun and unexpected. I found it to be much more engaging than Jane Eyre, to be honest, even though there was a slow part in the middle.
I'm going to add this to my list of absolute favorite books! From the reviews I read, this was meant to be bloody and entertaining. Imagine my surprise when I start to read this book and find that it's deep, funny, and charming. To be clear, this is not exactly the Jane Eyre parody some people were making it out to be. The character of Jane Steele has read Bronte's work and empathizes with Eyre. The places she goes and secondary characters are certainly similar, but they stand out as their very own inspiring personalities.
What isn't there to love? There are snarky relationships, characters that surprise, Sikh culture and history, and absolutely beautiful writing. Honestly, even if the story had been awful (which it was NOT), I would have been glad to read it because the writing style was so pleasing. I borrowed this from the library, but I'll be promptly buying my own copy so I'll be able to re-read it in the future.
What isn't there to love? There are snarky relationships, characters that surprise, Sikh culture and history, and absolutely beautiful writing. Honestly, even if the story had been awful (which it was NOT), I would have been glad to read it because the writing style was so pleasing. I borrowed this from the library, but I'll be promptly buying my own copy so I'll be able to re-read it in the future.
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:
Yes
This book was not for me and I probably should have known that from the description. Definitely a case of going off the serial killer blurb rather than reading the entire description. The first half I really enjoyed and it kind of tracked more with what I expected - Austen/Bronte vibes but add more murdering and rage with the patriarchy. Then an entirely new plot crops up which is also entwined with a blooming relationship with Charles Thornfield, which I had no interest in. It was also a bit jarring to have this brand new story line show up so late in the book. I would have rather continued to explore the feminist rage vibes and her relationship with Clark (such strong queer coding that kind of went nowhere).
I think if you enjoy regency/victorian era writing (which is not a favorite of mine) with a slightly darker twist and the full description sounds interesting to you, then it may be worth a read. Also worth noting the audiobook narrator was excellent.
I think if you enjoy regency/victorian era writing (which is not a favorite of mine) with a slightly darker twist and the full description sounds interesting to you, then it may be worth a read. Also worth noting the audiobook narrator was excellent.
Meh. It’s part mystery, part satire, and part psychopath murderer. It’s not quite one thing and it got better about half-way through, but not my favorite. It felt like a novel with an unreliable narrator, but it’s not, and that threw me off.
Utterly delightful. Faye captures the spirit of [b:Jane Eyre|10210|Jane Eyre|Charlotte Brontë|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327867269s/10210.jpg|2977639] and the Victorian cadence without sounding derivative or dull. I chuckled out loud many times and rooted for Jane Steele the entire way. She certainly captures what life is like for a variety of 19th century women all in Jane's experience - poor relation, boarding school inmate, working class woman trying to avoid prostitution, governess, marriage material, heiress. I also enjoyed the inclusion of various minorities, especially Sikhs. I don't want to say more for fear of ruining a wonderful, wonderful book, but this is a must read for fans of historical fiction, Jane Eyre, and awesome female-drive narratives. Fabulous historical description, engaging characters, fun plot, and a charming mix of suspense and humor. Why only 4 stars? I wanted more (mostly to fill the gaps in time)!
The fine print: received ARC from NetGalley.
The fine print: received ARC from NetGalley.
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Loved loved loved it. I loved Jane Eyre and was excited to read this retelling. It did not disappoint. It made me laugh and it shocked me. I could not be happier with this retelling.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’m giving this one 4 stars because the first half of the book was excellent. The Thornfield backstory felt like overkill (pun intended), and didn’t gel as well with the rest of the plot. Not a bad retelling of Jane Eyre, however.