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A review by dnietoperafan
Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Let's preface this review by saying, I haven't read the whole of Jane Eyre. Nevertheless, I have studied the novel, and I am very familiar with the 'madwoman in the attic' theme.
I don't think you need to read Jane Eyre to follow the plot of Wide Sargasso Sea, but I do believe it will add flavour and depth to this novel. So before reading it, at least have a peruse of SparkNotes to familiarise yourself with Bertha Mason and the views of women of colour at the time.
On to the review... What a book. The plot felt simple, yet effective. The characters felt full-fledged and interesting to read about. Our main character, Antoinette, and her journey from childhood to womanhood left me heartbroken. Not only does Rhys' writing make us feel empathetic to Antoinette, it also showcases the class disparity between her and other Jamaicans.
Rhys did a beautiful job in showcasing the intersectionality between gender, race, and socio-economic class. Every characters feels real; most of them are victims and perpetrators of an unfair class system. There are layers to unpick, and gray areas to understand. I absolutely admired the realness with which Rhys described each interaction.
I can definitely see why this novel has become a stand-out in the postcolonial literary canon.
I don't think you need to read Jane Eyre to follow the plot of Wide Sargasso Sea, but I do believe it will add flavour and depth to this novel. So before reading it, at least have a peruse of SparkNotes to familiarise yourself with Bertha Mason and the views of women of colour at the time.
On to the review... What a book. The plot felt simple, yet effective. The characters felt full-fledged and interesting to read about. Our main character, Antoinette, and her journey from childhood to womanhood left me heartbroken. Not only does Rhys' writing make us feel empathetic to Antoinette, it also showcases the class disparity between her and other Jamaicans.
Rhys did a beautiful job in showcasing the intersectionality between gender, race, and socio-economic class. Every characters feels real; most of them are victims and perpetrators of an unfair class system. There are layers to unpick, and gray areas to understand. I absolutely admired the realness with which Rhys described each interaction.
I can definitely see why this novel has become a stand-out in the postcolonial literary canon.