A review by spootilious
Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys

reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

 

 

Read: July 1st, 2024
 Title: Wide Sargasso Sea 
 Author: Jean Rhys 

Genre:  Historical Fiction / Classics 

Rating: 3.5/5
 Review: 

This book is absolutely breathtaking and very difficult to follow. 

Rhys reminds me so much of Gabriel Garcia Marquez who I absolutely adore. Rhys’ use of magical realism paints such an enchanting vision that I could hardly put the book down. Rhys’ cadence and rhythm had me absolutely mesmerized. 

In a way, I feel as if, because the writing was so beautiful the story was difficult to focus on. There were so many shifts and changes that at some point I had to go back and reread this or that to make sure I understood what was happening. 

The exploration of many of the themes in this work also had me eager for more. The exploration of madness was fascinating, especially with the visions at the end of the book and how she had come to be known as ‘mad’. The view of the power dynamics between men and women during this time period was not unexpected but shocking in the portrayal of the abusive husband. I can imagine the scrutiny and danger writing such a realistic view of a character could be for Rhys and have the utmost respect for her bravery in doing so in the sixties. 
 
 Exploring societies notion of beauty and nonconformities, female resilience across the ages, racial inequality, the danger and nuance of the nature of colonial history are all intriguing themes throughout the novel that has made it the classic it is today. 

I will admit I have not read Jane Eyre, though I have told myself for years that I planned to. Because of this, I feel as if I missed out on quite a lot of the story and plot. As a stand alone the novel falls a bit short, far too disjointed and reliant of the novel to make much sense on its own. However, it is still a book I am very glad I have had the chance to experience. 

 

I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys magical realism, classics, Jane Eyre, or simply wishes for a unique perspective on colonial history. 

 

QUOTES: N/A