Author: April Lindner
Category: Young Adult*
Published: 2010
I DEVOURED this book. Jane is a perfect beach read (or a stay-up-late-in-your-house read). I admit, I have not read Jane Eyre, which this is a modern retelling of, so the story was new to me. Based on the plotting, I could tell it mirrored another book, since with any spin on a classic, sometimes the details don't totally come together without feeling a bit awkward or forced. The pacing in the second half of the book seemed rushed, with a lot of time passing within a few later chapters compared to the timeline of the first half. This pulled me out of the story a few times, but not enough to make me put the book down.
I always mention covers: this one manages a modern feel with a hint of a throwback. The Jane of the cover is more stylishly dressed than the character in the book, but to entice a reader, I think the look is perfect.
Jane is a character to root for. She is frustratingly bland at times, but her internal reflections reveal the depth of her character. She was not a cookie-cutter type personality, which I appreciated. All of the characters are nuanced and flawed, and Jane recognizes this as well, which gives weight to the decisions she makes.
I look forward to reading the original Jane Eyre.
*I found this in Young Adult, but the protagonist is 19 and in college when the book starts. I'm GLAD to see a YA book about an older character, but I know the industry can get picky about what YA is and where to shelf the book.
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Thanks for this review. I love Jane Eyre, but hadn't heard of this one. I look forward to hunting it down.
ReplyDeleteInteresting book, I'll have to check it out. Thanks for your suggestions on my blog about my book launch - all greatly appreciated. I do belong to SCBWI, but I am not sure how to utilize that connection. I do have a bunch of bloggers that I contacted specifically because they are teachers and librarians. If you are interested in reviewing my book, I'd love to have you. Look forward to reading more. Melissa
ReplyDeleteYou must read Jane Eyre!..You'd love it. This is an interesting idea (rewriting classics with a modern twist). I think my daughter and I will try reading it. Thanks for the info!
ReplyDeleteI love knowing that age 19 still allows it to be YA. It sounds good. I haven't read Jane Eyre either but I am curious to now read both!!
ReplyDeletePS - Answering your question over on my blog I found my crit partners online. Twitter and blogging is a great place to find those who are looking for an extra set of eyes!!! Feel free to email me at jenniferdaiker@gmail.com if you want to chat more in detail!!!
New follower here! Thanks for the review. I LOVE the original "Jane Eyre" and I hadn't heard of this version until now. I'm going to order it from Amazon today.
ReplyDeleteThanks again!
I saw the reviews on a number of blogs and my local bookstore had it on an endcap as a movie tie-in when the new Jane Eyre came out. Maybe I can squeeze in the classic before the new film comes to DVD!
ReplyDelete@Melissa: I haven't joined SCBWI yet b/c I don't feel far enough along in my writing, but I keep hearing it's never too early to join. Other than hearing people say it's a resource, I don't know what specfically they offer. I suppose each regional group varies?
I'm shocked it's YA and she's 19. I thought there were no exceptions - it had to be new adult.
ReplyDeleteI've been drawn to this cover as well. Glad to know you enjoyed it.
I read this book a few months ago and loved it!! I actually have since read JANE EYRE and it was, well, not my favorite.
ReplyDeleteNice review. I agree, it bothers me when 3/4 of the book is beginning, then some middle and then the last two pages sum up the entire book.
ReplyDelete