Monday, June 27, 2011

Book Review: Jane by April Lindner

Title: Jane
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.

9 comments:

  1. Thanks for this review. I love Jane Eyre, but hadn't heard of this one. I look forward to hunting it down.

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  2. Interesting 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

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  3. You 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!

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  4. I 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!!

    PS - 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!!!

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  5. 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.
    Thanks again!

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  6. 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!

    @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?

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  7. I'm shocked it's YA and she's 19. I thought there were no exceptions - it had to be new adult.

    I've been drawn to this cover as well. Glad to know you enjoyed it.

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  8. 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.

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  9. Nice 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.

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