Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre
Author: Abridged by Patrice Lawrence @LawrencePatrice
Illustrations: Hannah Peck @hpillustration_
Published by: Walker Books @WalkerBooksUK
Published on: 4th January 2024
Price: £7.99
First line: The sun is setting and the rain beats against the window.
Genre: Classic
Age: 9+
ISBN: 978 1 5295 0662 4
What’s it all about? A young 10-year-old orphan called Jane is mistreated both physically and psychologically by her aunt and her siblings in their grand house – Gateshead. Soon, she is sent away to a private school, the Loxwood Institution, and has to survive appalling conditions, teachers and bullies. Eventually, after becoming a teacher herself, she leaves and goes to work, as a governess, at Thornfield Hall for the mysterious and brooding Mr Rochester. Slowly, she falls in love with him, but what is Mr Rochester hiding and will it destroy them all?
Why should I read it? I, personally, have never read the original and am not inclined to do so. This genre of book does not appeal to me. I like some classics, such as Charles Dickens, J Meade Faulkner, Robert Louis Stevenson etc. Even though the story is set in a previous century the themes of betrayal, loss, struggle, survival, love, hope resonate today. Patrice does a brilliant job of making the story so much more than just a romantic tale. I was intrigued by Jane’s traumatic upbringing and how she transforms herself into a smart, successful person. I felt so frustrated for her as she battles older cousins and teachers. I sank to the bottom with her as her heart is broken and she runs away from Thornfield Hall. Jane’s character would make a great discussion at various stages as to why she keeps her feelings hidden and what her thoughts might be at certain points in the story. And, the mystery that surrounds the Hall kept me reading right until the end. A truly tragic tale, but one with light at the end. I am inclined now to try the original!
Kinkajousreadtoo 
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