My Plain Jane

Publication Date: 26 June 2018

Publisher: HarperCollins

Pages: 464

Summary:

Mention of the word "classical" brings certain expectations to mind. Flattering attire, uptight mannerisms, and serene depictions are all believed to commiserate in order to give classic literature a unique aura. An aura that retellings come to flip upside down. Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre receives such an adaptation in My Plain Jane, an audacious novel that presents Bronte's tale like never seen before. Jane's tale begins with an invitation to become a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she meets Mr. Rochester, a handsome yet brooding gentleman who soon captures the heart of our young heroine. When it soon becomes clear that the strange gentleman is hiding something, Jane must rely on her cleverness, friends, and a touch of supernatural elements to uncover the mystery that haunts the hallowed halls. Witty narration, gothic settings, and a secret ghost-busting society all combine to deliver an innovative take on the story of Jane Eyre.

Review:

Plot:

My Plain Jane was a true delight to read. Light-hearted enjoyment radiated from each of the novel's combined chapters, delivering a story that was both whimsical and witty. Comic relief was etched into every syllable of the narrator's witty remarks, giving the story a personal yet slightly detached perspective. I found the plot line of this story to be incredibly clever and engrossing, an aspect that kept me engage throughout the duration of the story. However, I did feel that the tone could become a bit too witty at times and may have benefitted from a more even balance of seriousness and wit. Overall, felt that engraining fantastical elements into Bronte's classic story served to give the novel a distinctly original and creative feel, one unlike any retelling has done before.

Characters:

Determination, artistic talent, and a psychic ability offer a new approach to Jane's character. I throughly enjoyed tracing Jane's development throughout the novel, finding it to be an even mixture between steady pacing and suspense-full inclination. I also thoroughly enjoyed reading about the other character's perspectives and roles in the story, an aspect that added variety to the novel's context.

Setting:

Gothic England always seems to pique my interest when it comes to stories. I found the setting of this story to be well-researched and factual, from both England itself and the original work. I also enjoyed how the authors integrated prominent locations in Bronte's initial piece into their retelling, offering the novel a familiar yet unique impression.

Review:

My overall review for this novel is four and a half stars out of five. I enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to those who enjoyed The Afterlife of Holly Chase and My Lady Jane. Thanks for reading :)