Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Kimberly Bennett begins her "sequel" at the point where "Jane Eyre" leaves off, with a description of Jane and Edward's wedding day and early married life, as they adjust to each other sexually and otherwise. As if to mimic the original, the sequel also includes a crazy lady with murderous intent, although this one is not locked up and is a bit more of a threat to Edward since he is blind. It also expands upon the Rochesters' relationship to her newfound cousins, the Rivers', as Diana and Mary become brides, and St. John prepares for the mission field in India. The little orphan Adele makes a cameo appearance every so often, as she is mostly at school.
Although I enjoyed the "sequel" for the most part, it really didn't convince me that "that's the way it happened." 1. Being a self-proclaimed "passionate" woman, I don't believe that Jane would have the problems adjusting to a sexual relationship that is described in this book. Nor do I believe that Edward would let it go on for so long! (2) I have some real problems with St. John Rivers' passion for Jane, and her own inner glee when he offers to drop all his missionary plans and run off with her to America. That he might feel such passion doesn't surprise me, but that he would act on it just doesn't seem in character. And that Jane would take pleasure in the suffering of another...well, if she did, she'd never write about it. (3) And that leads to my third point: Jane would never write in such detail about her sexual relationship. THAT is quite definitely a characteristic of TODAY'S romance novels. Perhaps it was necessary to capture the attention of today's readers. But I just don't believe that Charlotte Bronte would have done it that way.
In spite of the above, I would have given this book a four-star rating if it weren't for all the annoying typos and grammar errors in it--more than I've seen in ANY book! Doesn't the editor know the difference between "its" and "it's" or "there" and "their" or the error in saying "Edward and I" when it should be "Edward and me". Believe me, the sheer NUMBER of errors is staggering and makes one suspect that this publishing company is less than professional. Also, books this size are difficult to hold with one hand and require that one be sitting up to read it. PLEASE!
If you're a dyed-in-the-wool Jane Eyre fan, you shouldn't miss this one, but I wouldn't call it a romance exactly since it covers mostly what happens AFTER the "happy ever after" ending of the original novel. So if you're looking for romance, read (or reread) the original!
Click Here to see more reviews about: Jane Rochester: A Novel Inspired by Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre
Jane Rochester: A Novel Inspired by Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre Revised Edition is a respectful and loving continuation of the well-loved English literary character.Jane Rochester is a memoir of the first years of Jane and Edward's marriage.Jane and Edward must overcome obstacles to bliss, must learn to live together and finally to trust one another.It is a classic gothic tale with real passion, real danger and the constant guiding voice of Jane.
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