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horsehighpriestess's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
hannah_who's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
libliz's review against another edition
5.0
I'm typically not a fan of re-tellings/prequels/sequels to literary canon; however, this is an example of it done correctly. Loosely affiliated, beautiful, enlightening, and--in true Jean Rhys style--irresistibly tragic.
alisarae's review against another edition
A Jane Eyre prequel from Rochester's wife's POV is such a great concept. I didn't love the execution of it, though. The characters felt too distant, even though it was told in first person... like their thoughts were too broad and often about nature or dreams, when I wanted them to be more introspective in the moment they were experiencing.
Even so, I want to read more of this author's books and her life sounds fascinating.
Even so, I want to read more of this author's books and her life sounds fascinating.
aislinn_h's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
altraletteratura's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
mystinctive's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
pixie_d's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The intro from someone in the 1960s saying how modern the writing was. As skilled as the author is, none of her books listed in the intro seem to have endured other than this one for its connection to Jane Eyre. And yet it doesn't have much to do with Jane Eyre until the very end. It is more a reimagining than an actual prequel.
Rhys does a marvelous job with atmosphere, but the plot is lurid and disturbing. If I weren't trying to fulfill a book challenge prompt to read a "prequel," I might have dnf'd it despite the writing skill and the short length. So many trigger warnings. You'll need a strong stomach to get through this.
Rhys does a marvelous job with atmosphere, but the plot is lurid and disturbing. If I weren't trying to fulfill a book challenge prompt to read a "prequel," I might have dnf'd it despite the writing skill and the short length. So many trigger warnings. You'll need a strong stomach to get through this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Rape, Forced institutionalization, and Fire/Fire injury
caitowen26's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0