A review by pixie_d
Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys

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.
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