Something Truly Horrific and Mad is in the Attics at Thornfield
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Blog Tour
TYPE OF NOVEL: Paranormal Retelling of Jane Eyre, Gender Reversed
SETTING: Yorkshire, 1843
SYNOPSIS: John Eyre accepts a tutor position at Thornfield Hall where he discovers his pupils have some odd peculiarities, his employer is an alluring and mercurial young widow, and his place of work is a remote estate shrouded in sinister danger…
WHAT I LOVED:
- An Ingenious Retelling: Whereas zombies don’t exactly feel like they belong in P&P, it isn’t a far stretch to imagine supernatural creatures lurking in the pages of Jane Eyre. Both the gender reversal and the inclusion of gothic elements were thoughtfully and skillfully executed in this retelling. Ms. Matthews handpicked which characters and plot points she wanted to incorporate and omitted any that would have felt extraneous. It was quite interesting to see the new ways she implemented some characters such as Helen Burns and Blanche Ingram. Even though the story travels some familiar paths it was still full of originality and unpredictability.
- Then and Now: While the bulk of the action takes place in 1843, the reader learns about past events through letters and journal entries that are woven into this tale. These are all from the perspective of Bertha Mason and flesh out her character and recent past. Not only did these letters and entries drop clues for the reader about Mr. Rochester, but they also brought about a deeper understanding of Mrs. Rochester’s journey and personality.
- An Empowered Heroine: Oh yes! Such a transformation for Bertha Rochester! No “poor, obscure, plain, and little” heroine in this tale. Bertha is courageous, independent, determined, and so resilient. She is a force, and I want to grow up to be just like her. 😉 Ms. Matthews made it a particular point to portray Mrs. Rochester as a strong and capable woman – one who doesn’t need to be rescued by someone else or taken care of, but one who is seeking someone to stand by her side and believe her. And it made me love this story all the more.
- Left in the Dark: There is plenty of darkness in this tale, and while the reader can pick up on many clues and make discoveries, there is much that Ms. Matthews doesn’t fully reveal until the end. I loved the heightened suspense of these unrevealed mysteries, and I loved witnessing John’s discovery of it all and following his ruminating questions. Why is the dangerous Mr. Poole still employed at Thornfield? Where did Mrs. Rochester’s wards come from? How did Mrs. Rochester escape her situation in Bulgaria?
- Fierce Passions: Charlotte Brontë would be proud! These characters are written with passion and expressive natures. Whether they are passions driven by anger, love, fear, or loyalty – they are on powerful display in this tale.
- Stephen and Peter: I was completely endeared to the wards of Mrs. Rochester. I love how John grew to care for them so deeply and how protective Mrs. Rochester is of them. The way these boys warm up to John and his sheer joy in their progress was so touching to witness.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- That it left me wanting more!
CONCLUSION:
Haunting, passionate, and alluring – this is one supernatural story I did not mind being compelled to read! John Eyre is a masterful and thoughtful homage to both Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre and Bram Stoker’s Dracula that is sure to be appreciated and admired by readers – whether they be fans of beloved classic literature, admirers of Ms. Matthew’s spellbinding and enthralling prose, or lovers of perfectly horrid gothic novels.
~~~
I may be the only person who does not like Jane Eyre. I watch all the versions but something about the story irritates me. Having said that, this sounds like a version of the story that I would enjoy! Thanks for the review.
I know most of my high school lit class was of the same opinion as you, Brenda. I think that is very fair of you to keep trying with Jane Eyre. I would be curious to hear if you like John more than you do Jane.
Fabulous review, Meredith! I am so looking forward to reading this ‘Jane Eyre’ inspired novel. I have read ‘Jane Eyre’ so many times and to see this twist to one of my all time favourite novels is amazing…especially from the talented Mimi Matthews!
Thank you, Carole! This one is a gem – I think you will love it!
Loved reading your thoughts on this book, Meredith, especially knowing how you must love the original Jane Eyre. Mimi Matthews is a superb author, so I’m very excited to read her take, and I love her idea of swapping genders to give us a fresh take on this beloved story.
Thank you, Christina! ❣️ I appreciate you checking out my review. The gender swap was a inventive twist! I hope you get the chance to read this one soon!
My favorite version of Jane Eyre is the 1983 series with Timothy Dalton as Rochester, and I have listened to the book on audio and read it… This sounds like a very interesting twist.on the story, where I imagine Mr. Rochester truly is a villain.
Ooohh! I do not think I’ve seen that one. It was such an interesting twist!
I don’t know if I would have even thought Of reading this book without a glowing review. I used to be a big fan of Jane Eyre earlier in my young adulthood. As I got older I found it depressing. Now with this twist I really want to read this book!
Ooh! I am so glad you found this review to be enticing!
Jane Eyre was “assigned summer reading” for me going into 7th grade. Loved it. I have read the story in part or whole numerous times and collected all the DVDs of it. So I will definitely add this to my TBR pile. Great review, Meredith.
That’s wonderful, Sheila! I am so happy to hear it holds such a special place in your heart! I look forward to hearing what you think of this story!
WOW! Dang, Meredith, that was an amazing review. Whew! I am shaking in my slippers just reading this. I wasn’t sure I wanted to tackle this as it seemed too dark but your review made me want to read it. So… fanfare… on the wish list it goes. Blessings.
Haha! I’m glad my review helped you put this book on your wishlist! It is so well done. I don’t think you will be sorry!
Wasn’t this brilliant? I loved it, too, Meredith.
So brilliant! Glad to hear you loved it too!
Really like premise. Thanks for the review and putting this on my radar.
My pleasure! I hope you get the chance to read it soon!
I’m a Jane Eyre fan, so this sounds so good.
denise
Yay! I am glad to hear it!
I’m not a huge fan of Jane Eyre. I did like the adaptations however and as someone said above the Timothy Dalton one is a favourite of mine. I’m looking forward to reading this and after your review Meredith I must get to it as soon as possible.
Oh wonderful, Teresa! That is wonderful that even though you are not a fan of Jane Eyre you are intrigued to read this story! I do hope you love it!
This was a brilliant review of a remarkable reimagining. Love it!
Thank you so much, Christina! You are so lovely to say so. I’m not surprised to hear you loved this one!
Fabulous review, Meredith. “…spellbinding and enthralling prose,..” I could not agree more! Best, LA
Thank you, Laurel Ann! I am so thankful for the opportunity to read and review this story! It is a gem!
I’m such a Mimi Matthews fan and embarrassed it took me so long to give her a chance! I even had a couple of her books sitting in my TBR for some time before finally digging in. This new book seems like a wild departure, but maybe not. I won a copy of this and I’m so excited to read it even though, like some others said, my opinion wavered when I got older. I have my favorite movies of the book too but they switch around. 🙂
Thanks for the great review, Meredith. Congratulations to Mimi on this release.