Jane by: April Lindner

“Did you find out who set the fire?” I whispered.

He nodded. “It’s all taken care of. There’s nothing more to worry about.” I waited for him to say more but he was silent.

We have a few English classes that read Jane Erye every year and I wanted to review this retelling of Jane Eyre for them. I think they would enjoy this book just as much, if not more than the original because of the modern setting. I read this book back in 2010 when it was released, being a fan of classic retellings, I was thrilled that this one was written for a Young Adult audience.

Forced to drop out of an esteemed East Coast college after the sudden death of her parents, Jane Moore takes a nanny job at Thornfield Park, the estate of Nico Rathburn, a world-famous rock star on the brink of a huge comeback. Practical and independent, Jane reluctantly becomes entranced by her magnetic and brooding employer and finds herself in the midst of a forbidden romance.

But there’s a mystery at Thornfield, and Jane’s much-envied relationship with Nico is soon tested by an agonizing secret from his past. Torn between her feelings for Nico and his fateful secret, Jane must decide: Does being true to herself mean giving up on true love?

An irresistible romance interwoven with a darkly engrossing mystery, this contemporary retelling of the beloved classic Jane Eyre promises to enchant a new generation of readers.

Jane is a modern retelling of the classic Charlotte Bronte novel Jane Eyre. April Lindner takes a beloved character, modernizes her and spins a classic story with a fresh voice. I loved Jane Moore the moment I met her on page one, she is an incredible tribute to the original Jane. This story surprised me at how faithful it was to the original, yet how perfectly set in a modern time made the story stand out on its own. Jane Moore was just as independent, practical and plainspoken as Jane Eyre and just as lovable.

Mr. Rathburn was just as brooding, mercurial and mysterious as our original hero Mr. Rochester. Yet, there was something different about Mr. Rathburn in the sense that I think he was a bit more vulnerable than the original but that just made him all the more captivating.

I loved the Rock-Star element in the story, it was so fun and unique! This story had me captivated from the beginning to the end. It made me immediately want to pick up my tattered, tabbed copy of Jane Erye to read again! That is the same effect I hope it will have with students. It was a wonderful tribute to a beloved classic novel and an enchanting story of loss, love and redemption. I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!