Dreamspinner Press, publishers of Gay Erotic Romance as they define themselves, publish this month the following book.A Hidden Passion by Lucia LoganA gay version of Jane Eyre? It's not the first case that we have reported it. But according to Speak its Name, maybe this time it's a little bit more than just a version of Charlotte Brontë's work:
Orphaned as an infant in the 1800's, David Ayres endures a loveless childhood among unfeeling relations and education at a bleak charity school. Despite these hardships, he grows into a caring and self-reliant young man. Hoping to widen his limited experience, David accepts a position as a tutor to the ward of a wealthy but mysterious employer. While drawn to the brooding and passionate Peter Frederik Nordsen, a series of disturbing events threaten David's safety and his heart. Based on a timeless classic, this compelling story follows David's journey through dark secrets and hidden passions in his search for love. Read full chapter excerpt.
ISBN: 978-0-9795048-6-0
Length: 436 Pages
Publication Date: August, 2007
Illustrations & Cover art by Antonia Stone
Cover design by Mara McKennen
In the preface to this book, the author calls this “an homage to Jane Eyre.” This, to my eyes, is NOT an homage. An homage involves two works sharing some basic elements without being the exact same story. Rent could be taken as an homage to La Boheme, for example. There are similar themes—bohemians coping with love, poverty and death—but the characters and the plot differ.In the post you can find comparisons between Hidden Passion and Jane Eyre quite illustrative.
That’s not the case here. In scene after scene, Logan either paraphrases Bronte or her words are absolutely identical to Bronte’s. I am amazed that an editor at Dreamspinner Press didn’t notice it prior to purchasing the book, never mind publication. (...)
The sad thing is that the story could have been interesting if Logan had gone with Jane Eyre’s basic plotline–”orphaned governess/tutor falls in love with the master of the house”–but let the tutor and the gentleman develop their own backgrounds and problems and personalities, rather than being Homosexual Rochester and Genderswitched Jane. As it is…well, I’m sadly disappointed in the—no, I cannot call her the author.
How can you be strict in judging this book? Ok, Logan copies - well, almost transcribes - "Jane Eyre", but the result is such an irresistible guilty pleasure, that you cannot help but fall in love with this gay version of the classic story. Charlotte Bronte provides atmosphere and romance while Lucia Logan adds some sexy scenes. Now that the publishing house has withdrawn this title, it could become a cult favourite.
ReplyDeleteHello Dario,
ReplyDeleteWe are not judging the book, given that we haven't read it ourselves. We are merely reporting what someone who has read the book said about it. You yourself say it's almost a transcription, so you do agree with that. We are not passing judgment on whether the result of that is positive or negative.
Anyway, we are glad you liked it. Thanks for your comment :)