A couple of new self-published fan-fiction sequels of Jane Eyre written by M. J. Harrison:Jane Eyre: My Private Autobiography
W.J. Harrison
Jane Eyre at last tells the real story of her life, holding nothing back. From the sadistic torments she endured at Gateshead Hall to her sensual awakening at Lowood School, she reveals the truths that have heretofore been hidden from the world. Though the events of her life have been recounted before, in her "private autobiography" Jane at last reveals the unvarnished story of her life.
"A reimagining of Charlotte Brontë's classic tale, told from a more intimate point of view.
... Harrison mirrors the setting and first-person perspective of Brontë's original in what seems to be an attempt to explore Jane's thoughts and feelings even more deeply ("No lofty allusions to literature or theology will elevate my tale. I will not pause, or edit, or rework my words to seem more pleasing").... The author has certainly absorbed the diction and tone of the period ... Such elevated narration does make for diverting reading.... Well-written and often entertaining...." - Kirkus Reviews
And we have also a sort of spin-off of the aforementioned sequel:Mary Anne
W.J. Harrison
Leaving behind her best friend Jane Eyre, Mary Anne Wilson runs away from the drab confines of Lowood School to the glittering world of the London stage. There are not many career options for a gently-reared female in early nineteenth century England, and Mary Anne must make her own way in the world after she is cast off by her mother.
But behind the scenes, she finds that life in the theater is not always as it seems. When one of the cast is found brutally murdered, Mary Anne begins to wonder if anyone is really as they appear. The company journeys to the ancient Cornwall mansion of Petroc Trevarron, the wealthy and aristocratic man who is the director of the production. But there Mary Anne finds no answers, only more questions: who is responsible for these ghastly crimes? Could it possibly be Petroc, the enigmatic man she is very much afraid she is falling in love with?
"From the sadistic torments she endured at Gateshead Hall to her sensual awakening at Lowood School,
ReplyDeleteYou mean being tortured by the Reeds in their special Red room didn't sensual awakening our Jane?
Slow Jane! Dullard Jane!
You need more whippings for that lol
I'm so old, I remember when this would be called porn and attainable only at XXX book stores in the seedy part of town . Now it's called literature with a Kirkus Review! lol ( However the plain wrapper of earlier times has been retained )
No lofty allusions to literature or theology will elevate my tale...
lol Stop! You are killing me! My laugh lines are hurting!
I have read this book and must take issue with this comment.
ReplyDeleteWhat the author writes about can be imagined from the original. Sexual sadism, homosexuality and mutual attraction weren’t invented by the current generation. Bronte couldn’t write openly about such issues in her time; but such things certainly existed. Harrison’s re-telling is not graphic or vulgar at all.
The comment reminds one of the attitudes reflected in criticism of the original “Jane Eyre”:
“Altogether the autobiography of Jane Eyre is pre-eminently an anti-Christian composition. . . . We do not hesitate to say that the tone of mind and thought which has overthrown authority and violated every code human and divine abroad, and fostered Chartism and rebellion at home, is the same which has also written Jane Eyre.”