Janice Everet

This is a new retelling of Jane Eyre, southern style:

Janice Everet: a southern gothic Jane Eyre retelling

by Meredith Leigh Burton

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8993651811

January 6, 2025

What if Jane Eyre were blind and lived in the rural South during the Great Depression, World War II and the 1950’s? This inverted story, inspired by a beloved classic, explores these questions and many more.

Growing up in the oppressive home of her Aunt Richards, Janice is stifled by condescending attitudes and flagrant disregard. She finds solace helping the household servants as they, too, are belittled. Janice especially enjoys the company of Gustav, her aunt’s servant, who is often mistreated because of the color of his skin.

When a harrowing event forces Janice to take an unexpected journey, doors are opened and opportunities are revealed. As Janice navigates school years of both triumphant and tragic times, helps with the war effort and makes both friends and enemies, her dark past lurks in the shadows.

When Janice accepts a position to teach a precocious and rambunctious little girl who is also blind, the malevolent events of her past prove to have shocking connections with her brusque and mysterious employer. Hidden passions, danger and self-discovery await in this account of a strong woman who will stop at nothing to protect the ones she has grown to love. Yet true love often means letting go. A story of confronting adversity, hidden secrets and forbidden love, Janice Everet will make you see Charlotte Brontë’s classic with new eyes.

Literary Titan interviews the author:

Janice Everet is a Southern gothic historical romance that retells Jane Eyre through the perspective of a blind heroine growing up in the 1930s American South. What was the inspiration for this creative and intriguing retelling of the classic story? 

Janice Everet was my first attempt at a historical fiction novel, and it was a true joy to write. I chose to retell this story because, as much as I love Charlotte Brontë’s book, I found the idea of blindness being used as a sort of test or punishment to be both frustrating and sad. I am blind myself and wanted to depict a more affirming exploration. Also, my editor and friend, Stephanie Ricker, gave me the idea to explore Jane Eyre from my own perspective. Like Janice, I find solace in stories, and I love walks in nature. I am also a person who had to learn assertiveness, as I was very passive growing up. (...)

Janice is based on the character of Jane Eyre, but you have added your own unique twist to this classic character. Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?

Yes, this novel does explore some difficult topics, but Bronte’s original work explores abuse as well. What I love about the original Jane Eyre is that it is a story about a woman who defies her society’s expectations, but she does so in a humble way. So many books portray “strong” women as girl bosses or Mary Sues (people who don’t struggle or who are insufferable to be around). I wanted to portray a strong woman who is also quiet and humble, but who does not allow others or her disability to define her.