A captivating tale, set in Scotland in the early 1960s, that is both an homage and a modern variation on the enduring classic, Jane Eyre. To tell you any more would be a crime!!
I am a romantic at heart and that is why I love Jane Eyre and identify with Jane so much, because in the end she just wants to be loved and treasured. Now I can add another character with whom I share similarities with and that is Gemma. I was expecting a storyline that pretty much stayed true to Jane Eyre but to my profound relief and delight it did not. While some of the anchored parts were there, the author has weaved her own tale of an orphan who suffers much at the hands of those she should be able to trust, but who through it all ends up finding herself and so much more.
Recommend? Unequivocally...YES! The pages flew by as I found myself immersed in Gemma's life. I couldn't get enough of the story and have to admit that I was quite sad when I turned the last page. Even though I have not finished Bronte's Jane Eyre having only watched numerous movie adaptations of the novel, I can honestly say that this book was a fresh retelling of a classic story!
P.S. One of the most exciting things that I've taken away with me from this novel is the renewed interest it has stirred in me to read other novelists who have also written back to classics. In the back of the book, Livesey lists some of her favorites and many I have read like, March by Geraldine Brooks, The Hours by Michael Cunningham, and The Tale of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski. I have now added a few more to my must-read list such as, A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley, Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, and Foreign Bodies byCynthia Ozick.
Source: TLC Book Tours and Publisher
Review Book #19
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Set in Scotland, I knew I'd be adding this one to my wishlist, I have zero resistance. I swear I need to stop visiting your blog for at least 6 months ... my tbr mountain and bank balance is in serious trouble ;)
ReplyDeleteGlad u enjoyed this one. It's on my shelf (TBR).
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Jane Eyre, but it doesn't seem like I need to in order to enjoy this one.
ReplyDeleteI read A Thousand Acres years ago. Good but intense. 'Gemma Hardy' is on my list!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really good!! Adding to my list!!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like this one was tailor made for you. I like it when authors include other books that you might like. Have a good week and happy reading!
ReplyDeleteI think I'll like this one. Great review.
ReplyDeleteI can tell you loved this book! Your enthusiasm makes me want to read it even though I'm not a romantic.
ReplyDeleteI so wanna read this one :D Good and JA, what more could I want
ReplyDeleteI've been on the fence with this one because of the mixed reviews, but seeing that you liked it really makes me want to give it a try. Wide Sargasso Sea has been on my to-read list since I read Jane Eyre in college.
ReplyDeleteLove your enthusiasm about this book! It's on my shelf and I really hope to read it before summer is over.... and Foreign Bodies, too.
ReplyDeleteI've been on the fence about this one, but I really enjoyed your review...makes me want to read it.
ReplyDeleteA variation of Jane Eyre! Bound to be good. You have me convinced!
ReplyDeleteI wasn't sure I wanted to read this book but your glowing review has me wanting to read it!
ReplyDeleteI think I would really like this one. thanks for the tip.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a good read but since I haven't read Jane Eyre yet I think that I should probably read that one first :) Great review!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to read your review! I'm about 50 pages in and while I'm very much enjoying the story, it's so close to Jane Eyre at this point I can't really tell if I like this story on its own merit or because it's basically Jane Eyre. Happy to know that it will soon branch out on its own and be able to still make me care.
ReplyDeleteJane Eyre is one of my all time favorite books and I was a bit concerned about how this book would go so I'm thrilled to see that you loved it! Now I'm doubly excited about reading it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being on the tour!
I havne't read Jane Eyre so I think I should do that first.
ReplyDeleteI confess I shy away from books like this, afraid they will ruin some of my favorite classics. I am glad to know that wasn't the case in this instance. You have me convinced I would like this one.
ReplyDeleteLove Jane Eyre, the books and movies, so I need to read this one.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of classics, so unfortunately, this one doesn't create any interest for me. Boo. I'm sure glad you loved it and that it has inspired you to read more. :)
ReplyDeleteI just managed to get this at the library yesterday in the New Books section. I'm very excited to read it!
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