STORY: Quiet and unassuming but also efficient, Jane Raine is ready to step out of her simple waitress job. Scraping together enough money to go to school, Jane learns how to be a legal assistant. Upon earning her degree, she takes a job at a prestigious downtown law firm where she realizes she doesn’t fit in. But Jane, used to life tossing her about, isn’t a quitter.
She’s tested in this new job when she is put with Edward Rosen, the firm’s majority stakeholder. Edward doesn’t keep assistants but then he also hasn’t met anyone like Jane, a woman quite determined to make this job work, even while working for someone with dark secrets.
REVIEW: Set in Toronto, this is a contemporary novel that I feel like was quietly put into the world despite being published by a big publisher. Where other novels that would be equals are featured on every reader’s list, this one had a quiet party release. Appropriate perhaps given its inspiration.
‘JANE AND EDWARD’: THE QUIET RE-TELLING OF A BRONTE CLASSIC. A #BookReview of Jane and Edward, the modern #JaneEyre retelling. #Books #BookReviews Click To TweetBOOK REVIEW | ‘HAPPINESS FOR BEGINNERS’ BOOK REVIEW: A SURPRISING READ
Inspired by the Charlotte Bronte novel, this is a modern re-telling of Jane Eyre. Inside these pages is much to admire, but the text also contains one of my biggest pet peeves across all story mediums and as a result, I find myself annoyed more than a reader should be. Basing these opinions solely off the many British adaptations I watch, I will say, the callbacks to its source material does impress.
Edwards seamlessly weaves so many key points into this only she does this all in a modern world. The disastrous meeting is here as is the late night “saving,” and even a fire (of sorts) all plays its role. Into a much different world that Bronte does Edwards insert these characters and story, yet its all done very well indeed.
The romance, at least for Jane whose perspective we live I, is subtle. Through Jane’s view, we do begin to wonder if Edward likes her, but it’s all simple and yet charming too. The novel, for this reader, leans too heavily into modern worries. However, dear reader, I’m quite sure this is a minority opinion. It’s still a solid read and I respect that it retells a classic nicely even when I don’t love every moment. Those who enjoy retellings will quite enjoy this.
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ABOUT THE BOOK
Author: Melodie Edwards
Publisher: Berkley
Source: Bought
Publication Date: 2023
Genre: Fiction; Contemporary, Secular Fiction, Romance
Rating: ★★★
Add the Book: Goodreads
Content: There is strong language peppered throughout including the f-word (multiple uses), GD, and shit. Conversation about sex and harassment do crop up. None is overly explicit but does matter for the plot. There are make-out scenes and a sex scene; we “see” them into the bedroom and talk of kisses on the neck or ankle before the scene cuts and there are next day memories.
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