Jane Steele and her
lovely French mother live in the guest house at Highgate instead of
the main house. Jane's mother believes that Jane is the rightful
heiress since her father was the older son, but Highgate has been
usurped by her overbearing aunt and odious cousin. When her mother
dies unexpectedly, Jane is placed more firmly under the thumb of her
aunt who insists that Jane's rebellious grief stop. When Jane
continues to frustrate her, the aunt sends her away to a dreadful
school where she is in fear of her life.
Jane escapes from
the school and lives a desperate life in London where she learns to
use the knife she carries. Then she hears that her aunt is dead and
Highgate has a new master who is seeking a governess. Jane applies
and finds herself faced with romance and mystery.
The plot of this
novel has many parallels to Jane Eyre. However, Jane Steele is a much
different character. Jane Eyre criticized her society but her
behavior was passive. Jane Steele is different. She acts and
sometimes with murderous intent to right wrongs. I liked this active
version of Jane.
The early chapters
of the book reminded me of Dickens' scenes of the London underworld.
The pace is fast and filled with strange characters. The second half
of the novel focuses on the romance between Jane and Charles
Thornfield, the new master of Highgate. The romance is well done and
there is the mystery of Thornfield's past, but I found the opening
chapters more interesting.
If you enjoy
Victorian novels, or are a fan of Dickens and Bronte, this is a good
read. Many interesting characters, a complex plot, and a heroine
who isn't afraid to act.
I received this book
from Net Galley for this review.
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