Review: Jane by April Lindner

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Jane by April LindnerJane by April Lindner
Also by this author: Catherine
Published by Hachette Digital, Inc. on 2010-10-11
Genres: Classics, Love & Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 300
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

Forced to drop out of an esteemed East Coast college after the sudden death of her parents, Jane Moore takes a nanny job at Thornfield Park, the estate of Nico Rathburn, a world-famous rock star on the brink of a huge comeback. Practical and independent, Jane reluctantly becomes entranced by her magnetic and brooding employer and finds herself in the midst of a forbidden romance. But there's a mystery at Thornfield, and Jane's much-envied relationship with Nico is soon tested by an agonizing secret from his past. Torn between her feelings for Nico and his fateful secret, Jane must decide: Does being true to herself mean giving up on true love?An irresistible romance interwoven with a darkly engrossing mystery, this contemporary retelling of the beloved classic Jane Eyre promises to enchant a new generation of readers.

Are you looking for a modern take on a classic tale minus zombies or vampires? Friend, I think Jane by April Lindner is the book for you. To me, Jane was a worthy version of Jane Eyre. I absolutely loved this re-telling. In this version, Jane Eyre is now Jane Moore, a 19 year old who must drop out of college due to financial necessity. She accepts a job nannying for aging rocker, Nico Rathburn. What results is a quiet romance, never overt, but gently unfolding. ALSO omfg, DEVELOPMENT. It’s not this over night instant attraction, but something which happens realistically. Something that grows into love.

April Lindner, and Jane, how I love thee. Let me count the ways.

One. College age group. So, the first book I read featuring people of college age/set in a university setting was actually a fantasy book called The Name of the Wind which is incredibly awesome. The second was a contemporary, which was quite disappointing. Jane by April Lindner is my third, and dear lord is it made of win. For serious, I want a book with students who are smart enough to get into college, not vapid society girls. Jane by April Lindner has that, thankfully.

Two. Familiarity. There’s something nice about slipping into a pair of shoes which have been broken in. So, this is basically a story which has already been broken in. Those of us who have read Jane Eyre know what to expect. We know the elements that will be there, and the basic story. As a fan of Jane Eyre, I was delighted with how comfortable this book felt. And the thing is it felt familiar without ever feeling plagiarized.

Three. Strong prose. I love a book which invites me to gorge upon it’s words. Seriously, Jane is the type of book you just eat. The language is fabulous. I mean, Lindner does a great job of wrapping you in the atmosphere. You can legit feel the New England climate as you read the book (well for me that might be because I actually live in the climate, but I’m sure you southerners will feel it to as you read). I was completely drawn into the story.

Four. Characterization. Jane Moore is unwavering in her morals. She’s very sensible. I like that she doesn’t lose her head or her cool in situations which would have me looking for the nearest exit. She’s very quiet. And by quiet, I don’t mean she just hangs around brooding in silence for all of Jane. I mean that she isn’t up in your face with personality. She just simply is Jane Moore. Nothing more. Nothing less. I liked that she was her own person, and from what I read, a character whom I felt was fully realized. Then of course, beyond Jane is Nico. Yes, okay I get he is ‘old’ being in his 30s and what not. BUT, I was excited because this is a character you can find attractive without feeling like a creep. And, swoonworthy he is. He’s a great modern Mr. Rochester. We see that yes, fame does take his toll on him,but he’s kind and generous to his staff. He’s passionate about music. And oh, his scenes with Jane Moore are to be cliche, smoldering.

For realsies, get your hand on this awesome book.

Other Reviews of Jane by April Lindner:

Steph Su Reads
YA Librarian Tales
Angieville — this is the review that convinced me to request Jane for review

five-stars
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April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.
About April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

Comments

  1. Excellent review, April! I’ve been dying to read this one, and I’m glad to finally read a positive review for it! I’ve seen so many mixed reviews.

    • I’ve seen a few mixed reviews too, but ultimately, I thought Jane was awesome. If you want another positive review, definitely check out Angie of Angieville’s review, because that’s want convinced me to pick this one up.

  2. This review makes me want to read this right now. I have not read Jane Eyre, yet I do have this book. Do I necessarily have to have read Jane Eyre in order to get the “full” experience?

    • I think for the full effect, you really should read Jane Eyre first, or I guess maybe even afterward. Although if you have no inclination to read Jane Eyre, then you should just go ahead and read Jane.

  3. Omg! I want read this book.=p Great Post!

  4. I just bought this book Wednesday at B&N, so glad to hear you liked it. It’s been taunting me on my nightstand, I’m going to pick it up next.

    Great review

  5. LOVED LOVED LOVED Jane. Totally worth buying. 😀

  6. This books sounds awesome. I love Jane Eyre.

  7. I didn’t enjoy this book; I found it to be odd and not very interesting. I’m glad you enjoyed it though. 🙂

  8. I agree – love, love, love this book!

  9. I’m sold! I’ve not yet read Jane Eyre (terrible, I know!) and would like to read it first (I have plans to do so in the near future). After that, I’ll check out Jane!

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