Jane

Jane vs. Jane Eyre


I read April Lindner's JANE very quickly. It was fast moving and easy to read. I found it enjoyable too - the story of Jane Eyre, written in modern time. This Jane is working as a nanny for a handsome rock star. Of course there is a mystery in the mansion, and those who know the story of Jane Eyre know what that is! This book does not change Jane Eyre's story, so no surprises if you have read Charlotte Bronte's original. The author is an English professor and she commented at the end that if her book encourages anyone to read Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, she would be happy about that. So, I am!

I am 10 chapters into Jane Eyre and it is so much more satisfying than Jane! What an amazing novel. If you haven't read it for a long time, or ever -- pick up a copy and get reading! But keep a dictionary handy - she uses some interesting vocabulary!

The Story Sisters

Another Alice Hoffman book! This book made me cry more times than any other book I've read. So much trauma, death, problems. But, it had its high points too. Now that I've finished it, I would say it was a great read and I'm glad I read it. During the reading, it was so sad in places, like what else can go wrong, that I felt like putting it aside for some lighter reading. If you're an Alice Hoffman fan, its a must-read. If you are not, you might like to choose something else.

The Red Garden

I have always loved reading Alice Hoffman stories, but I had kind of forgotten about her, since she wasn't publishing as often as I liked. So, for several years I didn't even check to see what she had been writing. My "patience" has paid off and I found several Hoffman's that I wasn't aware of, and they are old enough to find cheap on Amazon, used.

THE RED GARDEN is a story about a town in Massachusetts, spanning 250 years. Each chapter could stand alone as a short story, but they are all indeed linked to this small town in America, starting in 1750, and ending in the present. You felt time passing by her use of actual historical events, Johnny Appleseed, World War 2, Viet Nam War. Also, the characters in the next chapter were usually the children or grandchildren of the characters in the previous chapter. One of the things I especially like about Alice Hoffman's writing is how she sprinkles it with a little "magic". Not real magic, but everyday love kind of magic. The Red Garden is no exception.

Three Maids for a Crown

by Ella March Chase

This is a book I kind of randomly picked from the new books section at the library. I enjoyed it a lot more than I expected. I have read a lot of historical novels about the Tudors. My first interest was Nora Lofts Books - I devoured them! Then, I discovered the Philippa Gregory novels - I have read every one. So, I felt a little snobbish starting this one, but I was surprised when it really kept my interest.

This was the story of THE GREY SISTERS, Jane Grey, Katherine Grey, and Mary Grey. They each spent some time in the TOWER, for different reasons, and different outcomes. It really focused on the intrigue and drama of life as one of the ladies of the queen. The author really brought these three women to life with her writing. I always enjoy it when a book includes at the end the "real" history and where they may have strayed from the truth in the novel. Entertaining. I might look for her other book: The Virgin Queen's Daughter.

What I want to know is why do these kind of novels always picture women in lovely gowns, with the tops of their heads cut off? Does it indicate a genre or just a lack of imagination?