Jane Slayre

It could be that I went into it with low expectations (I'd just finished a different retelling of Jane Eyre, and... let's just say that was the one that truly merited low expectations), but Jane Slayre surprised me-- in a delightful way. Jane Eyre is one of my very favorite books, and Jane one of my very favorite characters. Her independence, quiet strength, blunt honesty, and unwavering self-respect make her one of the best and strongest female characters I've come across... well... ever. And I didn't feel like this retelling took away from that in any way. Although Jane Slayre turns Jane into a Brontë version of Buffy, (who is my other favorite female character ever, so I was REALLY hoping to like this book despite my doubts) Slayre's physical strength doesn't take away from her internal strength-- which I believe Sherri Browning Erwin keeps the integrity of very well. I felt that she understood each of the characters-- especially Jane and Mr. Rochester-- and their relationships and what drives them to the choices each of them make. I loved that Sherri Browning Erwin kept much of the original story and dialogue intact-- for good reason, it's a flippin' amazing story! Don't mess with a good thing, right Sherri?? But she added in her own twist and it just worked. SO. Well. There were so many lines of original dialogue that fused perfectly with a fantastical plot. Like when Rochester teases Jane, asking whether she was waiting for her "people", referring to fairies, Browning Erwin twists Jane Eyre's original reply-- a deadpan joke-- into a serious comment about fairies not residing in the area. So many of these little gems were sprinkled through the book, nods to the original that fans will appreciate. And seeing Miss Temple, Jane Eyre's beloved teacher, as Jane's slayer mentor is just perfect. :) Honestly? I liked it nearly as much as the original. I never dared to hope that would happen... But who was I kidding? I'm a sucker for slayers. ;)