ROCKTOBER REVIEW: Jane by April Lindner

Product Description

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.

About the Author

April Lindner is an associate professor of English at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia. Her poetry collection, Skin, received the Walt McDonald First-Book Prize in Poetry, and her poems have been featured in many anthologies and textbooks. She holds an MFA in writing from Sarah Lawrence College and a PhD in English from the University of Cincinnati. Jane is her debut novel.

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Poppy (October 11, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316084204
• ISBN-13: 978-0316084208

SOURCE:  AROUND THE WORLD ARC TOURS

ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

I adored Jane Eyre, so this story done with a washed up rock star as Mr. Rochester seemed a natural for me.  Of course, just like the original this one had me in tears in several parts, but I like a book that makes you feel some sort of emotion.  I always think the author has done an exceptional job if they can create emotions with their written word.  The story follows the original plot of Jane Eyre with a few modern twists.  Jane is still fiercely independent and trying to overcome the horrors of her childhood.

I thought the recasting of Mr. Rochester as a rock star was a stroke of genius.  I mean who else can convey the moodiness of a current character better than a rock star.  There is no questioning why Nico Rathburn is almost bipolar than to make him a musical artist.  Jane comes off vulnerable, yet still strong and develops in a way that she does become Nico's true love.  She doesn't fall into the trap of Rock Star Groupie, but becomes something more.  There are elements of drug abuse and sexual relations so this one is best suited for older teens.  Another rock star romance that I can really recommend!