Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye

meltotheanyAside

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“Reader, I murdered him.”

I’m going to try to keep this review short, mostly because it depresses me to think that I actually am giving this such a low rating. Out of all the books on my “Must Read of 2018” list, I was most excited for this one. I was also the most positive that I would five star it, but here we are.

I also read Jane Eyre this year in preparation for this book that celebrates that story, which is even more funny because I ended up five starring it. Sadly, Jane Steele did a good homage to the original source material, but I could just never bring myself to care. Which is extra sad, because in this story Jane is a serial killer.

And much like in Jane Eyre, this book has a very dark and feminist tone. It really showcases that people never want to believe women, especially not young girls, but would rather give powerful men the benefit of the doubt. Jane only kills to survive, and each life she takes is because the person will not take the word “no” seriously from a girl.

Reader, I was so damn bored. I was a little intrigued at the start. I mean, it is hard to not get hyped about a serial killer who loves Jane Eyre. But as more and more time went on, I just cared less and less. Also, I really was leading myself to believe there was going to be a sapphic relationship in this, only to cry over what could have been, and that’s never a good feeling, even if I queer-baited myself.

Overall, this isn’t a retelling of Jane Eyre, but a celebration of the story, starring a girl obsessed with the original work. This just wasn’t what I thought it would be, and I was bored throughout most of it. Perhaps I just overhyped this for myself. I don’t know what the problem was, or why I could never fully get invested in Jane or her story, but I will say that 2018 has been the year of me hating almost every historical fiction I pick up, so perhaps take this review with a grain of salt.

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Content and trigger warnings for murder, death, loss of a loved one, attempted sexual assault, miscarrying, domestic abuse, alcohol abuse, pedophilia comments, and war themes.

19 thoughts on “Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye”

  1. Great review, honey💕 I hope your next book is fab… But I have to admit, you read the best books… The vibe your post gives is so warm and enthusiastic it is like bathing in sunshine… Makes sense? Loved your way of writing.. I am a wee bit jealous too🤭🤭

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  3. It makes me so sad that you’ve not been enjoying your historical fiction reads! I hope the next one you pick up is as fantastic and gorgeous as you! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Yeah… This is such a beloved book! I don’t know… it was so hard for me to read, Camile! Ahhh! But I hope you’re having happy reading and happy holidays, beautiful! 💖xx

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