I received a free copy of John Eyre from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own.
Mimi Matthews’ new take on Jane Eyre combines Gothic Romance, Paranormal Fiction, and Historical Fiction, making it a captivating read filled with romance, suspense, and intriguing gothic elements.
Official Book Description:
In 1843 Yorkshire, John Eyre, a disgraced former schoolmaster, takes up a tutoring job at Thornfield Hall for two peculiar young boys. He soon finds himself in a world he’s never experienced before, filled with darkness, strange nocturnal noises, unusual creatures on the moor, and an eerie silver mist that never dissipates. At the heart of it all is his new employer, a mysterious and alluring widow.
Sixteen months earlier, heiress Bertha Mason begins her journey of a lifetime. Marriage wasn’t part of her plan, but meeting the enigmatic Edward Rochester changes everything. In her letters and journals, she describes their crumbling life together and her growing awareness that Rochester is not who he seems. He might not even be human.
From a cliff-top fortress on the Black Sea to a secluded estate in rural England, John and Bertha face secrets, dangers, and an ongoing struggle between light and darkness. Can they overcome the demons of their pasts, or are some evils too powerful to defeat?
Book Review:
John Eyre: A Tale of Darkness and Shadow is a fast-paced novel brimming with spooky atmosphere and well-suited prose for fans of 19th-century gothic fiction. Ideal for those who love classic gothic tales with a mix of monsters and romance, it offers a thrilling reading experience.
Soon after starting John Eyre, it’s clear that this is more than a retelling of Jane Eyre – it’s a blend of Jane Eyre and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. There are also hints of Rebecca, The Vampyre, and The Turn of the Screw, which enhances the book’s appeal to fans of these classics.
The mashup generally works well, as do the characters. However, I found Bertha Mason Rochester’s letters and diary entries more compelling than the narrative of the protagonist, John Eyre. Although he’s not quite as dynamic as the original Jane, he’s still a likable character you’ll root for.
Jane Eyre fans might find the portrayal of Edward Rochester, especially after reading the Author’s Note, debatable. As a lover of Brontë’s original character and Byronic Heroes in general, I didn’t mind the characterization in John Eyre, even though I’m not fond of the anti-Rochester stance seen in Wide Sargasso Sea.
For those who cherish the character Rochester, you might view this version as a unique blend of Rochester and Polidori’s Lord Ruthven, a clever combination given Polidori’s inspiration from Lord Byron. The Brontë sisters were also influenced by Byron, which shaped their creation of romantic and sympathetic Byronic heroes like Edward Rochester and Heathcliff.
Matthews’ blending of these characters pays homage to classic romantic monsters and Charlotte Brontë’s timeless novel. She writes with a clear affection for Jane Eyre, making the book both fun and full of smart twists.
Overall Thoughts:
If you’re a fan of both Jane Eyre and Dracula, or if you appreciate modern tributes to classic novels, I highly recommend reading John Eyre. Matthews’ writing is excellent, the characters are intriguing (especially Bertha), and the gothic setting is wonderfully eerie. It’s a compelling story that keeps you guessing, perfect for those who enjoy literary retellings with a paranormal twist and a taste for gothic thrills.
Adaptation Recommendation:
John Eyre would make a fantastic gothic romance movie, perfect for streaming or theaters.
Content Note: Some violence and dark themes. The romance is mostly wholesome.
Have you read Mimi Matthews’ latest novel? What did you think of our review of John Eyre? If you haven’t read it yet, what are your thoughts on this novel? Will you be checking it out? Let us know in the comments!
