Set against the lush backdrop of 1830s Jamaica, Jean Rhys's powerful, haunting story was inspired by the first Mrs. Rochester, in Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre". Born into an oppressive, colonialist society, Creole heiress Antoinette Cosway meets a young Englishman who is drawn to her innocent sensuality and beauty. But soon after their marriage, rumors of madness in her family poison his mind against her. He forces Antoinette to conform to his rigid Victorian ideals, unaware that he is pushing her towards madness, and ...
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Set against the lush backdrop of 1830s Jamaica, Jean Rhys's powerful, haunting story was inspired by the first Mrs. Rochester, in Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre". Born into an oppressive, colonialist society, Creole heiress Antoinette Cosway meets a young Englishman who is drawn to her innocent sensuality and beauty. But soon after their marriage, rumors of madness in her family poison his mind against her. He forces Antoinette to conform to his rigid Victorian ideals, unaware that he is pushing her towards madness, and towards a terrible conclusion amongst the leaping flames at Thornfield Hall...
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I would only suggest this book to someone interested in playing with critical theories in reading. It's complicated style reflects the thought which went into every sentance in the novel. It's not written to read, it's written to study and that takes all the interest out of it. The plot is thin, due to the development of the charactures and their place in the plot. This novel is all about people, if you enjoy drama and soap operas, then you'll LOVE this book. If you are more in tune to stories, and figuring out hidden ideas, then I don't suggest reading it. The essays in the back are interesting and the notes at the bottom of the pages are necessary!
cfaulkner
Apr 27, 2007
Loved Wide Sargasso Sea
Loved getting the first Mrs. Rochester's point of view! "Jane Eyre" will always be a favorite of mine, but I wanted to know more about wife #1; once I discovered there was another book telling Antoinetta's story (Wide Sargasso Sea) I couldn't wait to read it! It lived up to my expectations, plus provided much info about the young Mr. Rochester. I would happily recommend this book to Charlotte Bronte fans.