Mr. Rochester
For centuries, lovers of Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre know how the heroine found her way to Mr. Rochester, but what was his life like before Jane arrived? How did he become the hero readers fell in love with? Sarah Shoemaker attempts to give Edward Fairfax Rochester his own tale in her novel Mr. Rochester.
The story starts with Edward’s early childhood. He’s a motherless boy, neglected by his father and abused by his older brother. His love for Thornfield Hall begins early, and when he’s forced to leave by his father, he spends most of his adolescence and young adult years trying to find a way back to it. Even when he begins a new life in Jamacia, Thornfield Hall is the only place that has ever felt like home to him. This makes it even more saddening when his mad wife’s presence there makes it less of a sanctuary and more of a prison. Thornfield finally begins to feel like a home again once Jane is there. It would have been wonderful if the two could have lived out their days in the hall that meant so much to both of them, but ultimately, it was for the best that Thornfield was destroyed in the fire. It was part of Edward’s old life and he had to begin anew with Jane.
It was interesting to read how Edward fell in love with Jane through his perspective. It was even more interesting to see how he tried to justify marrying her even though legally he knew he couldn’t. Adding in the twist of his wife having a son through Edward’s older brother, complicating matters further, was well done. Shoemaker did a good job showing how trapped Edward felt, and how he just wanted to live happily with Jane, no matter the cost. However, one can’t blame Jane for leaving once she learned the truth. Deep down, even Edward couldn’t.
It’s a shame Edward wasn’t able to confront his father about the neglect and manipulation he suffered at the older man’s hands. Although Edward believes his father knew about his wife’s mental state and encouraged their union despite it, I would have liked some firm confirmation that he did, and for Edward to get the answers he so desperately needed.
Mr. Rochester is a gorgeous retelling that Jane Eyre fans will adore.
Mr. Rochester Rating: ★★★★
The story starts with Edward’s early childhood. He’s a motherless boy, neglected by his father and abused by his older brother. His love for Thornfield Hall begins early, and when he’s forced to leave by his father, he spends most of his adolescence and young adult years trying to find a way back to it. Even when he begins a new life in Jamacia, Thornfield Hall is the only place that has ever felt like home to him. This makes it even more saddening when his mad wife’s presence there makes it less of a sanctuary and more of a prison. Thornfield finally begins to feel like a home again once Jane is there. It would have been wonderful if the two could have lived out their days in the hall that meant so much to both of them, but ultimately, it was for the best that Thornfield was destroyed in the fire. It was part of Edward’s old life and he had to begin anew with Jane.
It was interesting to read how Edward fell in love with Jane through his perspective. It was even more interesting to see how he tried to justify marrying her even though legally he knew he couldn’t. Adding in the twist of his wife having a son through Edward’s older brother, complicating matters further, was well done. Shoemaker did a good job showing how trapped Edward felt, and how he just wanted to live happily with Jane, no matter the cost. However, one can’t blame Jane for leaving once she learned the truth. Deep down, even Edward couldn’t.
It’s a shame Edward wasn’t able to confront his father about the neglect and manipulation he suffered at the older man’s hands. Although Edward believes his father knew about his wife’s mental state and encouraged their union despite it, I would have liked some firm confirmation that he did, and for Edward to get the answers he so desperately needed.
Mr. Rochester is a gorgeous retelling that Jane Eyre fans will adore.
Mr. Rochester Rating: ★★★★