My Plain Jane by the Lady Janies

The Quick Cut: Girl goes from working at a school to working at a house as a Governess. Girl falls for the man of the house (aka her boss) and hyjinks ensue.

A Real Review: Thank you to HarperCollins Publishers for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair review.

Although this is the second book in the Jane series, it is a standalone book and you don't need to have read the first to enjoy it. However, the first book is a phenomenal read on it's own.

This one is a retelling of the story of Jane Eyre and it gets crazy in that zany way the lady Janie's have come to have us love! The base classic story is there, but they insist that their version is the real one (like always) and as always the author's cut in sometimes to give their remarks (which are witty in nature). I've always enjoyed these little breaks and the timing was perfect again in this book.

The biggest updates to the book (and I'll try to spoil as little of the story as possible) is the use of Royal Society for the Relocation of Wayward Spirits. They play a significant role in the book, along with ghosts and possession of people.

The book's chapters change perspective between three characters: Jane, Charlotte Bronte (Jane's close friend), and Alexander (someone very interested in Jane and Charlotte). Each one brings their own dramatic perspective and hilarity to the situation. At multiple points, not all the characters are together, so sometimes it gives understanding as to why certain events happen. The complete picture is given with multiple narrators here and I really enjoyed the use of it.

Finally, there's the twist on the classical elements of Jane Eyre. There's still Lowood and then Thornhill where she meets Mr. Rochester, but the Lady Janies turn it around to make you think it's not the classic happy romantic ending like the classic novel. In fact, Charlotte in the book talks about why she makes her book's ending a happy one!

The lady Janie's telling of the "true" story of Jane Eyre is comical and enjoyable for anyone - not just those who have read the classic book it's based on. It's a total romp of a book that will keep you smiling from start to finish.

My rating: 5 out of 5