The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins
Publication Date: January 5th 2021 by Macmillan Audio & St. Martin's Press
Pages: 304
Audio Book Length: 8 hrs 39 min
Narrators: Emily Shaffer, Kirby Heyborne & Lauren Fortgang
Source: St. Martin's Press & Libro.fm
Rating: ★★★½
My
Thoughts:
Jane is a woman scraping by in life, hungry for more and not
afraid to take advantage of others to get it. Being raised in the foster system,
she’s had to become a bit ruthless to get by. Jane finds a seemingly perfect way into the
charmed life she longs for in Eddie Rochester.
He’s recently lost his wife, Bea, in what’s reported as a boating accident,
but the circumstances are questionable at best.
Eddie seems sad and lonely, a sort of kindred spirit to Jane. With all her
mercenary qualities, Jane is a lonely woman, who’s never fit in or felt wanted.
Most of the characters, like the rich housewives in
Thornfield Estates and John Rivers, Jane’s foster acquaintance, are unlikeable.
Even Jane isn’t especially sympathetic, especially since instead of trying to
get ahead by improving herself, she uses and manipulates others. Very different
from the original Jane Eyre who through hard work and a strong character became
an accomplished woman, able to provide for herself. I think that, along with
the “romance” were the biggest disappointments to me. But I think that’s on me
because I love the original Jane Eyre so much, I have certain expectations whenever
I pick up a retelling. I was rooting for Jane here and did feel sorry for her,
because she was dealt a bad hand in life, but so was the original Jane. I’m not
sure how I feel about how it all turned out, but I do think it was a sort-of-happy-ending,
all things considered.
The Wife Upstairs is a compelling, twisty mystery/thriller
that kept me turning the pages to find out how it’d all turn out. Being a retelling some of the story is expected,
but it doesn’t follow the original Jane Eyre closely at all. What you think is happening may not be the
case and I was surprised in one respect at the end. I think fans of writing
like Lisa Jewel or Ruth Ware will definitely enjoy the story, it’s a mystery that
keeps you guessing and on edge.
I alternately listened and read the story. Emily Shaffer and Lauren Fortgang fit Jane
and Bea’s voices well. I’ve listened to Kirby Heyborne in the past and like the
way his voice projects a “good guy” vibe. Was Eddie Rochester a “good guy”?
Well, I guess you’d have to read the book to find out, lol. I listened at 1.3x.
3.5 Stars
I love Hawkins, but this is really not my speed. Glad to hear it was interesting and filled with twists, so, satisfying, if not a hit.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if you would have enjoyed this one more had it not been billed as a retelling? Sounds like the audio version was done well, that's always a plus.
ReplyDeleteYou don't see very many modern Jane Eyre retellings, but like you, I think I would struggle if the spirit of the original was not as present in the retelling. As a thriller on it's own, it sounds pretty exciting.
ReplyDeleteIntrigued by the Eyre angle, but if it does not follow it, hmm
ReplyDeleteWell at least you still liked it alright even though it wasn't the same as the other book.
ReplyDeleteHmm...I think this is a maybe read for me.
ReplyDeleteThe more I hear about this one, the more I think I want to get it. I love how twisty and suspenseful it sounds!
ReplyDeleteI am happy that you enjoyed this one here, I love those thrilling books that keep you on the edge all the way through.
ReplyDeleteGreat review
Fantastic review! I enjoy Fortgang and Heyborne. I might like this one.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart
I've never actually read Jane Eyre. LOL Glad this was a good read, and I kind of like that it doesn't follow the original story all the way.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
I am not sure about this one. I have not read Jane Eyre and am hesitant to read any retellings. It sounds like a good mystery though.
ReplyDelete