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Rochester: A Memoir
Since 1947 when Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre first appeared on bookstore shelves, fans have read and reread this beloved story of a penniless governess and her brooding mysterious master. They have listened to the demonic laughter and waited anxiously beside Miss Eyre in her master's burned bedroom while he disappeared into hidden third floor rooms without explanation. They have borne his moods, basked in his rare smiles, puzzled at his mercurial personality changes, and despite themselves, fell in love with Edward Fairfax Rochester right along with Jane. In this journal, adapted from Charlotte Bronte's novel, Jane Eyre, Rochester tells his story with unflinching honesty. From his barren childhood of privilege to his tragic first marriage he allows readers into his innermost soul, where they fall in love with him all over again.
- GenresRomance
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 7, 2016
Jane Eyre has long been a favorite story since I read it as a ten year old girl. I wanted to be Jane Eyre and I had a crush on the dark, broody Mr. Rochester who becomes know to the reader through Jane's eyes. That crush is still with me nearly forty years later. I discovered this book and had to have it when I saw it was the story of Jane Eyre retold in a companion novel from Edward Rochester's first person perspective. My emotions were in his grip from page one and I laughed and cried and yes, sighed, through to the end. The author struck a good balance between Rochester's earthy, lusty nature that is blackened by his experiences until he encounters an innocent woman full of light.
Because of the way this is written as a companion story, it is best that the reader be familiar with Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre either through the book or one of the movie adaptions.
The story opens with Edward Rochester returning home to Thornfield Hall because of complications with his mad wife whom he has hidden in a secret attic room. His gloomy home is not as he left it. His ward's new governess captures his attention from the beginning. Miss Eyre is ethereal and then he sees that she is innocent and pure having never been out into the world or experienced much of life. Or so he thinks until he learns that here, too, is one who suffered at the hands of her nearest relations and then a hard life in a school. Her intelligence, inner serenity, and strong convictions call to him. He knows he shouldn't have her and should leave her be, but his heart burns for her.
Rochester has a scare when his crazed wife gets out and almost kills him. She could have harmed Jane Eyre. He determines to go away for everyone's safety, but he doesn't get far and learns that he cannot part from Jane Eyre. An elaborate scheme is made utilizing the upper class who return with him for a house party. He must make Jane need him as he needs her. He will defy the law and everyone to have her if only he can break past her strong will for what she considers right.
I was amazed as I read this story. The author wrote a character that I had no trouble believing was the Rochester of Bronte's tale. He is unapologetically himself- flaws, black moods, desires, and all. But shining through is that amazing love that tied this pair of doomed lovers together.
The author wrote the scenes away from Jane Eyre so that I was as riveted by the other events as the actual love affair. The original characters like Edward's lifetime friend, Carter, his land agent with his own secrets, and the expansion of the minor characters like all in his household and neighborhood was a huge draw. The history she gave Edward with the Mason family of Jamaica was hellish and rang true even if Bronte never wrote such depravity that those insane people committed. And the hatred that Edward's own family felt for him was intense. My only niggle in this story was that I thought there was a hint as to the why Edward was hated by father and older brother, but it was never clearly stated so I can still only surmise.
In summary, this was impressive and I would highly recommend it to all who love the story of Jane Eyre and want to read it from Rochester's perspective. It is slightly spicy and darker than the original.
My thanks to Book Review Buzz for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Because of the way this is written as a companion story, it is best that the reader be familiar with Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre either through the book or one of the movie adaptions.
The story opens with Edward Rochester returning home to Thornfield Hall because of complications with his mad wife whom he has hidden in a secret attic room. His gloomy home is not as he left it. His ward's new governess captures his attention from the beginning. Miss Eyre is ethereal and then he sees that she is innocent and pure having never been out into the world or experienced much of life. Or so he thinks until he learns that here, too, is one who suffered at the hands of her nearest relations and then a hard life in a school. Her intelligence, inner serenity, and strong convictions call to him. He knows he shouldn't have her and should leave her be, but his heart burns for her.
Rochester has a scare when his crazed wife gets out and almost kills him. She could have harmed Jane Eyre. He determines to go away for everyone's safety, but he doesn't get far and learns that he cannot part from Jane Eyre. An elaborate scheme is made utilizing the upper class who return with him for a house party. He must make Jane need him as he needs her. He will defy the law and everyone to have her if only he can break past her strong will for what she considers right.
I was amazed as I read this story. The author wrote a character that I had no trouble believing was the Rochester of Bronte's tale. He is unapologetically himself- flaws, black moods, desires, and all. But shining through is that amazing love that tied this pair of doomed lovers together.
The author wrote the scenes away from Jane Eyre so that I was as riveted by the other events as the actual love affair. The original characters like Edward's lifetime friend, Carter, his land agent with his own secrets, and the expansion of the minor characters like all in his household and neighborhood was a huge draw. The history she gave Edward with the Mason family of Jamaica was hellish and rang true even if Bronte never wrote such depravity that those insane people committed. And the hatred that Edward's own family felt for him was intense. My only niggle in this story was that I thought there was a hint as to the why Edward was hated by father and older brother, but it was never clearly stated so I can still only surmise.
In summary, this was impressive and I would highly recommend it to all who love the story of Jane Eyre and want to read it from Rochester's perspective. It is slightly spicy and darker than the original.
My thanks to Book Review Buzz for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2023
Početak je bio trojka, a onda je samo krenulo da opada. Priznajem, drugu polovinu sam preletela jer zaista nije bilo šta da se propusti. Ovo svakako treba posmatrati isključivo kao fanfiction, ali nisam mogla da pređem preko nekih delova koje bolje ni da ne navodim, za svačije dobro. Mislim da je najočajnije što Džejn nema svoj glas, tek se od 18. poglavlja povremeno pročuje kroz dijalog, do tada je sve što je u vezi sa njenim likom u indirektnom govoru. Deluje mi da je autorka dosta inspiracije pronašla u adaptaciji iz 2006, ali džabe joj.
Did Not Finish
June 1, 2017Up to pg 190
August 11, 2016
Rochester: A Memoir is an engaging retelling of the classic Charlotte Bronte tale of Jane Eyre. Where previously, the story was narrated by the Quakerish governess herself, this is told entirely from the brooding perspective of Mr. Rochester. We get to see him forlorn, returning from the continent only to land at Jane Eyre's feet both literally and figuratively. The narrative takes us through his innermost thought processes and offers a unique glimpse into his life both before and after meeting Jane.
I would first like to state that I received this through InstaFreebie for an honest review. That being said, I found this book wonderfully written and insightful. It is true that as a retelling it lacks some originality but is a great read and a wonderful companion novel to the original. There are a few minor storyline discrepancies but it did not detract from the story. I found myself unable to put it down much as I was with the original. For me, this filled in many storyline gaps and added a little more spice to the tale. This is a must read for anyone wanting more of Mr. Rochester and his sordid past. Well done!
I would first like to state that I received this through InstaFreebie for an honest review. That being said, I found this book wonderfully written and insightful. It is true that as a retelling it lacks some originality but is a great read and a wonderful companion novel to the original. There are a few minor storyline discrepancies but it did not detract from the story. I found myself unable to put it down much as I was with the original. For me, this filled in many storyline gaps and added a little more spice to the tale. This is a must read for anyone wanting more of Mr. Rochester and his sordid past. Well done!
January 23, 2019
OMG I didnt think I would love this as much as I have , for anyone that loved the hero from Jane Eyre with all his dark brooding , and forbidden obsessive love, you absolutely have to read this book. To see the story unfold through his eyes , gives a deeper meaning to all those moments that make you swoon. ...I was so caught up in this almost desperate need he felt for Jane , I found my heart aching for his anguish , for the horrible life he had before her .
This hero will always be one of my favorite dark alpha heroes . But with this book it gave him so much heart , explained so much of his dark . That I wont be forgetting him any time soon !
This hero will always be one of my favorite dark alpha heroes . But with this book it gave him so much heart , explained so much of his dark . That I wont be forgetting him any time soon !
April 13, 2024
So this is more of a 4.5 to me, but I just didn't feel I could round it up to a 5. Overall, I really liked reading about what Edward Rochester's view might've been. I did feel that there were a few scenes toward the end that kind of went against Jane's character and I couldn't see her letting that happen, but overall if you can have some sense of separation from the original novel, then I think that this is a very good story. Its definitely worth reading if you're a fan of Jane Eyre and one i see myself reading again in the future
January 9, 2019
An engaging story
This is one of the better adaptations of the original. Rochester’s actions made a lot of sense from the perspective offered. I found myself having a lot more sympathy for him than I normally do, this version really showcases his miserable situation.
The author did occasionally slip into modern vernacular however, for the most part, the language and attitudes were historically appropriate
This is one of the better adaptations of the original. Rochester’s actions made a lot of sense from the perspective offered. I found myself having a lot more sympathy for him than I normally do, this version really showcases his miserable situation.
The author did occasionally slip into modern vernacular however, for the most part, the language and attitudes were historically appropriate
June 9, 2017
Pretty good. I did not always agree with the author's interpretation of things (specifically surrounding Bertha) and her tendency to spice things up was not to my taste, but overall she captured Edward's character, inner turmoil and despair pretty well. I was swept up in the story and charmed by a lot of her other added details. An enjoyable read overall.
July 26, 2019
I love Jane Eyre and Rochester. I found this story intriguing and could even believe it. I could not however ignore the voice of the writing. It was obviously a woman writing a man’s story, simplistic and lacking in male tone. So, while the plot worked the voice didn’t leaving it with a single star for me.
June 28, 2017
Good book
Edward Rochester was a romantic figure of Literature and this book represents this very well. He bbc.co was a good man and loved Jane Eyre so very much. She was his redemption and he was her salvation, spirit, lover, friend, her other self! Beautiful love story!
Edward Rochester was a romantic figure of Literature and this book represents this very well. He bbc.co was a good man and loved Jane Eyre so very much. She was his redemption and he was her salvation, spirit, lover, friend, her other self! Beautiful love story!
August 21, 2017
An Honest, Inner Rochester
Beautifully conceived and executed. The most painful parts are told mainly from the distance of recollection, a very benevolent action on the part of this sensitive author. Loved this variation.
Beautifully conceived and executed. The most painful parts are told mainly from the distance of recollection, a very benevolent action on the part of this sensitive author. Loved this variation.
November 5, 2021
Knowing Mr. Rochester
This is such a good book to follow reading Jane Eyre! It fills in all the little questions that come to mind, and is a good read on it's own . I love to read the " other side of the story"!
This is such a good book to follow reading Jane Eyre! It fills in all the little questions that come to mind, and is a good read on it's own . I love to read the " other side of the story"!
September 8, 2022
I’ve always been interested in Mr Rochester’s side of the story. It was great to read this author’s interpretation. Well written, believable, entertaining. I just wish there had been more dialogue. Instead we got a summary of what was said, which detracted me a little.
May 26, 2017
I enjoyed this book very much. It was "Jane Eyre" from the perspective of Rochester telling the story. It kept a lot of the feel as the original book.
December 26, 2019
A well-thought-out and mostly believable retelling that stayed true to the essence of the original. It could have used a little more copy-editing.
March 10, 2021
3.5* Really liked this re-telling of Jane Eyre from the perspective of Edward Rochester.
March 30, 2023
really good
It fills in all the blanks of Mr Rochester’s life. It is not spicy but not rated G either. Very enjoyable
It fills in all the blanks of Mr Rochester’s life. It is not spicy but not rated G either. Very enjoyable
August 12, 2024
Parallel point if view
I liked this book immensely as u
You see TBE events if Jane Eyre through Rochester. That POV lends a different aspect and gives possible answers to questions.
I liked this book immensely as u
You see TBE events if Jane Eyre through Rochester. That POV lends a different aspect and gives possible answers to questions.
September 4, 2025
A good imaginative story from Rochester's point of view.
August 13, 2016
The cover on this is haunting. I like it. :)
This book is the story of Jane Eyre through the eyes of Mr. Edward Rochester. The books are almost completely the same but this version has more juicy details about Rochester's life and...dare I say, it was almost better.
I know, I know, that's blasphemous. I said almost.
Mr. Rochester is coming home to Thornfield after a long absence. Since he's been away, a governess was hired to educate his ward who lives at Thornfield. They have an uncustomary meeting when he falls off his horse and deliberately doesn't tell her who he is. After several months of getting to know each other, Rochester leaves to visit his tenants and neighbors. While away, an impromptu party is set up and he sees an in to make Jane jealous. Rochester calls Jane's bluff of leaving and asks her to marry him. The wedding is then interrupted by a solicitor and most of us know why. Rochester travels far and wide, using his money and his wits to find out information to get him what he desires most. After failing, he comes home to Thornfield to rest and recoup when a fire breaks out and his home burns down. He then relocates to another of his estates set in the deep woods.
Mr. Rochester is one of the most complicated characters ever written. He is a wounded man and Bronte showed that to us through her book, but Holmes goes even further to explain why.
Mr. Rochester shows a bit of instalove. However, the two characters do strike up a friendship and through that a bond. I think this friendship created a desire for intimacy and so he played games with Jane and tried to push her away. He knew he couldn't have what he wanted in an acceptable way so he used Blanche to create feelings of jealousy. He hoped to get Jane to admit her feelings but more often than not his emotions came out as meanness. His life is full of unhappiness and a lack of loyalty even within his family. I feel he couldn't fully accept that he might find happiness.
I found the writing captivating although quite a bit darker than JE. Rochester tells of his father's cruelty and his brother's defamation.
The book talks about madness. Which, most of us know is a key part of JE. However, Holmes's explanation of the madness wasn't to my liking. I really disliked her explanation because the symptoms and scenarios didn't add up. I believe schizophrenia is the likely culprit. Given Bronte's descriptions, although limited, really lean towards schizophrenia, imho.
I really need to re-read JE but there were some instances where it felt like the author took some liberties with her story. Small liberties. For example, I don't remember Mr. Rochester seeing JE's breast and touching it. I could be wrong... but I don't think I am.
This version of the story is quite a bit more sexual than JE. However, this makes sense to me. Edward Rochester has always been described as an experienced man. He was open about his past relationships and it was no secret he was sexually experienced. This book doesn't hide that fact at all. In fact, I think Holmes did a really good job including his frustrations with Jane. He lusted after Jane, and had to suppress that feeling because he knew Jane would not accept his advances without marriage. At times Rochester comes across a little too strong with his need to marry Jane now and his need to be intimate with her. I think there are several reasons for his rush but Holmes really added to his desperate feelings.
Overall, I think Holmes did a great job in delving into the life of all the JE characters. Writing this book must have been difficult and I appreciate her hard work. I will one day re-read this book and I want Heather to read this book. I enjoyed it and I think that any JE fan will appreciate it. Keep in mind that the content is more sexual compared to the original. Because of that, I would not recommend for a younger audience.
Content: sexual situations, touching oneself, homosexuality is mentioned.
This book is the story of Jane Eyre through the eyes of Mr. Edward Rochester. The books are almost completely the same but this version has more juicy details about Rochester's life and...dare I say, it was almost better.
I know, I know, that's blasphemous. I said almost.
Mr. Rochester is coming home to Thornfield after a long absence. Since he's been away, a governess was hired to educate his ward who lives at Thornfield. They have an uncustomary meeting when he falls off his horse and deliberately doesn't tell her who he is. After several months of getting to know each other, Rochester leaves to visit his tenants and neighbors. While away, an impromptu party is set up and he sees an in to make Jane jealous. Rochester calls Jane's bluff of leaving and asks her to marry him. The wedding is then interrupted by a solicitor and most of us know why. Rochester travels far and wide, using his money and his wits to find out information to get him what he desires most. After failing, he comes home to Thornfield to rest and recoup when a fire breaks out and his home burns down. He then relocates to another of his estates set in the deep woods.
Mr. Rochester is one of the most complicated characters ever written. He is a wounded man and Bronte showed that to us through her book, but Holmes goes even further to explain why.
Mr. Rochester shows a bit of instalove. However, the two characters do strike up a friendship and through that a bond. I think this friendship created a desire for intimacy and so he played games with Jane and tried to push her away. He knew he couldn't have what he wanted in an acceptable way so he used Blanche to create feelings of jealousy. He hoped to get Jane to admit her feelings but more often than not his emotions came out as meanness. His life is full of unhappiness and a lack of loyalty even within his family. I feel he couldn't fully accept that he might find happiness.
I found the writing captivating although quite a bit darker than JE. Rochester tells of his father's cruelty and his brother's defamation.
The book talks about madness. Which, most of us know is a key part of JE. However, Holmes's explanation of the madness wasn't to my liking. I really disliked her explanation because the symptoms and scenarios didn't add up. I believe schizophrenia is the likely culprit. Given Bronte's descriptions, although limited, really lean towards schizophrenia, imho.
I really need to re-read JE but there were some instances where it felt like the author took some liberties with her story. Small liberties. For example, I don't remember Mr. Rochester seeing JE's breast and touching it. I could be wrong... but I don't think I am.
This version of the story is quite a bit more sexual than JE. However, this makes sense to me. Edward Rochester has always been described as an experienced man. He was open about his past relationships and it was no secret he was sexually experienced. This book doesn't hide that fact at all. In fact, I think Holmes did a really good job including his frustrations with Jane. He lusted after Jane, and had to suppress that feeling because he knew Jane would not accept his advances without marriage. At times Rochester comes across a little too strong with his need to marry Jane now and his need to be intimate with her. I think there are several reasons for his rush but Holmes really added to his desperate feelings.
Overall, I think Holmes did a great job in delving into the life of all the JE characters. Writing this book must have been difficult and I appreciate her hard work. I will one day re-read this book and I want Heather to read this book. I enjoyed it and I think that any JE fan will appreciate it. Keep in mind that the content is more sexual compared to the original. Because of that, I would not recommend for a younger audience.
Content: sexual situations, touching oneself, homosexuality is mentioned.
May 29, 2018
Was it just me or was this book implying that Bertha
Some of the author's choices were incredibly strange.
There were a lot of other things I didn’t like about this book. Most of them were additions to the original story that served no purpose other than shock value and DRAMA
It’s unfortunate because for about the first ¼ of the book it felt like a 3 or 4 star book.
Some of the author's choices were incredibly strange.
There were a lot of other things I didn’t like about this book. Most of them were additions to the original story that served no purpose other than shock value and DRAMA
It’s unfortunate because for about the first ¼ of the book it felt like a 3 or 4 star book.
March 3, 2017
This was a very well-written, entertaining book. This tells the story of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre from Edward Fairfax Rochester's point of view. It stays very true to Jane Eyre, the setting and the time period. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading other books by this author. I received a free copy of this book. I am voluntarily posting a review that expresses my honest opinion.
June 17, 2016
I'll finally come clean: I never was a Jane Eyre fan. Even the zombie variations left me shuddering delicately, in a well-mannered, well-brought-up way.
But when one of my favorite authors, Cora Holmes, wrote Rochester: A Memoir, I could not resist!
For the first time ever, I enjoyed reading anything to do with Charlotte Bronte, thanks to the in-depth writing in Holmes' award-winning 2016 novel.
But when one of my favorite authors, Cora Holmes, wrote Rochester: A Memoir, I could not resist!
For the first time ever, I enjoyed reading anything to do with Charlotte Bronte, thanks to the in-depth writing in Holmes' award-winning 2016 novel.
December 5, 2016
Dark as it needs to be
I always figured Rochester had a pretty terrible background to act the way he did; for once, I could feel appropriately sympathetic towards him. The backstory was heartbreaking and put everything into context.
I always figured Rochester had a pretty terrible background to act the way he did; for once, I could feel appropriately sympathetic towards him. The backstory was heartbreaking and put everything into context.
June 13, 2016
I received a copy of this book (through Book Review Buzz) in exchange for an honest review.
I shall share my review asap.
I shall share my review asap.
January 11, 2018
Absolutely loved reading the classic story of Jane Eyre from Rochester's perspective. This was well written and felt like a continuation of the classic story in a voice similar to Bronte's.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews