As avid readers, I think we’ve all had those moments when we’ve read a masterpiece that has indelibly changed the way we think about literature. For me, one of those stories has always been Jane Eyre, one of the greatest novels ever written. So, when I learned Private Property is a Jane Eyre modern retelling, I was both exhilarated and nervous. Tackling a literary titan such as Jane Eyre is a daunting task, and giving it enough familiarity while also inserting an authentic point of view is a fine balance. But, if there was ever an author whose writing style is perfectly matched for this tall take, it’s Skye Warren- an author who has excelled at atmospheric, romantic and suspenseful story telling. And, I’m so happy to say this story did not disappoint! The dark sensuality, the gothic suspense, the foreboding melancholy, all of the hallmarks of the original story are translated beautifully in this modern version. Skye has taken the spirit of Jane- the tone, the atmosphere, the characters, the commentary- and breathed new life into it. The mystery still looms large, the gothic setting still a character in and of itself, the psychological intensity still towers over any action- though the action is entertaining, too. But Skye has also made it all her own.
Like the iconic governess of the original story, our modern day Jane finds herself in the mysterious and gloomy Rochester household in Maine, sent all the way from Texas to look after Mr. Rochester’s young orphaned niece. Jane is young and doe-eyed as she begins her first adult job- and she’s immediately entranced by the enigmatic but sexy (and much older) Mr. Rochester. Skye’s version of Jane has some welcomed differences from the original Jane- she’s brighter, more open and affectionate, and much bolder and stronger- a smart modern day shift for Jane and also a subtle nod to the more feminist elements of the original. Beau Rochester maintains all of the charms that made him one of our OG book boyfriends- he’s mysterious, contemplative and secretive, hot and cold in places. But also magnetic- we understand Jane’s draw to him, and we see the glimmers of the tender and wounded heart her buries. Skye brings some delicious alpha protectiveness to her version, and makes him a sensual and naughty lover, too. Thank you, modern romance, for letting our book boyfriends get it on. Bronte would smile at how romance has evolved FOR women.
LIke the original, Private Property is deliciously meta- the original a moralistic character study, and Skye's a character coming of age story, with a heroine trying to find her identity. But Skye brings the sensual, erotic, and passionate flair that make her books so consumable and enticing. Like the original, Skye plays with tense, angsty but passionate chemistry between Jane and Mr. Rochester, but, deliciously, Skye dials up the heat. These two are FIRE together- and Skye’s version really elevates the intensity of the connection between them. This is what really makes this story take off- and what gives the original a run for its money. Their chemistry is intriguing, steamy, sensual- and profoundly intimate. That intimacy, in particular, was not as central to the source material, and it gives this version a sexy, sweet, and warm element that nicely juxtaposes with the gothic atmosphere and ominous mystery. Plus, the age gap taboo nods to the illicit nature of the original novel’s coupling, ensuring this version still has that forbidden component.
But the biggest Skye adaptation is certainly the central mystery. And since we have two more books to go in the trilogy (which I didn’t initially know), we’ve only just scratched the surface about what Rochester is hiding and what dark secrets lay buried at the Rochester mansion. We start to see some glimmers of the social and moral commentary that made Bronte’s work so groundbreaking, and I can’t wait to see what lies beneath this mystery and what spin Skye decides to take. We already have so many twists and turns, mysterious characters, and loads of questions- and then Skye ends it with an epic cliffhanger that has left me DESPERATE for book two. I’m madly in love with the characters and thirsty for answers.
Danger, suspense, sensual passion, and a gripping mystery- this is everything I love about Skye Warren, and all the magic that I loved about the original!