John Eyre: A Tale of Darkness and Shadow by Mimi Matthews
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: Review copy from Netgalley
Genre: Gothic Romance/Retelling
Book Description: Yorkshire, 1843. When disgraced former schoolmaster John Eyre arrives at Thornfield Hall to take up a position as tutor to two peculiar young boys, he enters a world unlike any he's ever known. Darkness abounds, punctuated by odd bumps in the night, strange creatures on the moor, and a sinister silver mist that never seems to dissipate. And at the center of it all, John's new employer—a widow as alluring as she is mysterious.
Sixteen months earlier, heiress Bertha Mason embarked on the journey of a lifetime. Marriage wasn't on her itinerary, but on meeting the enigmatic Edward Rochester, she's powerless to resist his preternatural charm. In letters and journal entries, she records the story of their rapidly disintegrating life together, and of her gradual realization that Mr. Rochester isn't quite the man he appears to be. In fact, he may not be a man at all.
From a cliff-top fortress on the Black Sea coast to an isolated estate in rural England, John and Bertha contend with secrets, danger, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness. Can they help each other vanquish the demons of the past? Or are some evils simply too powerful to conquer?
My thoughts: It has been a long time since I have read a gothic novel. I had forgotten how much I love the genre.
John Eyre is a retelling of two classic novels that have been combined to create a new and refreshing story. I was caught up in the feeling of danger around every corner. The landscape is covered in a mist that is abnormal. Two children who reside in the home are mute because of the horrors they have experienced. Strange sounds are heard in the night and a face appears in the mirror.
John is the tutor of two children that are in the care of Mrs. Rochester. He cares for the boys and endeavors to teach them, a situation that is hard due to the fact that the boys do not speak. John is patient and loving to the boys and tries new and unique ways to reach them. His employer is a widow and carries secrets with her.
The best word I can use to describe the book is unique. Mimi Matthews has proven that she is a multi-faceted author. The book flows beautifully. The book is told through letters, journal entries, and what the characters are currently experiencing. She kept me in suspense as I continued on the journey with the characters.
The book contains suspense, non-graphic violence, and a few stolen kisses.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
John Eyre is a retelling of two classic novels that have been combined to create a new and refreshing story. I was caught up in the feeling of danger around every corner. The landscape is covered in a mist that is abnormal. Two children who reside in the home are mute because of the horrors they have experienced. Strange sounds are heard in the night and a face appears in the mirror.
John is the tutor of two children that are in the care of Mrs. Rochester. He cares for the boys and endeavors to teach them, a situation that is hard due to the fact that the boys do not speak. John is patient and loving to the boys and tries new and unique ways to reach them. His employer is a widow and carries secrets with her.
The best word I can use to describe the book is unique. Mimi Matthews has proven that she is a multi-faceted author. The book flows beautifully. The book is told through letters, journal entries, and what the characters are currently experiencing. She kept me in suspense as I continued on the journey with the characters.
The book contains suspense, non-graphic violence, and a few stolen kisses.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
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Lovely Review, Lisa. John Eyre was great fun. I am glad you enjoyed it too. Best, LA
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