Jane

Jane is a modern day version of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre told in a graphic novel format. The writer has changed Bronte's storyline but the two main characters Jane and her love Rochester are present.

The book summary from the back cover blurb reads:  "Growing up in an unhappy family in a small New England town, Jane dreamed of escaping to New York City to study art and live a life of independent adventure. Soon after arriving, she takes a job as a nanny for a mysterious, powerful businessman, Rochester, and his lovable but lonely daughter Adele, in a lavish apartment filled with unsettling secrets. Jane soon finds herself drawn into a world of intrigue, danger and romance that takes her far beyond her childhood dreams."

This is a delightful, fast paced read. However, if you're looking for Jane Eyre in a comic you will be disappointed. The author has changed the plot significantly. I think it is a cute book but the advertisement of the book as a modern day Jane Eyre is deceptive. The only thing it has in common with the old classic is Jane's family background and that she loves a man named Rochester.

The artwork is beautiful. Ramon Perez did the illustrations and Irma Kniivila did the coloring with her watercolor washes. The pages are primarily blue with gold highlights but many are orange with gold highlights or olive green with the gold. The effects are striking. I think the art makes this book. While it has interesting characters and a good plot, without these drawings I don't think the book would be as engaging.

I enjoyed this book immensely.  It's light charm was a perfect choice for the park on the first warm, sunny day of the season that I chose to read it on.

5 out of 5 stars.