Manga Classics: Jane Eyre

After a childhood of abuse and neglect, Jane Eyre is taking a governess position at Thornfield, an estate whose imposing mystery is rivaled only by its master, the volatile Mr. Rochester. As Jane tries to discover his dark past, she finds herself somehow falling for him. Can Jane uncover the dark truth before she loses him forever?

This adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s brooding classic is wonderful. The text is adapted for manga format while still preserving the savor of the original. The drawings are pleasant and detailed enough that each time one re-reads one notices something one missed before, and it adds more depth to the characters and plot-line. It is a nice way to become acquainted with the storyline before attempting the original. The story itself is interesting, but you have to wonder why Jane falls for someone as creepy as Mr. Rochester. This traumatic love triangle is a little wearisome, but that is seen from a twenty-first century viewpoint. If you are into Gothic novels, this is one of the best, and this manga adaptation is a wonderful introduction to reading the classic itself.