This was a really intriguing novel that interwove the classic tales of Jane Eyre and Dracula in a very accessible and engaging way. Mimi Matthews obviously has great respect for both these original works and has taken care in crafting a story that feels familiar while creating a safe space for a more eerie and supernatural nature to begin to creep in and be explored. Matthews writing is well paced through out most of the story and then it ramps up speed as the climax builds. The events of the story follow and parallel the same story beats of major plot points in Jane Eyre and Matthews hints at elements of Dracula through letters Bertha Rochester writes to Blanche Ingram, as well as the mysterious elements of the truth of Rochester's madness. If you know the story of Jane Eyre you will not be surprised by any elements of the story but you will be in interested in how Matthews chooses to weave together elements and character beats to tell her version.
John Eyre, is a very similar character to the original, he has grown up with certain hardships that have lead him to question his religious faith (but this does not play too heavily into the story), he is curious and inquisitive. Although John Eyre is the protagonist that we are experiencing the story through, Bertha, at heart, is the one on the discovers her power and exerts her authority. Bertha Manson/Rochester is a woman of leisure who loves to travel and explore, in her explorations she meets Edward Rochester and falls under his spell, we are slowly revealed throughout the story the truth of Rochester's character which helps to create an eerie and gothic tone as the climax approaches. The reality of John and Bertha's developing love story takes on a slightly new feeling over the original, with the interrogating woman being the one in power and with the highest authority through out the story.
This was definitely a fascinating exploration and retelling of two well beloved European classic novels. I would definitely recommend this novel especially if you love the original works that Matthews is drawing from. This slow burn romance has a nice gothic undertone that kept me engaged and interested in discovering what elements Matthews' choose to weave through out her tale.