Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë is an eminent, classic work of fiction. It speaks of an English teacher who falls in love with a wealthy landowner, only to encounter inevitable obstacles. An early ode to feminism, Jane finds happiness by being herself, not conforming to a social ideal. It’s one of my favorite stories from the early Victorian era. In this retelling, Sharon Lynn Fisher recasts this intriguing story in modern language, only with the twist that Jane is a teacher of witchcraft.
I always enter into retellings of classic stories with both an eagerness and a wariness that it might not live up to my expectations. While Salt & Broom certainly falls far short of the original (and what retelling wouldn’t?), it did meet my expectations. The persistent use witchcraft became a little hokey and gimmicky by the end, but by recasting the female protagonist as a witch, Jane Aire – the retold name – becomes an even stronger symbol of outcast. In many ways, this marginalization makes her plight and journey more admirable.
I’m no fan of Victorian language, which seems inaccessible to my modern ears, and this book’s accessible language was most welcoming to me. The essential parts of the story are thankfully preserved, only with enough of a twist to keep us turning the pages. The witchcraft seems well-researched and congruent with the historical setting. Although the tale employs a darker spirituality, it does so without taking itself too seriously. That is, one needn’t be involved in or sympathetic to witchcraft in order to appreciate the plot. (For instance, I’m a Christian Sunday School teacher and was not offended.)
I hope this book finds a special audience with those who appreciate classic literature but struggle with the archaic language constructs. It has the same narrative outlines without being the exact same story. Jane Eyre is a timeless classic that should be read by any cultured English speaker, but accessibility is not its strong suit. High school students might appreciate this retelling. (Hey, it’s better than buying a summary.) Even experienced readers will encounter enough novelty to entertain them throughout. It was worth my time.
Salt & Broom
By Sharon Lynn Fisher
Copyright (c) 2023
47North
ASIN B0BZ58W42B
Page Count: 282
Genre: Historical Fiction
Sponsored link to www.amazon.com