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A review by ineffableverse
Salt & Broom by Sharon Lynn Fisher
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
«Jane Eyre» is a beloved classic that I treasure and have read multiple times in the course of my life. So I go into retellings in equal parts hopeful and apprehensive…
Well.
Had you asked me right after I'd finished «Salt & Broom» how it measures up, I would've told you that it is definitely one of the better retellings. It's got a sweet, slow-burn romance. It's exciting, with one twist after the other. Furthermore, it's creative and original, integrating witchcraft into the narrative – yes, Jane Aire (!!) is a witch, and she's tasked with breaking a curse at Thornfield Hall.
However, I'm writing this review two weeks after finishing the novel, and in retrospect, my opinion has shifted a bit. I still think it's a decent retelling, but I can see some of its flaws and shortcomings.
Originality is where the novel truly shines, with its imaginative fusion of a 19th century classic with elements of fantasy. The depiction of witchcraft is especially engaging and well-written.
The story is fast-paced, and the curse adds an unpredictable element of intrigue. But there are chapters where the fast pace backfires, as the condensed timeline does not allow the reader to truly engage with the story. Also, it detracts from the love story, as there is simply no time for the relationship to develop any significant depth or authenticity. It's still sweet, but cannot match the profound chemistry that Jane and Mr. Rochester had in the original.
Other important characters also lack complexity, and some deviate quite a bit from the essence of their original counterparts. This is not always a bad thing, as it shines an interesting new light on their motives and interactions – but all in all, most of the characters are a bit forgettable.
I found the writing to be quite enjoyable. Atmospheric, often eerie descriptions capture the gothic feel of the original tale, but with a pinch of magic and folklore.
All in all, I did enjoy this novel and its unique take on the original, but I feel that it doesn't quite capture what makes «Jane Eyre» such a timeless classic. It's a quick, fun read – just not a very substantial one.
Well.
Had you asked me right after I'd finished «Salt & Broom» how it measures up, I would've told you that it is definitely one of the better retellings. It's got a sweet, slow-burn romance. It's exciting, with one twist after the other. Furthermore, it's creative and original, integrating witchcraft into the narrative – yes, Jane Aire (!!) is a witch, and she's tasked with breaking a curse at Thornfield Hall.
However, I'm writing this review two weeks after finishing the novel, and in retrospect, my opinion has shifted a bit. I still think it's a decent retelling, but I can see some of its flaws and shortcomings.
Originality is where the novel truly shines, with its imaginative fusion of a 19th century classic with elements of fantasy. The depiction of witchcraft is especially engaging and well-written.
The story is fast-paced, and the curse adds an unpredictable element of intrigue. But there are chapters where the fast pace backfires, as the condensed timeline does not allow the reader to truly engage with the story. Also, it detracts from the love story, as there is simply no time for the relationship to develop any significant depth or authenticity. It's still sweet, but cannot match the profound chemistry that Jane and Mr. Rochester had in the original.
Other important characters also lack complexity, and some deviate quite a bit from the essence of their original counterparts. This is not always a bad thing, as it shines an interesting new light on their motives and interactions – but all in all, most of the characters are a bit forgettable.
I found the writing to be quite enjoyable. Atmospheric, often eerie descriptions capture the gothic feel of the original tale, but with a pinch of magic and folklore.
All in all, I did enjoy this novel and its unique take on the original, but I feel that it doesn't quite capture what makes «Jane Eyre» such a timeless classic. It's a quick, fun read – just not a very substantial one.