I have never once found a spot of evidence that says this dirge of a book is right for the school curriculum, and this variant, while readable, concise and fit for modern sensibilities, is no different. It is just a misery memoir without the memoir, a splodge of negativity tempered by, here, quite rampant Christian eulogising. Our heroine is forced to be an orphan in a home of a relative who hates her, with contemporaries who abuse her, until she is packed off to school. This is a misery of a place, of course, with burnt porridge, no warmth (from the Yorkshire climate or the staff), and a stupid hypocrite of an owner. Jane gains a friend, of course, but not for long, as she has to be got rid off through consumption.

Piety thus killed off there is a smidgen of feminism before Jane – now at the end of her teenagerhood – decides to institutionalise herself again, and be a governess to a girl belonging to a Mister Rochester. One Victorian idea of a meet-cute later, one arson attempt later, there seems to be a connection between the two – but can society (or rampant contrivance) possibly allow it?

There are crib notes for this kind of thing, and many other brief rewrites for the young mind unbothered with the clothes, décor and carriage routes of the days – see https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3041938030 or https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4167070363. This is a meatier piece, packing more of the original in than some variants then, but suffering as a result. The first third is the sheer misery and glumness of the girl's childhood, and as seen here is a right ordeal. After that it's not exactly sweetness and light, either. What this doesn't do, although the threat was certainly there, was react badly and with wokeness abound to Rochester's owning slaves, but in gaining a modern sensitivity it still sticks too strongly to the inherent bleak plod of the original. And I for one would be able to get on board with the curter versions as outlined above, were it also known they weren't the real deal. But the misery here is such I would not wish it on any child. Let's face it, it wasn't written as a children's book in the first place for good reason – it's nothing like one.

Patrice Lawrence is one of the best writers for young adults today and has done a great job in writing a simplified version of this classic without losing any essential elements. It reads really well and the characters come across convincingly. It will make a good addition to the other abridged versions of classics we have and I'm sure it will go out well. Very enjoyable.

I have loved all of the Abridged Classics in this series but Patrice Lawrence may have just outdone them all. Accessible and intriguing, this is a phenomenal version of an iconic classic.

Book Review 📚
Jane Eyre: Abridged for Young Readers by Charlotte Brontë and Patrick Lawrence - 3/5 ⭐

I remain neutral on this one. I was excited to give it a try as I thought this would be an interesting read for the curriculum.

It wasn't terrible but it wasn't great. I think there could of been more added from the original story and it could of made a difference to the story.

There were also parts of this version that seemed to drag for quite a while? It was hard to stay focused and zone out whilst reading this book, which happens quite easily for me.

It's not something I will be adding to the curriculum but there may be some children who thoroughly enjoy it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Walker Books for allowing me to read this ARC - this is an HONEST review from my own personal opinion.

This was an abridged version of Jane Eyre, adapted for younger readers.

I read the original version in my early twenties, and since then, it has become quite close to my heart, so I was excited to read this new version.

I liked it a lot, it had a simplicity that I enjoyed, and though it wasn't my intention to compare them, I felt it still captured the essence of the original. I connected with Jane and her story, as I have before, and I hope that others will too.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

A lovely abridged version that retains the essence of the original but makes it accessible for younger readers too.

Patrice Lawrence’s retelling of Jane Eyre is beautifully crafted, resulting in an accessible page-turner which largely stays true to the original narrative, with adept handling of the more troubling aspects of Bronte’s novel. I have read Jane Eyre many times and each time remain gripped by the story, but it is too dense and literary for many younger readers. This version with its fresh, clean prose and a focus on plot will open up Jane Eyre’s world to the reluctant and struggling readers I work with, and it would also be ideal for EAL students. Highly recommended!

One of the highlights of my reading year! I absolutely adored this retelling of Jane Eyre and would urge readers of all ages to buy it. I was initially a little sceptical about how such a classic could be rewritten whilst retaining the atmosphere of the original but oh my goodness Patrice Lawrence has nailed this. The way in which she cleverly explains aspects of Victorian living to young modern readers whilst maintaining the pace and tension of the story is perfect. The atmosphere of the cold, harsh settings created are as close to the original as they can be and many times I forgot that this was a retelling. Magnificent!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC of 'Jane Eyre: Abridged for Young Readers' originally by Charlotte Brontë, Abridged by Patrice Lawrence.

'Jane Eyre: Abridged for Young Readers' is basically a children's version of Jane Eyre but I'm frustrated with what they chose to include. Certain lines that are significant were taken out and other parts were dragged. I understand its been changed for younger audiences but even they would sit there bored.

As an abridged version, it helps younger readers access an otherwise gothic and difficult classic. I sometimes do wonder if we need to let younger readers read a book that is not intended for their age. And the magic of the original is somehow lost in this abridged version.