Marjolein Bastin’s beautiful illustrations of botanicals and nature have long been a favorite. Combine them with some of my favorite literature? Yes, please!

That said…the illustrations are incidental to the story. They are not illustrations of scenes from the books. The publisher’s blurb says there are facsimiles of sheet music, family trees, etc., but the eARCs I was provided did not include these, so I cannot comment on them.

Story wise, these are as they have ever been. Bronte's work is a little moodier and a little more tragic, than the ever-popular Austen but, like Austen, her story has permeated film and literature in the decades and centuries since its publication.

I definitely disagree with the publisher’s details on the reading level of these books. They are not for 7-10-year-olds, or 4th- to 6th-graders. I was a pretty advanced reader and didn’t read P&P until my sophomore year in high school. My college prep reading class struggled with the language and long sentences of these books.

If you’re looking to collect beautiful copies of favorite books, these fill the bill. I couldn’t find specific information, but I imagine them in a larger trim size, on beautiful glossy 100 lb. paper, as with our fancy editions of Tolkein or Rowling. As they will not be released for three more months, this is only speculation. However, that would definitely do Bastein’s beautiful, delicate work justice!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARCs.

Jane Eyre is one of my favourite works of classic literature, so when I saw this version on NetGalley I just knew I needed to read it. The illustrations are stunning and really add to the whole story, it was such a joy to read Jane Eyre like this.

--Beautiful, Deluxe Treatment of A Classic--

I received an electronic advanced review copy from the publisher through NetGalley, and here are my thoughts.

Jane Eyre is a classic novel that I loved as a child, and I will not be reviewing Jane Eyre, as I think there are plenty of reviews and opinions on this book already.

Without having an actual physical copy to review, I can only guess at the actual quality of the printed product.

However, based on:

1) the gorgeous botanical (and bird) illustrations that appear throughout the book (not on every single page, but just every so often, so you aren't distracted),
2) good font choice (readable and attractive); and
3) attractive layout

I would definitely love to give or receive a book in this Marjolein Bastin Classics Series, which takes well-loved classic novels and makes them a book to enjoy in your hands as well as your heart.

A goof thing about illustrated books make the reading experience more enjoyable. Jane Eyre is one of my favourite books and I pretty much own all the beautiful collections of this book! Now that I’ve read & fallen in love with the poppy flower illustrations all over this book, I’m ready to own it too 😍

Thank you Netgalley, publisher for the arc. Totally recommend!

Jane Eyre is a gripping, moody, glorious read in any format, but this new edition is lovely. The typography and illustrations really set the text off beautifully. Flowers, birds and butterflies grace the margins, and the font is extremely readable yet elegant. Any lover of the classics would find this a pleasant addition to their collection!

Jane Eyre is one of my favourite books and I've read it countless times. It was lovely to see such beautiful watercolour illustrations. I would have loved to have a copy like this as a child. Marjolein Bastin's charming artwork complements the text without putting any restraints on the reader's imagination, something Jane herself would have appreciated.

The merits of Charlotte Brontë's beloved Jane Eyre are well known, so it would be redundant for me to extoll the many reasons why this cherished gothic masterpiece is worthy of high praise. Instead I would like to share my experience reading this particular edition featuring the illustrations of Marjolein Bastin. As you may have already gathered, I have the highest regard for Jane Eyre. In fact, I would place it in my list of top 10 literary classics that are bookshelf staples in my home. The artwork of Marjolein Bastin, which primarily features botanical elements, is beautiful and appealing. It charming artwork contrasts with the often darker subject matter in a complimentary manner. For these reasons, I believe that this edition of Jane Eyre would make a lovely collectors item. While I cannot speak for the tangible qualities of the hardcover copy as I received a ebook version, I have no reason to think that it would not be even more impressive.

In Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, the protagonist is a woman who does not fit in no matter where she goes. Her fiery nature and her willingness to defy the misogynistic culture she lives in are very apparent throughout her journey in the novel. She struggles with a sense of belonging, as she is shunned by most throughout her life. When she is involved with Edward Rochester, she fights back in ways that are defiant and non-conformist. She is a woman who is ahead of her time, regardless of how she ends up due to the manipulation she faces from the men she encounters. She is mistreated, abused, gaslit, and manipulated to the point where she feels broken. Yet she never stops fighting, even when she no longer recognizes herself. Her oppression is not unique, yet her reactions are. Jane challenges the social order of the world through her efforts to fight for her own agency after it has been ripped away from her.

Wow - this new edition of Jane Eyre is whimsical and gorgeous with its nature-inspired watercolor details throughout the book. The flowers, foliage, and birds gracefully surround Bronte's words and give such a calming feel.
It's definitely worth getting the collection - along with Emma and Pride and Prejudice so far. These will be lovely gifts, and will dress up my bookshelves!

Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Unfortunately I could not read this book because the file was too large for all of my devices to render. I have read Jane Eyre before so I do know that it is an empowering story with relatable characters even in today's age.

"Jane Eyre" is just one of these novels that I can't get into. I didn't like the writing style, the plot moves too slowly, and I hate the story's conclusion.

The illustrations of this edition don't really add anything to the story.

This is an absolutely stunning illustrated version of a literary classic. It will make a welcome addition to any book lover's collection and would be perfect for gifting. I will not comment on the story itself - it's Jane Eyre. If you've not read it yet, you should. Multiple times. However, I will comment on how swoon-worthy this edition actually it is. I gushed about it to my husband and he's not a booklover so didn't understand my excitement. I'll be adding it to my shelves and have already been recommending it to others in book clubs I'm a part of!

I'm grateful for the complimentary digital ARC I received in exchange for my opinion. I do believe it will be worth investing in the physical copy to appreciate the absolute well-designed beauty.

Jane Eyre is a well-known classic! Whether you’re reading it for the first time or re-reading, this is a lovely illustrated edition to do so in. There are beautiful flower and nature illustrations carefully placed throughout the pages. There are a wide variety of flowers, feathers, birds and more that create gorgeous visuals to accompany the story. This illustrated edition of Jane Eyre releases on March 2, 2021. Thank you so much to Marjolein Bastin, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Jane Eyre is a book that first broke my heart and then released it as so few classic books can.
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This edition adds the beautiful illustrations in watercolors so that one can treasure the book even more.
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Charlotte Brönte's unique writing paired with gentle images of gardens in midsummer. It is a book to collect and treasure for ever.
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Thanks to #NetGalley for let me read #JaneEyre before is on sale, it was a delight and a pleasure rereading it in this beautiful edition

Cover review: The lights and darks mix perfectly for this well known classical story. I come away from seeing the cover with different emotions much like the book its self.

Jane Eyre is such a classic and this is such a beautiful edition. I can't wait to buy a copy so I can have it on my bookshelves!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I'm a huge Jane Eyre fan. I also love floral illustrations. However, I didn't find the illustrations (though pretty) had anything to do with the classic used to promote the art.

Jane Eyre as a story is a 5/5. If the artwork in this publication version was expanded and published as an art volume without using Jane Eyre, I'd probably rate it 5/5. If the illustrations of this style were of Jane Eyre scenes or themes, and so contributed to the story experience, I'd probably rate this 5/5.

Jane Eyre is a timeless classic; a beautiful story of self acceptance, unexpected happiness and romance. This new edition is decorated with beautiful flowers, botanicals, and British birds and insects.

The cover is absolutely gorgeous, the dark colours reflecting the Gothic nature of the book, and the delicate flowers softening it out to reflect the poetic and beautiful story.

The decorative paintings and water coloured letters at the starts of chapters are a beautiful tribute to this lovely book, and I would be absolutely rapturous to own a hard copy of this edition.

A stunning illustrated version of Jane Eyre. I loved the delicate illustrations and font. The illustrations are mostly beautiful flowers, so they don't reflect the plot. This would be a wonderful gift.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC.

Andrews McMeel Publishing is re-issuing a number of well-known classics in gorgeous collectors’ editions. So far, Pride and Prejudice, and Emma are part of this series. Now there is also Jane Eyre. The novel is so well known but, nonetheless, each rereading offers new insights. From the Red Room, through a horrendous boarding school and on to being the governess hired by Mr. Rochester, Jane learns, feels, evolves and grows as readers observe her progress.

This new edition will add to the reader’s enjoyment of the classic. Even when the novel is at its most grim, the beautiful floral illustrations help readers to remember that there will be better days ahead for Jane. It is a lovely edition and should be a welcome addition to readers’ libraries.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.