This beautiful edition of Brontë's Jane Eyre from The Marjolein Bastin Classics Series is beautifully embellished and illustrated with colorful florals that add a charming touch to this beloved work. The artwork is simply stunning, and a great accompaniment to the unabridged classic novel. It's great for collectors, long-time fans of the work, and new generations discovering these classics.
Many thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy.

This review is for a new illustrated edition of Jane Eyre. It is truly a collector's edition, and the images of nature throughout this book compliment the story beautifully. They are very delicately painted, and this hardcover edition would look beautiful on any shelf.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing the ARC.

Jane Eyre is one of my favorite books ever. I was not familiar with the artist but was excited to get a preview of this new illustrated edition. However, this version is not to my taste. I expected some drawings more indicative of the story elements.. Instead this version just had pretty flowers in it and some birds. I do not feel that the illustrations matched the themes or tones of this novel. I expected some drawings of characters or scenes from the book. This is not for me though I am grateful to have been given a review copy.

I must admit: I read 'Jane Eyre' several times and know the story pretty well by now. So I am not going to review the book in itself, I love it, and that is not going to change by reading it in any other cover. There is a reason I usually do not review classics, and that is because I find it quite hard to properly review a classic like I would review a contemporary book. People who read books like this already know (of) it, and are perfectly fine deciding if they want to give it a try or not without my opinion.

I did request this book on Netgalley because I want to review specifically this edition though. I grew up as a Dutch late '80's and '90's kid with a mother and grandmother reading the Libelle, a women's magazine that is quite well known here. As long as I can remember, Marjolein Bastin did a page in there with drawings of nature, specifically flowers and little birds. Her robins are very nostalgic to me. I wondered how well one of my favourite books would merge with this nostalgia.

Pretty well, it turned out! The cover, of course, is quite romantic. The book has two different parts, each with their own cover page in the same style. I think it shows pretty well how both darkness and light merge, both in the story as well as in the heroine. Those are not the only pictures in the book: all along, scattered over the pages, are flowers, leaves, butterflies and birds. Exactly the kind of flowers, leaves, butterflies and birds I remember from my childhood. And somehow it felt right. The small, scattered illustrations seemed to enhance the story.

This is a beautiful edition of a classic story! I love the illustrations. They create beautiful images throughout the book! This is a gift-worthy edition.

I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

A <b>BIG THANK YOU</b> to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of Jane Eyre from The Marjolein Bastin Classics Series. A classic revisited and accompanied by the vibrant botanical illustrations of Marjolein Bastin. This version of Jane Eyre brings new life to the 1847 original and the distinguished work of Charlotte Brontë. The Marjolein Bastin Classics Series would be a true treasure on any shelf. ★★★★★

From the publisher: Gems of literature in a luxurious and unique design by Marjolein Bastin. The Marjolein Bastin Classics Series is a chance to rediscover classic literature in collectible, luxuriously illustrated volumes. For the first time ever, the internationally celebrated artwork of Marjolein Bastin graces the pages of a timeless classic, Jane Eyre. Beyond bringing these stories to life, Bastin’s series adds elaborately designed ephemera, such as four-color maps, letters, family trees, and sheet music. Whether an ideal gift for an Austen or Brontë devotee or a treat for yourself, The Marjolein Bastin Classics Series, as a set or individually purchased, is perfect for anyone who feels a connection to these enduring literary gems.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 02 Mar 2021
#JaneEyre #NetGalley

Thanks to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel for the advanced digital copy.

After Jane Austen, here's the special illustrated edition by Marjolein Bastin of Jane Eyre.

As I have said for Emma and Pride and Prejudice, the illustrations are beautiful but exclusively nature-themed, while I think a few scenes from the story would've enriched the reading experience.

Still, this edition - out on March 2nd, 2020 - is certainly a beautiful one to add to your own personal library or to gift to other fellow readers and Jane Eyre fans.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte is a classic for a reason. Jane eyre is timeless and a perfect place to start when delving into classics. Jane Eyre is my favorite Bronte sister book I've read so far and one of my all time favorite books.

Jane Eyre follows the titular orphan who has felt an outcast her whole young life. Her courage is tested once again when she arrives at Thornfield Hall, where she has been hired by the brooding, proud Edward Rochester to care for his ward Adèle. Jane finds herself drawn to his troubled yet kind spirit. She falls in love. Hard. However, secrets lie in Thornfield Hall and threaten to ruin Jane's happy ending.

The is a beautiful edition of the timeless love story and a great way to engage in this timeless classic. I highly recommend this!

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Although it was published in 1847, the classic Jane Eyre features a heroine that people can admire today. Jane spent her childhood as an orphan in the home of cruel relatives and in a charity school. But she maintained her dignity and spirit, learned from her experiences, and became a governess.

Mr Rochester, a brooding, intelligent man with a family secret, is her employer. He's tired of superficial society women, and enjoys sparring with the inexperienced Jane in a flirty battle of wits. She has to make a decision whether to stay with this passionate, but flawed, man. Jane also meets another man--ambitious but cold--who is interested in her. Jane weighs what she considers important in a marriage--honor, some independence, a meaningful life, an intellectual equal, love, and passion. She truly was a strong woman who wanted control over her own destiny.

The book has a delightfully dark Gothic atmosphere. Rochester's dark secret, strange noises in the night, unexplained fires, a gypsy telling fortunes, desperate walks in the pouring rain, and a bit of the supernatural all contribute to the Gothic mood.

This was my third time reading Jane Eyre, and I was even more impressed with how Charlotte Brontë was ahead of her time in her portrayal of a courageous woman.

Charlotte Brontë fans will thrill to this lush version of the beloved classic JANE EYRE. Original text is enhanced by colorful illustrations throughout by famed artist Marjolein Bastin. A collector’s dream and a stunning gift for Brontë devotees!

5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 02 Mar 2021
#JaneEyre #NetGalley

Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.

This illustrated copy of Jane Eyre is absolutely gorgeous and would make a great gift or addition to a collection. There are illustrations throughout and they are delicate and beautiful. Love it!

Very pretty copy of Jane Eyre with lovely illustrations of flora and fauna. Jane Eyre is a wonderful classic and the illustrations are a nice addition, although illustrations that tied into the story more might have had more impact. But all in all a pleasing copy of a well-loved story.

Favorite book of all time. Absolutely beautiful. Jane and Mr Rochester are such wonderfully written characters, it’s a story I will read again and again.

I really don't have much to say that hasn't already been said about this book, considering it's been around for 150+ years (other than the illustrations in this edition are so lovely). But I will admit how impressed I am with how modern this story feels. I think that's a key factor in why I enjoyed this so much - because it doesn't feel like a classic to me.

Not only is the writing very accessible and incredibly easy to read, which I don't find to the case for most books written during this time period, but the dialogue between characters is very forward thinking. The conversations between Jane and Mr. Rochester are very much similar to conversations that are happening today. I really admire how Brontë incorporates feminist ideals into this story. And I honestly didn't expect the low-key thriller vibes present in some parts, so that was fun.

Overall, this is a great story, updated in a wonderful edition with stunning illustrations. 10/10 would recommend.

This edition of Jane Eyre is so beautiful and evocative. It's a keepsake-worthy version of a classic beloved book, with beautiful, colorful watercolor illustrations of nature passing by and surrounding the lovely words of Charlotte Brontë. This would make a wonderful addition to the other illustrated books in this collection (I already reviewed Pride and Prejudice and Emma), a fantastic gift!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.