Mary Jane Guild goes on an unpredictable, emotional journey down the Mississippi River where she puts her skills at mathematics and knowledge of diseases to work in pre-Civil War times. When her aunt writes to her mother indicating things aren’t well at home, Mary Jane is sent to be the help her aunt’s family. On the way, she encounters unfriendly and friendly characters who teach her about what life is life for a variety of people in the time.

I haven’t read The Adventures in Huckleberry Finn in many years, so I went into this with no expectations other than vague associations that had more to do with Tom Sawyer than anything to do with Mary Jane. After I finished Adventures of Mary Jane, I looked up some summaries just to catch up on what I may have missed from the reading. Although my Mark Twain advanced knowledge was a sparse, Mary Jane’s story could stand on its own and still interprets a few of the events in Huck Finn’s story in interesting ways.

In a lot of ways, this book could function as an introductory guide to the kind of people you might find along the Mississippi River. About halfway through, I joked that I would eat my Kindle if Mary Jane *didn’t* encounter a Jewish person by the end of the book (she did) because it seemed like we were going through a checklist of people Mark Twain himself didn’t have high opinions of.

The characters she encounters are a mix of people — genuinely good, truly bad, Christian, slaves, native, abolitionists, ship captains, Mormons, Jews, criminals, lawmakers, swindlers… I can’t remember them all. They all paint a colorful tapestry of people and ideas. The author describes these with varying characteristics of good and bad. As a Mormon myself, I got immediately worried when a pastor and his wife started describing Mormon people. Knowing Mark Twain’s opinion of Mormons, I was a little worried about what the book would contain. In fact, I was surprisingly pleased to see her historically accurate and kind portrayal of a religious people who were misunderstood then (and now). From what I can tell, Jahren’s handling of all the people of the time was well-researched, often taken from diaries or otherwise based on real people, and fair, although part of me did feel like the author was, in a way, trying to apologize for Twain’s negative opinions of many of these people Mary Jane encounters.

My biggest problem with the book is I’m not entirely sure who it is for. Mary Jane comes across as somewhat naive at times and overly optimistic, like something of an Anne of Green Gables meets Pollyanna traveling along the Mississippi. No matter who she encounters or what she faces, she’s always looking for the good in people and handling things far better than many adults would. Her relentless charm makes it seem like the book is for younger readers, but at the same time, some dark events would make me hesitant to recommend this book with no reservations to a general audience. Some of the events were jarring in the face of the character’s attitude. The way some characters described slaves made me feel physically ill, and a sexual assault was described in some detail about what had occurred. The book seems too young for a lot of young adult readers, but too old for middle grade because of that content.

There’s a decent amount of wanting to be the hero of the day (or, in one case, white saviorism) that could feel a little glaring. I imagine it’s hard to write a book that deals with topics like slavery and address modern sensibilities, and Mary Jane came across as a little too young and naive in her approach to it. Between that and the different types of characters showcased, the book occasionally has a preachy aspect to it that some readers may not enjoy.

Overall, I highly enjoyed this adventure. None of the characters are perfect, and the plot is just like an adventure with twists and turns and a new person to meet around every corner. In spite of the variety of characters and topics, I felt swept up in the story with every page. The story is full of happiness and sadness, adventures and courage, and so much more. While the “preachiness” and somewhat aggressive good attitude of the main character may be difficult for some readers to get past, I found the book to be a well-researched adventure worth reading.

Hope Jahren’s "Adventures of Mary Jane" is a delightful reimagining of Mark Twain’s classic world from "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," centered around the previously overlooked character of Mary Jane. Jahren’s narrative skillfully transports readers into the life of Mary Jane, offering a fresh perspective that stands beautifully on its own.

Despite not recently revisiting "Huckleberry Finn," I found "Adventures of Mary Jane" to be thoroughly engrossing from the outset. Mary Jane emerges as a smart and courageous protagonist navigating challenging circumstances, evolving from a naive young girl in a northern trading post to a self-assured young woman shaping her own destiny along the Mississippi River. This is not just a tale of adventure, but also a poignant coming-of-age story filled with themes of kindness, family, and resilience.

Jahren’s attention to historical detail is commendable, painting a vivid picture of life in the pre-Civil War era with meticulous accuracy. From the intricacies of northern trading posts to the rhythms of Mississippi river life, the setting feels authentic and immersive. The inclusion of memorable characters, both human and animal, further enriches the narrative, showcasing Jahren’s ability to breathe life into every aspect of Mary Jane’s journey.

As an animal lover, I particularly appreciated the role of characters like Robert Fulton, Samson, Delilah, and Cherry the dog, whose instincts often prove wiser than their human counterparts. These elements add depth and charm to the story, making it a joy to read.

"Adventures of Mary Jane" is not just for fans of historical fiction; it’s a tale that will resonate with readers of all ages who appreciate a well-crafted story filled with heart, courage, and the enduring spirit of adventure. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to rediscover the magic of Mark Twain’s world through a fresh and captivating lens.

Top 5 Reasons to Read Adventures of Mary Jane:
*The story of Huckleberry Finn continues with Mary Jane …
*Adventure isn’t a strong enough word for the thrills in this book!
*Learn about the times by living this historical fiction story.
*Great characters and found family, my favorite trope.
*Can be read without reading Huckleberry Finn, it works as a standalone.

📚Adventures of Mary Jane
🖊️Author: Hope Jahren
🗂️Genre: Young Adult Historical Fantasy
📆Publication date: June 25
📝Pages: 362

ARC REVIEW

5/⭐️

📌Summary:
Ιn this brand new reimagining, Mary Jane—the red-headed spark from Mark Twains, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, who stole Huck’s heart in just 30 pages—comes to life with her own story of adventuring down the Mississippi River in the 1840’s.

Meet Mary Jane Guild — she’s on a dangerous and unpredictable adventure down the Mississippi River — and she’ll steal Huck Finn’s heart along the way.

In these chapters you’ll come to know the real Mary a girl on her own dangerous and unpredictable journey down the Mississippi River in pre–Civil War America. Equipped with an uncanny ability for mathematics, a talent for sewing, and a bale of beaver skins, Mary Jane navigates deadly illnesses, angry mobs, treacherous landowners, outright thieves and swindlers, and more than a thousand miles of muddy water. What’s more, she thrives in the face of these challenges, thanks to support from a caring boat captain, generous neighbors, a cheery peddler, a chosen family, a loyal and loving dog, and two hardworking horses. Traveling solo requires Mary Jane to grow up fast, but it ultimately leads her to a new resilience, a love of adventure, deep and enduring sisterhood, and a blue-eyed, pony-tailed boy she can’t stop thinking about.

📌Review:
This was such a fresh look at a character we all love. Mary Jane is a powerful realistic woman. Her journey is a mirror of what a journey every woman goes through.

The writing was very good, i loved the dialogues and the plot was engaging.

📌Book Links:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200250795-adventures-of-mary-jane
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Foul-Days-Witchs-Compendium-Monsters-ebook/dp/B0CGS17MTB

📌Author’s links:
https://hopejahrensurecanwrite.com/
https://www.instagram.com/realhopejahren/?hl=en

https://tbrandbeyondtours.com/2024/05/24/tour-schedule-adventures-of-mary-jane-by-hope-jahren/

#AdventuresOfMaryJane #TBRBeyondTours #HopeJahren

This book provides more insight into the character of Mary Jane from Huckleberry Finn.

Mary Jane, one of the side characters of Huckleberry Finn, shines in this book. It showcases the story of a girl who faced many hardships in the pre-Civil War era. Read on because you're about to be taken on a daring adventure.

This captivating book centers on the empowerment of young girls, a theme that deeply resonated with me. The author's attention to detail in depicting the pre-Civil War era and vivid portrayals of daily life during that time truly brought the story to life for me. The historical fiction genre added an extra layer of enjoyment, as it's a personal favorite of mine.

The main character, Mary Jane, stood out as a remarkable and admirable young girl. Her cousins, Susan and Joanna, were wonderfully endearing characters. Mrs. Captain, a friend of Mary Jane's, was a delightful and memorable addition to the story, and her kindness left a lasting impact on me.

I recommend this book to anyone who appreciates Huckleberry Finn and has a passion for history.

Happy Reading, Paige ❤️ 📚

Thank you, @tbrbeyondtours & @delacortepress for sending me a copy of your book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Strong, independent teen girls in the 1800s in literature are usually only slightly defiant of societal standards. Mary Jane breaks this mold, and becomes a character Mark Twain himself would have been proud to develop beyond the brief meeting with Huck he gave us. She is proud and humble, fearful and brave, and powerful in more ways than she herself could imagine. Every scene brings her to life in a new way in this amazing tale that is an ode to Twain’s style, morality, and stories. The historical research that is the foundation of this adventure tale is a clear foundation for the story, but does not distract from the characterization or plot. The writing is impeccable and there was not a single second I was able to willingly put the book down. Young teens, adventurers, and Twain fans will all enjoy accompanying Mary Jane as she meets many diverse people, learns what really matters to her, and grows from a frustrated girl into a strong young woman.

Thank you to Random House Children's, Delacorte Press, Netgalley, and the author for early access to this wonderful story.

There is something so endlessly fascinating about the westward expansion era of the United States. While it is hard to truly imagine the absolute strength it would take to endure daily living, perhaps it is the fortitude of that grit that brings the allure of the time. Hope Jahren reimagines the classic world of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn with a fresh and innovative spin on the life of Mary Jane, a young girl that even modern readers, both young and old, will connect with throughout this beautifully told tale. Adventures of Mary Jane is a brilliantly balanced and clever piece of historical fiction. While nearly two centuries have passed since the beloved Mary Jane learned life’s lessons on the bank of the Mississippi, the same young adult themes resonate vividly through these pages.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review- a full review will be posted as part of the TBRBook Tour on June 26th!

“You may say what you want to, but in my opinion, she had more sand in her than any girl I ever see; in my opinion she was just full of sand. . . . And when it comes to beauty—and goodness too—she lays over them all.”

So says Huck Finn after meeting Mary Jane, the eldest of the three nieces of Peter Wilks, whom he saves from the Duke and the Dauphin by revealing where he hid their uncle’s gold. Mary Jane may play a small role in Huck’s story (though she certainly left a lasting impression), but a girl with that much sand in her has her own stories to tell.

Mary Jane lives in the North with her mother and grandfather, but at fourteen, she’s starting to feel caught between following wherever they go and having her own adventures. Named after two headless queens, Mary Jane adores her copy of A Child’s History of England, has an impressive knack for mental calculations, and is full of bravery and kindness.

When her Aunt Evelyn writes a letter requesting her mother’s help for a few weeks, Ma sends Mary Jane in her place, starting off a chain of adventures that involve a found family aboard a steamboat, illnesses to heal, slave owners to argue with, dangerous relatives to avoid, a white-mustached Samuel Clemens (iykyk), and eventually a run-in with a handsome boy with blue eyes and a blond ponytail.

We loved Mary Jane’s spunk as well as the look at mid-1800s America from a young woman’s perspective, and Jahren’s novel is full of clever allusions to Twain’s original. She captures its spirit while telling her own fresh tale, and while the story starts a little slowly, we were drawn in further and further with each page.

For the most part, the novel is appropriate for a wide range of students; however, there is one brief scene of sexual abuse to be aware of when making recommendations to your students.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House Children’s, and Delacorte Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are our own.

**This review will be posted at https://threeheads.works/category/blog/ya-books/ on July 1, 2024.

Adventures of Mary Jane is really fan fiction created for a minor character from Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The author gives Mary Jane her own back story against the drop of the expanding American frontier along the Mississippi River. Grabbing from a few different decades for historical events and context, the author is more interested in giving the flavor of the time rather than a historical portrayal of a sliver of time.

One need not have read Huckleberry Finn in order to follow and enjoy this book. Lovers of historical fiction will enjoy it and also readers who love a spunky heroine. Over the course of the book Mary Jane becomes an independent and confident young lady who tries to protect those who need it. She does the best she can in a difficult world where women and girls have a hard life and not many rights. Although it was satisfying to see her growth, it was sad to see her become a bit jaded towards her mother. A glance at the cover gives the impression that this is a middle grade book, but because some of the themes are tough, this book is probably a better fit for young adult readers.

Jahren had me at reading books as a young girl - all about the boys. Boy adventures. Boys testing boundaries. Boy's fun and learning. Where were all the girls? Background characters. Prim and proper.
To know me is to know how much I cannot tolerate Huckleberry Fin. I read that book so many times for school and college - never again. But a character given a voice? UM YES!
Mary Jane is everything young girls need - strong, determined, kind, generous, empathetic. And having her own adventures! I loved every moment of this book.
Jahren - thank you for giving Mary Jane a voice!

I loved it! I thought it was awesome being able to read a story about a character from another classic. It was different for sure. I originally wanted to read it because the book she comes from has always been my grandmothers favorite so I thought it would be fun. I can't wait for this to be published so I can buy a copy for her! I think she's going to love it for sure.

This was a great read about some difficult subjects. I reread Huck before I read this, and I had just recently read James By Percival Everett. So this was a nice third installment to the whole story line. This book will do very well. Great characters, decent length to tell the whole story( not rushed) , and a solid ending.

This is such a great historical fiction book that parallels the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from a girls point of view. It was fascinating. The historical research the author did is amazing. The story is packed full of all sorts of adventures and relationships. It portrays life in the 1840's in incredible detail - the good and the bad.
The author did a great job showing how the adults make all the decisions and the children / teens must just go along with it. They are in many ways, powerless to change the course of their life. There were so many details of life and society that I never knew about from that time period. It was interesting and disturbing.
This is a book well worth reading. It's time a girl gets to tell her story.
Enjoy!

Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed Adventures of Mary Jane. It was a fast paced story. I loved the supporting characters especially Mrs. Captain and Rooster. I think all characters were well developed and interesting. I learned a lot about the time period and relations between different groups of people.. I love a good author's note at the end explaining more about the story. I loved the found family. I will purchase this for our high school library.

Mary Jane Guild may not have captured all readers' attention in The Adventures of Huck Finn, but reimagined through Hope Jahren's eyes, she becomes a realistic protagonist who wrestles with fear, insecurity, and self-doubt and comes out stronger and more confident. Jahren's retelling includes the flavor and voice of Twain with the modern perspective today's readers expect. While the story is rich in detail, the pacing drags at times, making it feel longer than it is, but the story's plot and characterization make it a strong addition to a MG or YA reading shelf.
Mary Jane has lived a sheltered life moving between the trading post and Fort Snelling with her mother and her morfar, a grandfather whose life as a trapper, trader, and voyageur landed her family in the northern stretches of the Mississippi River. When her aunt writes of a vague trouble at Fort Edwards, far south on the Mississippi where she is stationed with her husband and daughters, Mary Jane's mother decrees that she will travel alone to help her aunt. When she arrives, after facing theft, scammings, and incredible kindness, she finds her uncle with a serious brain injury, her aunt and cousins trying to make do with very little, and herself the only problem-solver in sight. When her aunt and uncle both pass away, the local authorities say the cousins must go to their father's brother even further south, and Mary Jane claims to be an older sister to be allowed to stay with them. In Greenville, they find their uncle a cruel and despicable slave owner who lavishes them with gifts but mistreats them through threats and inappropriate advances. When he dies, Mary Jane sees her chance to free herself and the girls from anyone's control, if she can plan their escape well and shut down the thumping of her heart whenever she sees a blue-eyes-pony-tail boy.
Mary Jane is a believable and likable character who shows a true blend of human characteristics that YA readers will recognize. She wants freedom and responsibility but craves the nostalgic safety of knowing Ma or Morfar will help. She is proud of herself but critical of every stumble she makes. As she perseveres, she finds she is stronger than she thought and wiser than she knew. The themes of adaptability, resilience, and finding your own path are clear and well developed. While it would be mainly appropriate for MG readers, the scenes with Uncle Peter Wilks would need preparation and support for younger readers, and some families may prefer not to address those topics with their children. For YA readers, I would prepare students for the topics of enslavement and treatment of enslaved persons before reaching the scenes that feature Sugar, Candy, or the movement of the enslaved people Mary Jane sees from the Galenian. I would also work with readers to identify the signs and signals of Peter Wilks' choices before the scenes when readers see his vile actions with Susan. This novel would make an excellent companion read alongside The Adventures of Huck Finn, showing events from different timelines and perspectives.