Member Reviews
Admittedly, I am not a manga fan. But I got this book because my daughter is. I have loved the story of Jane Eyre for many, many years and have read the unabridged version many times over. It is truly one of my top ten favorite books. I began reading this manga version with a bit of trepidation, hoping that the story would not be "mangled." I am happy to report that it was not in the least bit mangled.
Although the story line moved swiftly, the pictures were richly and carefully drawn. I wasn't completely sold on the way the hair styles were drawn, but that is more manga-stylization than strict adherence to period authenticity. It wasn't hugely distracting, especially when faced with such beautiful renderings of the rooms and Thornfield Hall. I liked the way the book denoted when they were speaking French by drawing double lines around the speech bubbles. It still kept the essence of the story without distracting the reader with trying to decipher the language. I did notice that Blanche Ingram is drawn as a raven-haired beauty (as in the novel) and not as a blond (as in a fairly recent film adaptation). I further noticed that this version included an oft-excluded part of the story when the gypsy visits Thornfield. In fact, this version contained almost the entire story as written in the original novel, something that most other adaptations cannot claim. I also liked the supplemental information at the end of the book, such as further information about the publication of the original novel and about the real life of a governess back then. It was also interesting to see various character sketches as they developed.
Overall, I highly recommend this book. Like I said before, I'm not personally a manga fan, but I can see how this book would be a useful tool to encourage reluctant readers or readers for whom English is not their first language to explore the richer texts of classic English literature. I wouldn't quite put this on par with Cliffs Notes, but it could be a useful companion to a literature student who struggles with the original text.
I gratefully received this eARC from the authors, publisher, and NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.
I really enjoyed manga adaption of Jane Eyre. I have red this story so long ago, I forgot why I have stopped reading at around 80% mark.
The language is bit odd and I'd not suggest to any beginners to read this. But may be I felt this problem as English is my 2nd language or I've problem reading old English. Whatever might be the reason, it was creepy and interesting till then end (at-least manga was) to help me complete this story for once.
This is a wonderful graphic novel adaptation of Jane Eyre and another great addition to the collection of Manga Classics! It has been a while since I read the original novel, but I felt like this shortened version stayed true to the story and I really enjoyed the art work. I would recommend this for readers already familiar with the story as well as those who just want to check out the story of a never read classic.
<p>Comics and poetry are my mental palate-cleanser when I finish a book late at night and don't want to start anything too taxing before sleep. So I finished <a href="https://www.librarything.com/work/17295298/book/138825136">The Gene</a> last night at nine, and then turned to <a href="https://www.librarything.com/work/19117203/book/138825205">Manga Classics: Jane Eyre</a> for my reading-time sorbet. I've read the real Jane Eyre, way way back in high school. At the time, I swooned. Now, maybe a bit more world-weary, I recognize that there's a lot of worrisome bits in Jane Eyre: if a friend were to tell me that her new boyfriend was already married and kept his wife locked in the attic but really really loves her (the friend, not the wife), I would be like <i>Uuuuhhhhh</i>. Even ignoring the more prurient bits, let's not forget Rochester's behaviour, like pretending to be in love with someone else to make Jane jealous and fall in love with him, which is not really romantic as much as creepily manipulative. And what exactly is the allure of Rochester? He seems like a mercurial jerk, always bossing Jane about and alternating being friendly with being cold. That and having read <A href="https://www.librarything.com/work/11227385">Wide Sargasso Sea</a> within the last year has erased any memories of earlier Jane Eyre swooning; likely if Geoff locked me in the attic and then went off to marry a governess, I'd try to burn his house down too. Through a post-modern, feminist lens, Jane Eyre, manga or not, has a lot of problematic bits. </p>
<p>But <A href="https://www.librarything.com/work/19117203/book/138825205">Manga Classics: Jane Eyre</a> does have this: some of the panels are drawn chibi style and they are <i>sooooooooooo</i> cute. It seems all aspects of my feminist-self can be co-opted by chibi drawings. And then I start to swoon.</p>
<p>No, I tell myself. Don't do it. Rochester is a dick. Manipulative, lying, and way too tall.</p>
<p>Chibis!</p>
<p>Chibis cannot make up for the warning signs of an abusive partner.</p>
<p>CHIBIS!</p>
<p>I am not going to throw away my principles because of awwww they are so cute so so so so so so cute.</p>
<p>Chibis?</p>
<p>Chibis.</p>
<p>Chibis.</p>
<p>Basically, this is Jane Eyre with a few panels drawn as chibis and my mind ceases to function because chibis and I fail at feminist literary criticism.</p>
<p><A href="https://www.librarything.com/work/19117203/book/138825205">Manga Classics: Jane Eyre</a> went on sale November 15, 2016.</p>
<p><small>I received a copy free from <a href="https://www.netgalley.com/">Netgalley</a> in exchange for an honest review.</small></p>
The adaptation of the classic book Jane Eyre is very spot on! I love how the narratives and talk bubbles stayed true. The illustrations are wonderful. I also like the object symbolism, it was shown well.
Interesting premise for an old classic. Good pictures and followed story. If you like comic book style this could be for you to read classics.
I give the book 4 stars. I loved that the classics are being translated into mangos. I think it's helping the younger generation be interested in classics and it will be helpful for kids who have trouble get into reading. Jane Eyre is one of my favorites and I happy with the reinterpretation and enjoyed the drawings. I would recommend.
I am really in love with this series and am reading all the titles in it. Jane Eyre is handled every bit as skillfully as the others both in the execution of the text and the illustrations. But I must say that I haven't read this book since I was a teenager, and looking at it again after so long really casts a different light on the relationships in the book. I think that reading it in the Manga format made these new insights even more apparent. I sill enjoyed it though very much.
*I received this book through netgalley, but all thoughts and ideas about it are my own*
To start, I have to admit I have never read Jane Eyre... or most of the 'classics'. I have been meaning to and I love manga so, when I saw this pop up I decided to give it a try.
It was a very interesting read. I do really want to read the novel now so I can compare them because there were many places where the manga felt awkward. There were scenes or dialogue that seemed to come out of nowhere or not match the tone I suspected. This could also just be a time difference.... I wish we had more thought bubbles from Jane so we could understand things better.
Very interesting though and I thought the artwork was very pretty.
This beautiful stories really comes to life in this Manga. It feels like you're in it yourself, consumed by the wonderfully filled pages with amazing artwork!
Udon Entertainment and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Manga Classics: Jane Eyre. This is my honest opinion of the book.
Jane Eyre is an orphan, raised by her Aunt for most of her young life. Bullied by her cousins, Jane is suffering the most miserable existence. An opportunity to go to Lowood School changes everything for Jane, despite the horrific conditions. She finds comfort with a fellow student and with the school superintendent. With such a tumultuous childhood, will Jane be able to forgive her past and become who she was always meant to be? Will being a governess and treating those around her with kindness help to fulfill Jane's life in ways that she could never imagine?
As a fan of classic works of literature, I was curious to see if a Manga could bring the characters to life as much as the original. I have gained much appreciation for Manga because of Jane Eyre, as the story is exquisitely told through this visual art form. The life of Jane Eyre is simplified, but in no way is cheapened in this format. This book is, in many ways, a CliffsNotes version of Jane Eyre, but the complete story comes through loud and clear. Whether readers are fans of the classics, or fans of Manga, both will find Manga Classics: Jane Eyre to be delightful. With the addition of background information on the original Jane Eyre story and historical references to the times in which the book is set, this Manga provides a complete representation of the novel and more.
I keep repeating myself, I’m pretty sure a blogger should get a bit more creative but I think I’m justified in my choice of words. So here goes: Another brilliant adaptation of one of the most famous classics in English literature: Jane Eyre. I’ve read the original once a long time ago and by the time I finished with the manga adaptation I wanted to run and read it again.
The novel follows the life of young Jane Eyre, an orphan with a cruel and abused childhood. When she is cast out by her aunt, Jane is sent to a charity school where she receives an education under a very strict regime. Years later, she finds a job as a governess at the Rochester estate. Three months after she starts, Jane meets the cold and mysterious Edward Rochester, the owner of the estate. Slowly they begin to bond but a secret threatens to ruin everything, both the reputation and the life of Miss Eyre. Will she be able to follow her heart and be with the man she loves or will she lose him?
This is a story about facing fears and life no matter what comes your way, not letting traumatic experiences define you. It’s about determination, the power to follow dreams and above all, it’s about courage to face the world and to stay faithful to ourselves under every circumstance.
Jane Eyre is a brilliant character, a strong, intelligent woman that knows the boundaries set by her social class but still manages to answer politely, crossing the line with grace and pure wit.
The adaptation is once again incredible. The drawings transmit the simplicity of the characters but still manage to convey emotion.
Can’t wait to read more!
A great way to reread one of your favorite classic novels, or how to introduce someone to them for the first time! I love classics and graphic novels and this is a great way to mash the genres together for a fun interpretation.