REVIEW: Jane Airhead by Kay Woodward

Review by Karen

Charlotte is 13, and obsessed with Jane Eyre. It’s her favourite book, and she’s read it more times than she can count. What’s not to love? It’s gothic, passionate, and most importantly, features the ultimate romantic male hero, Mr Rochester. It’s Jane Eyre that gives Charlotte a great idea – she needs to find a romantic hero for her mum. When a new French teacher arrives at school, Charlotte can’t believe her luck. He’s dark, brooding and mysterious. At first Charlotte thinks he’s perfect…but then learns that he’s sarcastic, rude and not exactly ideal future step-father material. If that wasn’t enough, Charlotte’s got other problems to contend with. She fancies gorgeous Jack Burley, but he doesn’t seem to notice she’s alive. Can Charlotte figure out a way to sort out her mum’s love life as well as her own?

Jane Eyre, the much-loved classic by Charlotte Bronte, has been given a modern-day revamp in Jane Airhead and the result is thoroughly enjoyable. The text is laugh-out-loud funny, easy to read and the story rattles along at a great pace. This is a novel that deals primarily with relationships – both family and romantic - and even though it’s based on an old story, teenagers today will have no problem identifying with Charlotte’s problems and dilemmas. This is a great way of introducing teenagers to writers such as the Brontes, and you don’t have to be fan of classic literature to enjoy this, as it’s a great story in its own right.

Review by Karen

Comments

[Sophie]

This sounds so good! I kind of makes me feel ashamed that I haven't read Jane Eyre, though!

[Kate Pinn]

This sounds like it's a fun read! I've not read any Jane Eyre (I need to catch up with my classic reading). Great review!

[Jenny]

Ace review, I really enjoyed this book :)

[Catherine Noel]

Great review. I'm always looking for good books for my niece and this sounds like a fabulous choice. I'm on it!