Parents' Guide to

My Plain Jane

By Rachel Sarah, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Cheeky "Jane Eyre" remake is a ghosty romcom mystery.

Book Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows, Brodi Ashton Historical Fiction 2018
My Plain Jane Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 13+

Based on 1 parent review

StudiousStudent
StudiousStudent Adult
August 24, 2018
age 13+

Amazing retelling of Jane Eyre!

I loved this book! It was a really cute retelling of the classic novel "Jane Eyre"! The only things I would note is that the book does contain a couple of uses of h--l, d--n, and b-----d. Also, this book has some violence, but nothing very gory. There are also a couple of kisses, too.
1 person found this helpful.
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What's the Story?

MY PLAIN JANE is a lighthearted retelling of Jane Eyre set in 1830s England and narrated in alternating chapters by aspiring author Charlotte Bronte, orphan Jane Eyre, and ghost hunter Alexander Blackwood. Charlotte’s best friend Jane is offered a job with the Society for the Relocation of Wayward Spirits (she can see ghosts), but instead decides to be a governess at Thornfield Hall. As the story moves along, Jane falls in love with her dark, brooding employer, Mr. Rochester, who's much older than she is. There are ghosts and lots of mystery, as well as literary themes of revenge and patriarchy. The tone is definitely tongue-in-cheek.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (2):

Fans of the literary masterpiece it's based on will get a kick out of this retelling with its humor and supernatural theme. My Plain Jane starts out a bit slow and feels long at times, but the wit and humor carry the story. The authors' fondness for this Gothic time period shines through, and fans of paranormal romances will probably love it.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about feminism in My Plain Jane. Which scenes illustrate sexism in 19th century England? How does Helen call out Rochester’s patriarchal behavior?

  • How do the authors managed to evoke humor and wit in this time of history that was often so dark for women? How do they poke fun on the pages?

  • What did you think of the authors' literary and other allusions to Harry Potter, Scooby-Doo, The Princess Bride, and Sherlock Holmes?

Book Details

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