Books and Jams Readalong discussion

You made it! What are your final thoughts about this book...things you liked and/or didn't like? What would you rate it? Would you read more by Lindsay Faye?

Overall I enjoyed the book and glad I read it! Jane was a complex character, constantly battling doing the right thing for her or loved ones and Faye’s writing was a hit with me. I will certainly look to read more from her. Personally I liked the first three quarters better than the last. I must admit I was a little confused with all of the things that occurred in the Punjab and with all of the characters that weren’t living now. I did not guess who was behind everything and Faye lead me down different paths that I did not expect. Again this inspires me to do a reread of Jane Eyre soon.

Krista wrote: "You made it! What are your final thoughts about this book...things you liked and/or didn't like? What would you rate it? Would you read more by Lindsay Faye?"

Overall, I enjoyed Jane Steele. I gave the book four stars; it was probably a 3.5 for me. I found Lindsay Faye's characters to be complex and well written. I found Jane to be a lovably flawed character who makes terrible choices out of a desire to protect herself and those she loves. I liked that Faye didn't try to stick to closely to the story of Jane Eyre. For me, there was very little connecting the two novels, which added to my overall enjoyment of this book. It allowed me to read Jane Steele without comparing it to Jane Eyre. Had the books been more similar I think Jane Steele would have fallen short for me...I love Jane Eyre and I don't think Faye's book would have stood up to the comparison. I believe I will read more Lindsay Faye.

I thought this was a great fun read! Jane did what she thought she had to to survive. And her directness caused me to laugh when she commits each murder. Is that wrong? Ha!

There were parts of this last section where I felt completely lost. All that exposition of the history of the battles between the Sikh and the East India Company. A lot of it went right over my head. It took me a while to figure out what it all meant and why it was important to the story. I still feel like a lot of it was extra.

I still love all the morally gray characters though and how Jane was eager to fight for love in the last few chapters. I'm so glad she found someone to love and cherish her.

Oh, and I loved that Quillfeather wasn't the scary person she thought. Isn't that just how a guilty conscience works though?

I was a bit bummed that the friendship with Rebecca Clarke couldn't be salvaged at all.

Overall I gave this book 4 stars. I really enjoyed it!