Book 9: Jane, April Lindner

As Jane Eyre is probably my favorite book of all time, I was more than a little twitchy when I heard that an modernized version based on the novel had published. For the most part, my concerns were not realized. Lindner does a fairly good job at updating the storyline while not losing the essence of it. Miss Eyre becomes Jane Moore, who must drop out of college after her parents die and leave all their assets to her abusive, self-involved siblings. Her Rochester is Nico Rathburn, rock star with a wild past trying to make a comeback. Bianca is now a photographer documenting rehearsals for the new tour. The story transitions well to the modern era IMHO, although today's Jane seems more lacking in self-esteem than being honest about her flaws. Also, in the modern era the age difference between 19-year-old Jane and 40ish Nico seems a bit creepy,  though it never bothered me in the original. But altogether it's a worthwhile read for fans of the original, and those not predisposed to 19th century Gothics would likely find it accessible.