Wide Sargasso Sea - Jean Rhys

Recommended for ages 15-adult.

Wide Sargasso Sea is a book I have been trying to track down for ages. It tells the story of Antoinette Cosway, better recognised as Bertha in Jane Eyre. I really enjoy reading novels which give the backstory of minor characters in other books I've read, like Robin Klein's short story 'Bluebeard's Daughter', Rhys' interpretation left me a little underwhelmed.

For one, I have absolutely no knowledge or experience of the West Indies, which forms the setting for 90% of this book. I don't understand the race relations which the book draws upon, nor the reasons for Rochester's conquest of Antoinette. I understood that power relations were really important in this book, but couldn't get a grip on the specifics. And the multiple shifts in perspective just further confused me.

On saying all that, the language and imagery is magnificent, and thanks to her writing skill, Rhys is able to transform Bertha from the mad woman in the attic of Thornfield Hall into a tragic-heroine figure. It's an interesting shift in perception. Rochester comes off as being mean, heartless and unconscionable rather than being young and naiive as Bronte presents him. I liked that.

Although I couldn't really appreciate this novel, it is a quick read and it does challenge your existing ideas about Jane Eyre.

Recommended for people who enjoyed Jane Eyre and want to delve deeper into the plot. Best to leave it till you're 15 or 16 so you can understand some of Rhys' subtleties.