Wife Upstairs

For full review, check out my blog: https://alyrusciano.wordpress.com/2021/08/18/the-wife-upstairs-review

I wanted to like this book, but I was rather disappointed. THE WIFE UPSTAIRS’ leading protagonist is simply unlikeable. Where Bronte’s Jane is headstrong but gentle, Hawkins’ Jane is egotistical and harsh. The soft and relatable characteristics of Bronte’s Jane are tossed out the window as Hawkins crafts a version of the character that is disagreeably snotty.

5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for a free audio copy of The Wife Upstairs in exchange for my honest review. I was ecstatic to get an early listen of this domestic thriller after seeing so many glowing reviews on Instagram and NetGalley. I enjoyed the concept of a multiple-POV retelling of Jane Eyre set in the American south. There are plenty of lies, rumors, and twists to keep you turning the pages towards an ending you can't see coming. However, I found myself incredibly annoyed with the shallow, heavily stereotyped wealthy Southern characters. I think the stereotypes were further exaggerated in the audiobook due to the cheesy accents and "bless her heart" style dialogue. While I love a quick-read thriller to read in between my more serious reads, this one just missed the mark for me.

3.5 stars rounded up because it kept my interest. This is an entertaining and twisty modern novel based loosely on Jane Eyre. I read it for my book club and it will make an interesting discussion.

I didn’t enjoy the multiple POV story-telling. I personally thought it detracted from some of the mystery and suspense that a thriller can afford a reader. Too much was handed to the reader. Overall, an entertaining read.