Welcome back to the Debut Novel a Month Challenge, where each month I read and review a debut novel that was released that month. For October, the debut novel I read was Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood, an Ethiopian Jane Eyre retelling where the protagonist is an exorcist instead of a governess.
As a Jane Eyre retelling, the relationship between the main character (Andromeda) and this version’s Mr. Rochester (here named Magnus) is key, and Blackwood absolutely nails it. The blooming romance between Andromeda and Magnus is slow and intense and passionate, and everything you could ask for.
One thing I especially loved about WTWW is the way Blackwood layers original elements alongside the aspects that are retelling Jane Eyre. A key subplot, for instance, involves Andromeda’s relationship with and feelings toward her mentor/father-figure who kicked her out shortly before the events of the novel. It was a particularly compelling subplot, and weaves seamlessly into the adapted elements.
Overall, if you love Jane Eyre, I think you’ll love WTWW, but not being a Jane Eyre fan shouldn’t discourage you from picking it up. WTWW’s strengths lie in the complex, nuanced relationships between all the characters and the detailed historical fantasy world. Anyone interested in a story about deep relationships, romantic or otherwise, shouldn’t hesitate to pick this up. You won’t be disappointed.
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