Graphic from publisher W.W. Norton
Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys
New York : Norton, [1992], c1966.
189 p. ; 21 cm
I added Wide Sargasso Sea to our collection because it was on a list of AP literature titles and many of our teachers require students to pick from AP titles. It may sound silly, but I was attracted to the book initially by its beautiful and evocative title. When I saw it described as a book that explores the back story of crazy Bertha in the attic from Brontë's Jane Eyre, I knew I had to read it.
It is a finely written book, capturing the clashing worldviews of post-slavery Jamaica and the conflicts between impoverished locals, former elite locals, and new European interlopers. Of course the age-old conflict of men oppressing women is also at the heart of the story.
It's a great read, in that it is told convincingly from the two main characters points of view - Mr. Rochester and his rushed bride Antoinette, who will become the crazy woman in the attic of Brontë's Jane Eyre.
It's not an easy read right off; it's suggestive, dreamy and atmospheric and a little tricky to get situated into, but once you've oriented yourself as a reader, it is a delight. It has not circulated much among students, but that doesn't surprise me too much as it would be a weighty read for any young person. However, I'll definitely be mentioning it to readers who want novels with strong literary qualities - or any readers who are fans of Jane Eyre.
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