Saturday 23 September 2017

Isabella's Reading Corner: Jane, Unlimited



Jane, Unlimited
Author: Kristin Cashore
Publication Date: September 19th 2017
Publisher: Kathy Dawson Books




"Do you ever feel like you're trapped in the wrong version of your life?"

Jane has felt this way ever since her Aunt Magnolia went away on a photography mission to the Antarctica and never returned. Shortly before her death, Jane's aunt made her promise to never turn down an invitation to Tu Reviens, the large home situated on a private island owned by Octavian Thrash IV. While working part-time in a campus bookshop, Jane runs into her old acquaintance and tutor Kiran, who also happens to be Octavian's daughter. When Kiran invites her to stay at her family's estate, it's an offer she can't refuse.

Soon after arriving at the mansion and unable to sleep, Jane decides to explore her new surroundings. While wandering the halls, she overhears a strange conversation between several of the other inhabitants that may be connected to some strange and recent goings on. She soon finds herself trying to solve a mystery revolving around Kiran's absent stepmother, some missing children and stolen works of art!

Tu Reviens is like a living entity and hides secrets within its vast walls. It is described as making sighs, rumbles, groans and "protesting noises". The house itself is integral to the progression of the story. Magnolia tells Jane that it's a place of opportunity and this information is relevant in her decision to take Kiran up on her offer to go there. Its occupants are an eclectic group, with their individual quirks and traits. There is an old fashioned nostalgic feel to the setting and the residents with their clever, witty dialogue. 

Without her aunt, Jane is lost. She drops out of school, has an uninspiring job and lives in a small rented apartment with three other people. When Kiran invites her to stay at Tu Reviens, it makes sense for her to accept. The invitation also brings her closer to her aunt. Jane has a vibrant personality. She makes umbrellas for both practicality and art. When pitted against the wealthy socialites, she says what she thinks and asks questions no one expects. Tangled in the mystery that is Tu Reviens, Jane wonders why Aunt Magnolia was so eager to send her there.

The first part of the book sets up the main story, but the subsequent ones careen off into different directions, based on the multiple decisions Jane makes. It's an unusual format and one that allows author Kristin Cashore to bring together many elements and genres. The novel is mysterious, atmospheric and magical with prevalent themes of sea, water and exploration. I loved the many references to Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca, also, as it is one of my favourites.

Jane, Unlimited is ultimately about the importance of the seemingly random choices we make and how they can have a significant impact on the outcome of our lives. Recommended.

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC provided for review.




From the publisher:
The highly anticipated standalone from the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of the Graceling Realm series—a kaleidoscopic novel about grief, adventure, storytelling, and finding yourself in a world of seemingly infinite choices.

Jane has lived an ordinary life, raised by her aunt Magnolia—an adjunct professor and deep sea photographer. Jane counted on Magnolia to make the world feel expansive and to turn life into an adventure. But Aunt Magnolia was lost a few months ago in Antarctica on one of her expeditions.

Now, with no direction, a year out of high school, and obsessed with making umbrellas that look like her own dreams (but mostly just mourning her aunt), she is easily swept away by Kiran Thrash—a glamorous, capricious acquaintance who shows up and asks Jane to accompany her to a gala at her family's island mansion called Tu Reviens.

Jane remembers her aunt telling her: "If anyone ever invites to you to Tu Reviens, promise me that you'll go." With nothing but a trunkful of umbrella parts to her name, Jane ventures out to the Thrash estate. Then her story takes a turn, or rather, five turns. What Jane doesn't know is that Tu Reviens will offer her choices that can ultimately determine the course of her untethered life. But at Tu Reviens, every choice comes with a reward, or a price.

Read Jane, Unlimited and remember why The New York Times has raved, "Some authors can tell a good story; some can write well. Cashore is one of the rare novelists who do both."


You can read my original Isabella's Reading Corner post on Jane, Unlimited here.

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