Mr. Rochester

By: Sarah Shoemaker

Narrated by: Simon Shepherd

Length: 16 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

A deft and irresistible retelling of Charlotte Brontë's beloved classic Jane Eyre—from the point of view of the dashing, mysterious Mr. Rochester himself.

"A cracking-good read!"—People, Best New Books

For 170 years, Edward Fairfax Rochester has stood as one of literature's most complex and captivating romantic heroes. Sometimes cruel, sometimes tender, Jane Eyre's mercurial master at Thornfield Hall has mesmerized, beguiled, and, yes, baffled fans of Charlotte Brontë's masterpiece for generations. But his own story has never been told.

We first meet this brilliant, tormented hero as a motherless boy roaming Thornfield's lonely corridors. On the morning of Edward's eighth birthday, his father issues a decree: He is to be sent away to get an education, exiled from all he ever loved. Young Edward's journey will take him across working-class England and the decadence of continental Europe before he lands on the warm, languid shores of faraway Jamaica, where his inheritance lies.

That island, however, holds secrets of its own, and Edward soon grows entangled in morally dubious business dealings and a passionate, whirlwind love affair with the town's ravishing heiress, Bertha Antoinetta Mason. Eventually, in the wake of a devastating betrayal, Edward must return to England with his increasingly unstable wife to take over as master of Thornfield. And it is there, on a twilight ride, that he meets the stubborn, plain young governess who will steal his heart and teach him how to love again.

Mr. Rochester is a sweeping coming-of-age story and a stirring tale of adventure, romance, and deceit. Faithful in every particular to Brontë's original yet full of unexpected twists and riveting behind-the-scenes drama, this novel will completely, deliciously, and forever change how we read and remember Jane Eyre.

©2017 Sarah Shoemaker (P)2017 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Satisfying... If you haven't read Jane Eyre, suspense is keen as the climactic end approaches. If you have—as will most of those who come to Mr. Rochester—the novel's dramatic final act provides the quieter pleasure of revisiting one of literature's great love stories from a fresh perspective."—USA Today

"A cracking-good read!"—People, Best New Books

"Lovers of Emily Brontë and Jane Eyre, this one's for you: If you've ever wondered about the backstory of the man who Jane eventually teaches to love again, Mr. Rochester is officially wish fulfillment."—Refinery29

Rochester

The author captured the writing style of Bronte very well, but lacked the passion of Jane Eyre. It was a believable “autobiography” of Mr. Rochester and recommend.

I liked the voice

I liked the voice both of the author and narrator. It fell only slightly short of feeling as if Bronte wrote it herself.

Beautiful intermingled with a classic

I was happy to get to know Edward Before Jane did. Now I understand Bertha Excellent narration. Excellent book

Wonderful Prequel!

I first read Jane Eyre 50 years ago at the age of 10. I have since reread it many times, and watched every film version of the same title.
This is a most natural and thoughtful prequel written in a voice so very nearly the same as Jane’s original narration. I was immediately drawn in, and left any trepidation behind.
Thank you Sarah Shoemaker, and congratulations on a job well done!

Excellent

Jane Eyre is one of my favorite books, and I was intrigued by the concept of this book. But frankly I had low expectations. This book was written so smoothly in the style of the original, with the same rhythms and feelings. I would recommend

My Fave Audible Ever!!

Don’t miss this brilliant story. If you read and loved Jane Eyre this is an absolute must-listen!! If you didn’t, this is still a wonderful book to love and enjoy. One of the best audiobook listens ever. Bravo to Sarah Shoemaker the writer and Simon Shepard the Narrator...both perfection!!

Excellent

Well researched and written. Filled in reasons/motivation of Mr. Rochester’s behavior in Jane Eyre. Enjoyed the narrator too.

Love hearing a different perspective

With so many Pride and Prejudice variations out there, it is great to have a little variety! I loved getting Rochester's perspective, though I must admit that I had a hard time hearing his voice at times. I missed his double meanings and sarcasm. the whole backstory was so beautifully woven. my biggest lament in the tale was Rochester's nephew, as I think that he took some of the gravity of Rochester's decision to propose away, giving him a moral out.
overall, I recommend this book, and would purchase another written by this author.

Magnificent!

If you love Jane Eyre, you will love this masterfully crafted story every bit as much!!

Outstanding and beautifully narrated

I loved this glance into what Mr. Rochester’s life apart from the view of him through Jane Eyre’s eyes. Faithful enough to the text and definitely in keeping with the style. Loved it!