With the upcoming re-release of Jane Rochester, a novel inspired by Jane Eyre, I am reminded of how important the biography of Brontë was to my research. I relied on the very readable, Charlotte Brontë: A Passionate Life by Lyndall Gordon.
It was essential for me to understand the psychology of Jane Eyre's author as I tried to blend my ideas with hers for the sequel. I had the attitude that Charlotte and I would be co-authors. I like to think that I grew to know her as much as her character, Jane Eyre.
Choosing to write a derivative work has its risks and it either enrages or excites readers—which I think is fair enough when dealing with a beloved classic. Contemporary reviews of Jane Eyre were mixed.
It's almost Charlotte's birthday (mine two days after hers!), so what will I do to celebrate? I'm thinking of making a Victorian dessert: Apple Tart. The recipe is more complicated than my typical crumb-topped apple pie—I'll let you know if it's worth the trouble.
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