The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

Whispers of the Story 

Jane, a professional dog walker in a rich neighbourhood, meets the most handsome and rich widower that every woman had their eyes on, Edward “Eddie” Rochester. One look at her and he is lost. Several months later she moves in with Eddie and they are engaged. But her curiosity about his first wife, Bea, begins to unravel something darker. 

Just like in the original Jane Eyre story, Eddie married a rich woman with serious issues. His first wife is locked in a room writing her own version of events as Jane’s and Eddie’s love blossoms. The meeting between these two women ends with a fire. 

Jane runs, leaving behind a burning house and the ruins of Eddie and Bea’s toxic bond. But Eddie left her one final gift.

Review of The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

I have to confess that when I came across some information about this book, I was convinced I would be let down. It’s Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë we’re talking about here. I’ve read the book twice and watched every TV adaptation (especially the one featuring Michael Fassbender as Rochester, which I’ve seen about five times). So, my initial thought was that a contemporary reimagining of Jane Eyre would merely be a feeble imitation of the original. Well, I stand corrected. This novel is truly remarkable; I could hardly tear myself away from it. While the core concept remains faithful to the original, the storytelling, the unfolding events, and the character backgrounds all feel incredibly contemporary. It’s like a flawless blend of Jane Eyre and Desperate Housewives.

I find the storyline to be flawless. Initially, it played out like a fairy tale, with Eddie falling deeply in love with the poor girl, determined to shield her from all harm and provide her with the best life has to offer.  That’s why he invited her to live with him and gave her a credit card with no spending limit. Every girls dream, right? But, the story took a dark turn when it switched to Bea’s point of view, portraying Eddie as a character form Criminal Minds.

The most significant twist and surprise came when we heard Eddie’s side of the story, which revealed that Bea was, in fact, a sociopath willing to resort to murder if it served her interests. Fortunately, Jane did not buy into her story and was able to engage her on an equal footing. Bea herself acknowledged Jane as a formidable foe. When the smoke alarm goes off it is clear that Bea loves Eddie despite that he kept her prisoner and runs to his rescue.

The end of the novel is a real modern one. After the authorities conclude that Eddie perished in the fire, Jane makes a startling discovery: she is the sole beneficiary in Eddie’s will, catapulting her into newfound wealth, with Bea’s company also included. Jane’s next choice stands out as brilliant, deviating from the typical complications found in novels and television shows. Jane leaves quickly and without hesitation. She is still not convinced that Eddie and Bea died in the fire, believing that their intelligence allowed them to escape, especially given the lack of bodies. Her imaginative vision of Eddie in a car with a woman who resembles Bea is her way of offering them a happy ending and recognizing the genuineness of their love. Jane does not wallow in her grief over her former love; instead, she embraces her new life as a wealthy woman.

The central characters are portrayed with great depth. Bea, despite her humble beginnings, uses her intelligence to build a prosperous business empire out of envy for her friend. Blanche, who was born into wealth, lacks the drive to achieve her own success and resents Bea’s accomplishments, even attempting to attribute Bea’s success to herself in order to prove her worth. Blanche’s attempts to provoke Bea and Tripp lead her to inadvertently seduce Eddie, oblivious to the genuine love that is blossoming between him and Bea. Bea is also taken by surprise by this realisation, as she has always preferred to fight her battles alone, failing to recognize Eddie’s potential as a valuable ally. In this regard, I want to believe Jane’s version, that the events made Eddie and Bea realise just how much they love each other and what a powerful couple they could be.

Finally, but not least, Jane is a strong female character who has overcome a difficult childhood. She has keen observational skills, allowing her to see through people’s masks. She initially wants to believe in the possibility of a wealthy suitor falling in love with a less fortunate girl, but when reality sets in, she quickly proves her sanity. Jane is extremely intelligent, and her survival instincts ultimately save her. What distinguishes Jane from other female characters in similar situations is her deviation from the norm. Rather than rushing upstairs to save Eddie, which could lead to a confrontation between the two women, Jane flees and calls the police.

In summary, this novel exceeded my expectations, and I found it nearly impossible to put down during the second half. It’s brimming with suspense, with intriguing twists in nearly every new chapter, and events that smoothly balance simplicity and complexity. This modern interpretation feels genuine and relatable.

I would recommend approaching this novel as inspired by Charlotte Brontë’s classic, rather than as a modern copy. Overshadowing this book with comparisons to the original would be a disservice. This novel belongs to a different genre, takes place in a different era, features characters with distinct principles, and revolves around a different plot point.

Happy reading!