Reader, I Murdered Him by Betsy Cornwell
Published by Clarion Books on November 15, 2022
ISBN: 0358306647
Pages: 288
Genres: Historical Fiction, Psychological thriller
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

A delightful historical novel that uses Jane Eyre as a jumping-off point to look closely at the roles of women during the Victorian era. The heroine Adele is a willful teen who is plucked from her life in Paris with her dance-hall mother to Yorkshire England by Mr. Rochester, who may be her father. Adele’s governess is Jane and Adele is alarmed at the way that Jane disappears into her love for Mr. Rochester. So Adele, along with Nan, a street-smart pickpocket becomes a vigilante, exacting revenge on men who misuse young women.

This story is fun in more than one level. Readers will either smile or cringe when Jane Eyre is introduced as Cornwell’s Jane does not match the character created by Charlotte Bronte. Within the story, Adele grows into an independent woman while viewing some of the worst qualities of men and women. Issues of individual freedom, sexual abuse, personal identity, and justice for woman are illustrated through Cornwell’s excellent writing. It is the inner strength of Adele and Nan that makes this a good read about good triumphing over evil.

Hand to teens who enjoy historical fiction, vengeance fantasy, and thrilling adventures.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian