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Wide Sargasso Sea

November 8, 2003 01:34 PM posted by brigitte : track it (0)

Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys is one of my favorite examples of revisionist fiction. Published in 1966 it is a prequel to Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë written from the perspective of Bertha Antoinette Mason, the so-called "mad woman in the attic." It takes place in Barbados (for the most part) and sets up Rochester as the abuser rather than the victim who, after being "bought" in marriage by Antoinette, is driven slightly mad by the jungle around him and tries to destroy her mentally. In Wide Sargasso Sea there are comments on power, sexuality, madness, voodoo, culture, class, race, politics, and gender. It's a beautifully written book with light steam of consciousness and amazingly well developed characters.

Also it is important to note that Wide Sargasso Sea is very respectful of it's predecessor, the novel ends at the exact point where Bertha enters Jane Eyre.

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I have walked by this book many times at the library, and always thought it had a neat name, but never looked to see what it was about. Hey, now I know. Thanks.

Posted by: Kerri on November 9, 2003 09:31 AM |

Just a note of correction. Wide Sargasso Sea doesn't take place in Barbados (more's the pity, as I am from Barbados and would love it if such an incredible book was set here), but in Dominica, a neighbouring Caribbean island, and the place where Rhys (if I recall correctly) grew up. Other than that, I agree with you completely — it's a fantastic book.

Posted by: titilayo on November 10, 2003 07:12 PM |

profound just profound jean rhys has accomplished one of the most profound litereary acheivement known to man a good book.a captivating book -its really a fantastic book.

Posted by: veronica alexander on January 22, 2004 06:45 PM |

As a note of reference, Wide Sargasso Sea does not take place in Barbados or Dominica. It is actually set in Jamaica, and loosely based on Rhys' growing up years in Dominica. She also mentions an unnamed honeymoon island. Nevertheless, it is an excellently written text and I recommend it to all who desires to hear the 'other' voice in Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre.

Posted by: donna e on November 11, 2004 06:46 AM |