Jane Steele summary

Twisted, Dark and Riveting

In Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye, we meet a protagonist who is both a fan and a murderer. Our Jane Steele is a young woman who has been through unimaginable torment and abuse. She finds solace in the pages of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, identifying with the titular character, but also finding her own story to be a darker, more twisted version of the classic. 

After her mother's death, Jane is sent to live with her aunt and cousin, who mistreat her terribly. When her cousin accidentally dies, Jane is blamed and runs away, only to find herself in a boarding school with an even more sinister headmaster. Here, she befriends a girl named Clarke and the two hatch a plan to escape. However, Clarke is caught and Jane is forced to flee alone, leaving her friend behind.

Becoming a Vigilante

As she grows older, Jane realizes that she is a natural killer, and she uses her skills to avenge the wronged. Her victims are all men who have hurt women, and she sees herself as a sort of vigilante. She also begins to write a series of confessions, detailing her murders, and sends them to the newspapers, signing them as 'Jane Eyre', in a macabre tribute to her favorite character.

When Jane learns that her childhood home has a new owner, Mr. Thornfield, she takes on the role of a governess and returns, hoping to reclaim her inheritance. She soon discovers that Mr. Thornfield is a man with a dark past of his own, and a deep connection to her own history. As the two grow closer, Jane struggles to keep her own secrets while uncovering his.

A Love Story in the Midst of Darkness

Despite her violent tendencies, Jane is a complex character who is capable of love and compassion. Her relationship with Mr. Thornfield is tender and heartfelt, and she finds herself torn between her desire for a normal life with him, and her need to continue her mission of justice. She also forms a bond with Mr. Thornfield's Sikh butler, Mr. Singh, who becomes her confidante and ally.

As the story progresses, Jane's past catches up with her, and she is forced to confront her actions. She is also faced with a difficult choice: to continue her life as a killer, or to leave it behind and start anew. The novel reaches its climax when Jane is accused of a murder she didn't commit, and she must use all her wits and skills to prove her innocence.

Embracing Her Identity

In the end, Jane chooses to embrace her identity as 'Jane Steele', the avenging angel, and continues her quest for justice. She leaves Mr. Thornfield and Highgate House behind, but not before revealing her true self to him. While her decision may seem tragic, it is also empowering, as Jane refuses to be a victim, and takes control of her own destiny.

In conclusion, Jane Steele is a dark and gripping tale of a woman who refuses to be defined by her circumstances. She may be a killer, but she is also a survivor, and her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Through her journey, Jane Steele becomes more than just a character in a book, she becomes a force to be reckoned with.