Review | The Wife Upstairs – Rachel Hawkins | Clare’s Bookshelf

Rachel Hawkins’ The Wife Upstairs is a modern, thrilling reimagining of Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel Jane Eyre. Set in the affluent suburbs of Birmingham, Alabama, this novel offers a fresh take on the Gothic tradition, blending it with contemporary domestic noir. Hawkins delivers a fast-paced, suspenseful story filled with secrets, lies, and complex characters, making it a compelling read for fans of psychological thrillers and classic literature alike. In this review, we’ll explore the various aspects of The Wife Upstairs that make it a standout in the genre.

Plot Overview

The Wife Upstairs follows the story of Jane, a young woman with a mysterious past who works as a dog-walker in Thornfield Estates, a wealthy neighborhood. Jane is struggling to make ends meet and is far from the privileged lifestyle of the residents she works for. However, her life takes a turn when she meets Eddie Rochester, a wealthy and enigmatic widower whose wife, Bea, tragically drowned in a boating accident. As Jane and Eddie’s relationship intensifies, Jane becomes increasingly entangled in the dark secrets surrounding Bea’s death. The novel’s title hints at the presence of another character in the Rochester household, leading to a suspenseful exploration of betrayal, deception, and hidden truths.

Characters

Hawkins’ characters are a major strength of The Wife Upstairs. Jane, the protagonist, is a complex and morally ambiguous character. Unlike Brontë’s Jane Eyre, who is known for her moral fortitude and resilience, Hawkins’ Jane is more opportunistic and cunning. She is a survivor, shaped by a difficult past, and her motivations are often driven by self-preservation. This makes her a fascinating character to follow, as she navigates the murky waters of her new life in Thornfield Estates.

Eddie Rochester, the modern-day equivalent of Brontë’s Mr. Rochester, is equally complex. He is charming, wealthy, and seemingly perfect, but there is an underlying darkness to his character. As the story unfolds, Eddie’s secrets come to light, revealing a man who is far from the ideal partner he appears to be. His relationship with Jane is intense and complicated, filled with power dynamics and a sense of foreboding.

Bea Rochester, though deceased, plays a significant role in the narrative. Through flashbacks and Jane’s discoveries, Bea’s character is revealed as both a victim and a perpetrator. She is a successful businesswoman who built her empire with Eddie’s help, but her life was far from perfect. The mystery surrounding her death is central to the plot, and Hawkins does an excellent job of slowly unraveling the truth, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Themes

The Wife Upstairs explores several themes, many of which are reminiscent of those in Jane Eyre, but with a contemporary twist. One of the central themes is the idea of social class and the disparity between the wealthy and the poor. Jane’s status as an outsider in Thornfield Estates highlights the stark differences between her and the residents, and her desire to climb the social ladder drives much of the plot. This theme is particularly relevant in today’s society, where economic inequality continues to be a pressing issue.

Another significant theme is the concept of identity and reinvention. Jane, whose real name is not even Jane, constantly reinvents herself to survive. This theme is mirrored in Bea’s character, who also creates a new identity to escape her past. The novel raises questions about how far someone is willing to go to escape their past and whether true reinvention is ever possible.

The theme of female agency is also prominent in The Wife Upstairs. Both Jane and Bea are women who take control of their lives, albeit in morally ambiguous ways. They are not passive characters waiting to be rescued; instead, they are active participants in shaping their destinies. This modern interpretation of female agency is a refreshing update to Brontë’s original, where the female characters are often at the mercy of the men in their lives.

Writing Style and Pacing

Rachel Hawkins’ writing style is crisp and engaging, making The Wife Upstairs a fast and easy read. The novel is written in the first person, primarily from Jane’s perspective, which allows readers to get inside her head and understand her motivations. Hawkins’ use of flashbacks and multiple points of view adds depth to the story, gradually revealing the secrets that drive the plot.

The pacing of the novel is one of its strongest aspects. Hawkins masterfully builds tension throughout the story, keeping readers hooked from the first page to the last. The twists and turns are well-executed, and while some may be predictable, others are genuinely surprising. The sense of unease and suspense is maintained throughout, making The Wife Upstairs a true page-turner.

Comparisons to Jane Eyre

While The Wife Upstairs is a reimagining of Jane Eyre, it is important to note that it stands on its own as a novel. Hawkins pays homage to Brontë’s work with subtle references and parallels, but she also takes creative liberties to craft a story that is unique and modern. Readers familiar with Jane Eyre will appreciate the nods to the classic, such as the Gothic elements, the mysterious mansion, and the brooding male lead. However, those who have not read Jane Eyre can still fully enjoy The Wife Upstairs as a standalone thriller.

One of the key differences between the two novels is the portrayal of the protagonist. While Brontë’s Jane is characterized by her moral integrity and unwavering sense of right and wrong, Hawkins’ Jane is more morally gray. This shift reflects the modern context in which The Wife Upstairs is set, where characters are often driven by complex motivations rather than a clear sense of morality.

Another notable difference is the setting. While Jane Eyre is set in the moody, isolated English countryside, The Wife Upstairs takes place in a sunny, suburban neighborhood. This contrast in setting adds an interesting layer to the story, as the darkness of the plot is juxtaposed against the seemingly perfect backdrop of Thornfield Estates.

Final Thoughts

The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins is a gripping, modern thriller that successfully reimagines a classic story for a contemporary audience. With its well-developed characters, suspenseful plot, and exploration of relevant themes, the novel offers a fresh take on Jane Eyre while standing on its own as a compelling work of fiction. Hawkins’ ability to blend elements of Gothic literature with modern domestic noir makes The Wife Upstairs a must-read for fans of both genres.

Whether you are a longtime admirer of Jane Eyre or simply enjoy a good psychological thriller, The Wife Upstairs is sure to captivate and entertain. Its exploration of social class, identity, and female agency, combined with its suspenseful storytelling, makes it a standout in the world of modern thrillers. As you turn the final pages, you’ll be left pondering the nature of truth, deception, and the lengths to which one will go to protect their secrets.