Wild, Beautiful and Free: a poorly executed retelling of Jane Eyre

Wild, Beautiful and Free by Sophfronia Scott is the story of one woman’s journey. Born the daughter of an enslaved woman and a Louisiana plantation owner, Jeannette Bebinn, is raised with her white half sister. When her father suddenly dies, she finds herself on her own at twelve years old. She is denied her inheritance by his vindictive wife and sold into slavery. All on her own, away from everything and everyone she knows. Jeannette faces injustices due to her mixed race. Escaping from enslavement, she travels, going from place to place, searching for purpose, love and a place in a country recovering from the Civil War. In a world which tells her that she doesn’t belong, Jeannette must decide whether she will bend to the expectations of the world or embrace her true self. 

With its beautiful cover and intriguing premise, I looked forward to reading this story. However, from the opening prologue to the closing chapter, I struggled to get into Wild, Beautiful and Free. It felt so flat. There were so many deep themes of death, freedom, identity, purpose and yet the only time Jeannette shows any real emotions is when she falls in love? I really, really wanted to like this book. It is beautifully written with great descriptions and settings and yet, I couldn’t connect with Jeannette. I was shocked to learn this story was supposed to be a retelling of Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre. As Jane Eyre is one of my favorite classic novels, I did not see that connection at all! Unfortunately, I do not recommend Wild, Beautiful and Free. 

Wild, Beautiful and Free is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook