Review: Abbreviated Take on Jane Eyre  **4 1/2 Stars**
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 2, 2014
I loved this short story.  Ms. Chapman has a wonderful writing style that brings to mind authors such as Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, and other writers of their ilk.  The story that unfolds is somewhat akin to Bronte's "Jane Eyre", although there is no crazy wife hidden in the attic.  LOL  Anne is hired as governess to the children of Mr. Charles Brindley--the wealthiest landowner in the area.  The events of the story occur over a period of several months, and although there isn't too much interplay between the protagonists, what is there was, for me, completely satisfying.Ms. Chapman has her characters behave in a manner that is true to the time period in which the story is set--late Regency I believe--thus there are a lot of restrictions on their conduct.  Consequently, the romance between Charles and Anne is extremely subtle--in those days holding a hand for a mere second or two beyond what was considered "proper" would be enough to indicate an interest beyond that of an acquaintance; and three dances with the same partner was akin to a declaration, not to mention scandalous!  LOL  Unfortunately, the reader is not given any insight into Charles' thoughts, but Ms. Chapman manages to subtly convey his thoughts by describing his behavior at times, such as when he appears "anxious."Of course the book isn't perfect--is any book?--for instance, Ms. Chapman does not provide the reader with a description of either of the characters (we are told that Charles has dark hair and is tall, but no description whatsoever of Anne is provided.)  IMO, this is a deficiency, as one way by which I enjoy the books I read, is by picturing the various scenes and characters in my mind.  Then of course, more insight from Charles would have been welcomed, but that is a minor complaint.  The ending is a bit abrupt--not overly so--but could have been easily rectified with an epilogue.  An epilogue would have also served to reinforce the genuineness of the love between Anne and Charles by providing the reader a glimpse of the happy couple at some point in the future.This is the second novella I've read by this author.  The first one "Kitty", I enjoyed so much that I read it twice.  I enjoyed "Brizecombe Hall" even more.  If you enjoy reading authors such as Jane Austen and others of her ilk, and you're in the mood for something short and sweet, then I think you will most likely enjoy this book.  Happy reading!