The other noteworthy aspect of this book is the writing style it is overwhelmingly sensual on every level-the colors, smells, sights, sounds. The sense of place is very strong-Jamaica is a beautiful yet sinister presence through the first parts of the story. One is how Rhys took Bertha out of Jane Eyre, such a neglected character in that story, and gave her a history and homeland. Rhys tells Antoinette's story from her childhood in Jamaica to her hasty marriage to an unnamed Englishman and finally to her days as the mad wife in the attic in England. If you think you've heard that name before, Bertha is the mad wife in the attic from Jane Eyre. The story is that of Antoinette Cosway, also known as Bertha Mason. Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys was one of these examples.
While doing some research on fan fiction, I came upon a comment that while it is widely derided as non-literary work, there does exist recognized literary writing that is, in essence, fan fiction. You will have to pick up a paperback at Amazon if you want to read this wonderful book, the review of which follows. Sorry! I believe whoever holds the rights to this book must have objections to publishing an ebook version of it. I cannot find it, and apparently neither can the many people that visit my site looking for it. For several years now I have searched for an ebook edition of Wide Sargasso Sea.
