The Review

I was browsing through Books-a-Million the other day, and I saw “The Death of Jane Lawrence” on the shelf. I snapped a picture so I could update my feature image on my WordPress site…only to realize I never actually shared my review of the book here. Haha, oops. (Sorry St. Martin’s Press). Now that I have reached the two-year anniversary since I originally read “The Death of Jane Lawrence”, I thought what better time than to add it to the blog. After reflection, and considering various perspectives from other reviewers, I also wanted to update my initial review. Thus, here is my revised take on the book:

Let me start off by saying, this book is what I thought Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier was going to be like. The Death of Jane Lawrence, written by Caitlin Starling, is a gothic horror novel set in a dark version of post-war England. It incorporates elements of supernatural and spooky vibes, reminiscent of Crimson Peak, Rebecca, and Shirley Jackson’s works. The story follows Jane Shoringfield, an orphan who proposes a marriage plan to the local doctor, Augustine Lawrence, as a business agreement. Jane, a trained accountant, offers to run Augustine’s shop while never setting foot in his home, Lindridge Hill. However, circumstances lead Jane to be trapped in the eerie estate for two days, blurring the lines between perception and reality.

At first, I struggled to settle on a rating for this novel. I wished for the ability to give half stars on Goodreads, but ultimately decided on a 3-star rating. There were aspects of the book that intrigued me, but a few things irked me as well.

One aspect I particularly enjoyed was the character of Jane Lawrence. She breaks free from the stereotypical tropes often associated with the genre, showcasing independence and strength. Her love for surgery adds an intriguing layer to her character, and witnessing her bond with Augustine over their shared passion was captivating. The evolution of their relationship, though dark and twisted, made for a fascinating ride. However, it did bother me how quickly Jane transitioned from viewing her marriage as strictly a business agreement to falling head-over-heels in love with her husband. It would take longer than two-days in a creepy house for me to change my opinion on someone.

Additionally, I couldn’t help but nitpick the fact that the regions in the novel are one syllable different from Great Britain or Russia, and I felt it would have been more relatable to use the same countries we have in our reality. I now realize this is because I clearly missed tidbit that this was set in a “post-war England” – a steam-punk Victorian-world where a country other than the Allied Powers won WWII – the first time around.

However, if you find yourself struggling through the first half of the book, I urge you to keep going. The ending is truly worth it. The second half of the novel ventures into the realm of mathematics and metaphysics, introducing a unique magic system that incorporates mathematical theorems and explores the concept of “zero” as a representation of everything and nothing. Caitlin Starling’s descriptive prose effectively establishes settings and crafts eerie and grotesque incidents. The novel expertly captures the essence of gothic fiction, paying homage to the genre’s iconic elements while adding a unique twist.

Overall, ‘The Death of Jane Lawrence’ is an ambitious attempt to rejuvenate gothic fiction, successfully capturing the eerie atmosphere and supernatural elements. Despite some imbalances between homage and new ideas, the novel still manages to leave a lasting impression. I recommend it to fans of the genre, especially those who appreciate dark, twisted tales with strong and complex characters. While not without its flaws, this haunting novel has the potential to grow on readers and offers a unique reading experience.”

Overall, I give this novel a 3.5 out of 5 stars!