Blog Tour: Jane: The Woman Who Loved Tarzan by Robin Maxwell

Jane: The Woman Who Loved Tarzan by Robin Maxwell

September 18, 2012

Tor Books

Adult | Historical Fiction

Standalone

Pages: 320

Source/Format: Publisher/egalley

Rating: ★★★★★

Cambridge, England: 1905. Jane Porter is hardly a typical woman of her time. The only female student in Cambridge University’s medical program, she is far more comfortable in a lab coat, dissecting corpses, than she is in a corset and gown, sipping afternoon tea. A budding paleoanthropologist, Jane dreams of travelling the globe in search of fossils that will prove the evolutionary theories of her scientific hero, Charles Darwin.

When dashing American explorer Ral Conrath invites Jane and her father on an expedition deep into West Africa, she can hardly believe her luck. Rising to the challenge, Jane finds an Africa that is every bit exotic and fascinating as she has always imagined. But she quickly learns that the lush jungle is full of secrets—and so is Ral Conrath. When danger strikes, Jane finds her hero, the key to humanity’s past, and an all-consuming love in one extraordinary man: Tarzan of the Apes.

Jane is the first version of the Tarzan story written by a woman and authorized by the Edgar Rice Burroughs estate. Its 2012 publication will mark the centennial of the publication of the original Tarzan of the Apes. 

REVIEW:

Jane is the story of the woman who loved Tarzan, and if you’re a fan of this ape-man, you’ll fall in love with Jane’s story like I did. Oh lordy, I just want to reread it right now because it is so GOOD.

I love the unique take Robin Maxwell did for this story. It’s in third person, but a vast majority of it is in first person as Jane is telling her story to this man after her lecture.  I had actually forgotten that was what she was doing because I was so caught up in the story.

My love of Tarzan comes from the movies I’ve seen; in fact Jane, the Woman Who Loved Tarzan by Robin Maxwell is the first Tarzan book I’ve ever read and I know I’ll definitely be scoping out some more. 

What I loved most was how the story revolved about Jane and in the beginning, how she was an independent woman in this era that shied away from those types; and how you thought she’d never fall for a guy—and in the end, she falls for the guy who belongs to the jungle. And hell, even I FELL for that guy. He is just so . . . *swoons* 

Also? High five for the science. I love that Jane starts off as a scientist and ends as one too. She NEVER loses that passion while she’s falling for Tarzan, which is so annoying when the heroine DOES forget who she actually is and becomes practically nothing. Young adult fans, you’ll adore Jane—it isn’t really that adult-ish, and there’s none of the whiny teenager stuff. HIGH FIVE.

I highly, highly recommend picking up a copy of Jane: especially those who love the story of Tarzan; Africa; or even strong women. It is such a fantastic book.

 I have a copy of JANE up for grabs! Just comment on this post about the review* and you're entered to win! US/Canada only, must be 18 years or older. Giveaway ends on September 18.

*I reserve the right to not include anyone who comments on this post in the giveaway; if you say "thanks for the giveaway" I will not enter you. The comment must be about review.