We decided to dedicate our first character analysis to our gurl in the attic: Bertha. This week, Lillian and Piper discuss how Bertha is portrayed in the novel and how her character has been interpreted over many years and adaptations. As is evident by the length of this episode, though her time on the page is brief, Bertha's presence in the novel is impactful, she haunts the story before we truly know her and turns the world upside down once we do. 

Bertha's episode from the On Eyre season of the Hot and Bothered Podcast can be found here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2XXsYC5ICY6rpbKBhgxSZB?si=3th0VtleR-Gk7cKP3E-I0w 

Bertha's Disney Princess Song by Shipwrecked on YouTube can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XURa7PEUYz4    

First impressions can be wild, as is evident from our dramatic reactions when reviewing our first adaptation of Jane Eyre: the 1983 miniseries. Piper was obsessed, Lillian was disturbed. 

With a year's worth of content that we can now use as comparison, we decided to go back to where it all began and see how our takes on this version might have changed from our first gut reactions. 

1983 Part 1: Pilot the Dog https://eyrebuds.weebly.com/podcast-episodes/pilot-the-dog-the-1983-mini-serise-part-one

1983 Part 2: Bertha vs. Quackers https://eyrebuds.weebly.com/podcast-episodes/quakers-vs-berthas 

In which we answer one of this shows most heated questions - is Lillian crazy enough that she should be locked in an attic…Wait, no, it’s - Is Micheal Jayston one of the best Rochester, or one of the worst? The answer might surprise you! (Oh, a cliffhanger, now you have to listen!)

Listen to Our Original 1973 Review Episodes - 

A Deeper Conversation: The 1973 BBC Mini Series (Part One) - https://eyrebuds.weebly.com/podcast-episodes/a-deeper-conversation-the-1973-bbc-mini-series-part-one 

My Cousin is a Vampire: The 1973 BBC Mini Series (Part Two) - https://eyrebuds.weebly.com/podcast-episodes/my-cousin-is-a-vampire-the-1973-bbc-mini-series-part-two 

In which Piper and Lillian watch one of the most contemporary and creative adaptations of Jane Eyre ever discussed on this podcast. From a grown man playing Pilot the dog, to a haunting and surprisingly contemporary soundtrack, we chat about the unique choices that made this version one of our faves. 

Listeners, we finished the novel... And LOVED IT! In this episode, Lillian and Piper discuss the significant themes that make their final stand at the end of this story. The power of vulnerability. The beauty of female strength. The delicate balance between faith and religion and the role they play in how we live our lives. 

We've always suspected there's a reason this story has withstood the test of time. Now we know why.  

Happy Halloween! To celebrate the spookiest day of the year, Piper and Lillian watch and discuss Disney's The Haunted Mansion. Whether you're looking for a fun, family adventure, or a gothic story of ghostly romance, this movie has a little bit something for everyone. 

If you're interested in reading Piper's book, A Dance with the Dead, you can reach out to her @pipercleaveland on Instagram or @PiperArtC on Twitter to inquire about hardcover copies or links where you can read the story online. 

Through radio, everyone has a voice. Jane is breathy, Rochester is screamy, and even Bertha get's a line or two. This version, our first radio adaptation, even gives voice to a new, unseen character: the ghost of Jane's desires. Set your dial to Eyre Buds and snuggle in. This is the Jane Eyre Radio Hour.  

This epic story brings the beloved characters of Jane Eyre to a modern setting where Eddie Rochester, a famous rock star, attempts to balance love and loss with the spirited and passionate women in his life. On this week's episode, we chat with Mr. R's author Tracy Neis about her rock and roll inspirations and personal take on this classic and cautionary tale. 

Read more of Tracey's work on Amazon.

Check out her blog and follow her on Facebook.

What happens when an adaptation is almost identical to one we've previously reviewed? We fill the air with silly tangents and lots of chaos! We also forget how to geography and count in this episode so our scores at the end (which were meant for a X/10 scale) end up ranking this version very high with a whopping 4/5 and 3/5. Is it worth such high praise? You'll just have to listen and decide for yourself. 

Jane goes from a destitute beggar to an independent woman with a significant fortune. On the way she learns a lot about her identity and personal ethics, all while harboring a horniness that just won't quit.