Book Review: The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde

The Eyre Affair is a humorous sci-fi novel by Jasper Fforde. Although now a well-established author, this was Fforde’s debut novel, and the first in his Thursday Next series. It was first published in 2001 by Hodder & Stoughton. This review is intended to be free of spoilers, but none of us are perfect. No review copy was provided; I bought and read this book when it first came out and have recently re-read it with a view to re-reading the whole series. There are affiliate links at the end of this review.

Re-reading this novel has been an absolute treat. The Eyre Affair is a delightful blend of fantasy, science fiction, and literary mystery that offers a unique reading experience. That it’s Fforde’s debut novel is utterly impressive. The book is set in an alternate 1985 where literature is taken very seriously, the novel introduces us to Thursday Next, a literary detective in a world where time travel is routine, cloning is a reality, and the Crimean War is still ongoing.

The plot kicks off when the villainous Acheron Hades steals the original manuscript of Jane Eyre and somehow kidnaps its protagonist, Jane Eyre, threatening to alter the course of the beloved classic. Hades is a fantastic villain. He’s presented as a Moriarty-like figure and is genuinely imposing and impressive. Thursday Next, with the help of her uncle’s invention, the Prose Portal, must enter the world of Jane Eyre to rescue Jane and restore the novel.

Fforde’s writing is clever and whimsical, filled with literary references and puns that will delight book lovers. The novel’s world-building is imaginative and richly detailed, creating a universe where literature and reality intertwine in unexpected ways. That said, I feel that this first novel in the Thursday Next series is the least outlandish. Future titles feel more freewheeling and we tumble through both the alternative 80s of the setting and the world(s) of fiction. The Eyre Affair limits the latter to just one book. It’s a good start to the wider series, and it’s not necessarily a bad thing that it’s a wee bit narrower. The characters are quirky and memorable, with Thursday Next standing out as a strong, resourceful, and witty protagonist.

While some may find the novel’s whimsical nature and abundance of literary references a bit overwhelming, most readers will appreciate its originality and humour. The Eyre Affair is a fun, engaging read that offers a fresh take on the literary mystery genre.

Rating: 5/5