Eyre Buds

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...

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...

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) - http...

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...

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...

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...

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 y...

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. 

When Jane, I mean Maria, goes be Adele's, I mean the Von Trapp children's governess, she falls in love with the master of the house, Mr. Rochester - oops, the Captain. This week we talk about all the ways this, for sure not a Jane Eyre adaptation, sounds oddly familiar. 

In which Piper and Lillian do a very brief review of Jude Law's comical take on Mr. Rochester. We then play a few rounds of Stay or Nay?  where we re-watch the Stay Speech from 4 of our favorite adaptions.  Would you stay for these men?  George C. Scott (1970) Timothy Dalton (1983) Toby Stephens (2006) Michael Fassbender (2011) 

Who were we kidding? This chapter deserves its own episode and wow, did we give it our all.  When entire philosophy, ethics, and theology classes can be taught around this one, crucial chapter, Lillian and Piper give their personal takes on the Jane Eyre moment that cemented this novel as a universal classic. 

Piper and Lillian play another round of F***, Marry, Kill with Jane Eyre characters AND our palate cleansers. Then a special episode of a new podcast Lillian started called Care So Much with Guest Charlene DeKalb (episode details below).  Eyre Buds Episode with the first round of Bang, Marry, Kill - https://eyrebuds.weebly.com/episodes/marry-bang-or-kill-jane-eyrehead-the-1982-second-city-tv-...

In which Lillian and Piper review the first made-for-TV movie Jane Eyre adaptation starring Charlton Heston. Before he rode chariots and parted the Red Sea, he tried and failed to keep his wife upstairs. Bertha's on the loose and we're here for it.  

Bertha steps into the spotlight in Gwendolyn Kiste's newest novel, Reluctant Immortals . This groovy and gothic tale places Bertha Mason and Lucy Westenra of Bram Stoker's Dracula in Los Angeles, 1967. After years of running, the horrors of their past finally catch up with them, forcing Bertha and Lucy to face the wicked men who made them what they are.  We were delighted to speak with Gwendo...

In which Piper and Lillian discuss dreams, proposals, love, lies and heartbreak. Buckle up, listeners, we've reached the heart of the story. 

Whether we're discussing love triangles, complicated family connections or the historical accuracy of Jello(tm) molds, there's much to unpack in this beloved Jane Austin Classic.  

All the pent up emotions of Jane Eyre take flight in this Broadway banger of an adaptation. Heart strings are plucked and tempers rise as Lillian and Piper discuss the swoon-worthy serenades and misogynistic missteps of the first (and best) musical version of this classic story. 

Jane single-handedly extinguishes a bed on fire, instantly winning Rochester's heart and our respect. Amidst the chaos of a party, elaborate charades, fortune-telling gypsies, and a savage attack on a visiting stranger, Jane and Rochester still find time to be cute with one another. Whether it's on the stairs or in the garden, sparks are starting to fly. 

Piper and Lillian interview Alysson Hall, co-creator and Jane Eyre, in The Autobiography of Jane Eyre web series. She answers questions about the creative process, tells behind-the-scenes stories, and what it was like to bring Jane into 2013. Unfortunately, the release of Alysson & Nessa's latest project, a music video for Thirteen Goats, was pushed back to August. We will be sure to share the lin...

What if Jane Eyre had a camera, access to the internet, and 14.3 thousand YouTube subscribers? This week, Lillian and Piper discuss the pros and cons of adapting this classic story to a modern setting.  Anton Ego's inspiring speech about the nature of a critic and the value of an artist can be found here .    

For this extended holiday weekend, we're going back in time to Piper's first on-air rant about Jane Eyre. This clip was recorded on a special Valentine's Day episode of the World Forge Podcast with Lillian as the shocked guest, Sam as the concerned host and Piper as the mad woman not-yet-in-the-attic. You can listen to the full World Forge episode here.

In which we bond over and discuss our shared adoration for the beloved classic, Little Women. Across all adaptations, this is a story that highlights the beauty of familial, romantic and self love. That encourages us to pursue our dreams while always remembering where we came from and the stories that will take us where we wish to go. 

Jane has arrived at Thornfield and meets her mysterious employer, Mr. Rochester. Piper and Lillian roll up our sleeves as we start to analyze character, scrutinize dialogue and speculate about unspoken intensions and desires.