Parents' Guide to

Jane, Unlimited

Book Kristin Cashore Literary Fiction 2017
Jane, Unlimited Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Carrie R. Wheadon By Carrie R. Wheadon , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

Five offbeat, inventive stories in one wild mansion.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

Doctor Who</a> PJs. Mention of <a href=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/"/search/muppets">the Muppets</a> and <a href=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/"/search/winnie the pooh">Winnie the Pooh</a>.</p> ">

Any Positive Content?

Jane Eyre</em></a> by Charlotte Bronte, true-crime novels on art theft, books on ocean photography, and the writings of Arthur C. Clarke. Plus mentions and excerpts of <em>The House of Mirth </em>by Edith Wharton and <em>The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh</em> by A.A. Milne. Some details on smallpox being used as a biological weapon in the French and Indian War. Some thought on the idea of parallel universes and a whole lot of thought about, and a diagram of, an umbrella and its parts.</p> ">

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 16+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Jeanne W.
Jeanne W. Parent of 10 and 12-year-old
May 16, 2021
age 14+

Quirky, imaginative, ok for older teens

The stories are interlocking different scenarios that all lead out from the same base. Characters are late teens and twenties so there was more drinking and mentions of sharing beds than I would want for my twelve year old. Entertaining, solid read, but not a breakout star for me.
Darla Y.
Darla Y. Parent
February 12, 2018
age 17+

What a mess

This book was a headache. Poorly written and relied so heavily on strange and ridiculous to draw you into the story. No cohesion, I lost interest and forced myself to finish it hoping it would get better but it didn't. I don't see literary value in this at all.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In JANE, UNLIMITED, Jane is working in a book shop when she sees her old tutor, Kiran. When Kiran finds out that Jane's aunt and guardian has died in Antarctica, Kiran invites her to the family mansion to stay. Jane, a college dropout living with three grad students, immediately accepts the offer. The last promise she made to her aunt was that if she got an invitation to the mansion, a curious house on its own island in the Atlantic, she would not turn it down. She arrives there immediately after the invitation with all her things, including a flock of umbrellas she's been making in her spare time. The house is preparing for its annual gala, and some curious guests and residents are there. She meets Kiran's flirty twin brother, Ravi, the stern head housekeeper, Mrs. Vanders, art dealers, a doctor, the quirky and attractive Ivy, and a basset hound named Jasper who won't leave her alone. It only takes one night where she witnesses the doctor running off with a gun, and one morning, where Mrs. Vanders stares daggers at her, for her to realize the house is full of secrets. After breakfast she has to decide: Should she follow Mrs. Vanders, a little girl in the hall in distress, Kiran, Ravi, or the dog first to find out what's going on? Each path is explored independently, the story restarting completely after breakfast, and each path yields wildly different results.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (3 ):

Art stealers and dealers, spies, sentient houses, parallel universes, uber-smart dogs, and lots of umbrellas all occupy one of the more inventive young adult novels you'll ever read. Luckily they don't all occupy the book at the same time, or at least not the way the main character, Jane, experiences the story. The story restarts after breakfast five times, each time heading in a totally different direction. And here's some of the genius of this multistory: While Jane is in one scenario, following spies, the house is still groaning about its secrets and the dog is still begging Jane to follow him. The reader has an awareness that they're only getting a part of this very complex puzzle and they're waiting to hear more with every story layer author Kristin Cashore delivers.

Jane, Unlimited isn't for everyone. It's one of those books that will be adored or panned, depending on the reader's openness to the offbeat and whether they reward or shun their favorite authors for taking real risks. This is nothing like the adored Graceling Realm series, fans. Prepare yourself first, and you will be rewarded with mini-velociraptors and so much more.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about which story ends best for Jane in Jane, Unlimited. What is left unexplored in this scenario? Which scenario ends the worst for Jane?

  • In the acknowledgements, the author talks about this book's genesis over four years, those that helped her realize the final book, and how. Does this give you insight into the writing process? Do you think all authors take this time and attention with each story?

  • This book is more challenging to read than the author's Graceling Realm series. Was it worth it? Did you enjoy it as much?

Book Details

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