The synopsis alludes to a story that might include some magical realism or at least a decent mystery. But the first impression, which is only the first chapter, was rather a slow start. The author seemed to be trying to tell as much of the MC's backstory as possible, which felt forced and a bit rushed. Some things that made me question whether this story is a retelling with a bit of flair thrown in includes that the MC mentions the Brontes in discussing the manor where the collection is being taken, the MC was an orphan, and synopsis of Jane Eyre includes the sentence: "The loneliness and cruelty of Jane’s childhood strengthens her natural independence and spirit . . . " - hm, sound a lot like this MC, doesnt' it? Plus with an elusive, older benefactor, the owner of the manor, this sounds exactly like it's setting up to Jane Eyre in WWII but Jane Eyre meets Night at the Museum. My opinion at this point given the book's slow start is that it may have potential, but then it may also completely bomb. So this is one I'd opt to check out at the library.