Investigating the Canon: The Reader as Detective in Reworkings of Madame Bovary and Jane Eyre

Since the 1990s, a trend towards adapting, rewriting, or otherwise engaging with literary canon—especially nineteenth-century novel—via popular genre of crime fiction may be observed in both French and English. Taking as its main examples Jasper Fforde’s 2001 novel The Eyre Affair Philippe Doumenc’s Contre-enquête sur la mort d’Emma Bovary (2009), this article considers what is special about crime-fiction engagements canon how they differ from other types adaptation, particular use central detective figure proxy for position reader. Crime subgenres—here, whodunit hard-boiled thriller—is transnational which readily adapts itself to local contexts. I argue that Doumenc Fforde adapt their chosen genres order explore nature purpose respective national canons. Following detailed analysis role reader–detective each text, goes on demonstrate texts engage theoretical debates canonicity, including questions authorial genius, aesthetic value, pleasure reading. By emphasising skilled non-academic reader, familiar codes conventions “high” literature fiction, reworkings offer non-hierarchical approach canon, presented part shared cultural property and, above all, source enjoyment. However, while acknowledge aspects theory academic debate, orientation mass-market audience also lead them side-step overt political engagement recent canon.