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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
emotional
slow-paced
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It's hard to rate this because I spent the majority of the book cursing that I ever read the name Huntingdon.
Another part of the book was spent thinking that the ONLY smart person in this entire book is Helen, and by the end that turned out to be true.
I'm furious she went back to her husband when she heard he was dying. I'm furious she had to spend so many years trapped in this hell with him.
I had never heard of this book before I picked it up on the advice of a friend and now I wish I'd been taught it in school. Maybe hearing about Huntingdon from Anne would have prevented me from making the same types of mistakes that Helen did.
(The "But I can change him!" line caused such a visceral reaction within me that I thought I was going to have to throw the book across the room.)
It's something different. It's full of incredibly hateful characters. There's technically a happy ending BUT GILBERT DOESN'T DESERVE IT BECAUSE HE'S A CREEP.
Another part of the book was spent thinking that the ONLY smart person in this entire book is Helen, and by the end that turned out to be true.
I had never heard of this book before I picked it up on the advice of a friend and now I wish I'd been taught it in school. Maybe hearing about Huntingdon from Anne would have prevented me from making the same types of mistakes that Helen did.
(The "But I can change him!" line caused such a visceral reaction within me that I thought I was going to have to throw the book across the room.)
It's something different. It's full of incredibly hateful characters. There's technically a happy ending BUT GILBERT DOESN'T DESERVE IT BECAUSE HE'S A CREEP.
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
What an absolute powerhouse of a novel from Bronte. A soul wrenching second novel that shows the true sorrow and darkness that ensconced the Author during her lifetime.
I love Jane Eyre, it's one of my favourite novels ever, but this is a very different novel. Whilst it still has the same honest and broody heart that flutters throughout the pages you get with her first novel, you feel as though you are truly living Charlotte's own bitter experience with marriage
This is not a love story, it's so much more than that.
It's a story of survival in a world where a woman's only defence is silent compliance. Its a reflection of the gentry during a time often glorified for its opulence and excess; the impact of women trapped in marriages they cannot escape, and a scathing review of the debauchery and immoral lives of men with no concept of self control.
I read a comment once that a woman's rage is silent. If the author of that comment had read this book, they would know that it's a load of twaddle.
Helen's rage is loud and exacting. It's selfless and proud. She calls out those who abuse her, escapes those who mean to imprison her and outlives those who try to kill her spirit. An icon.
My only issue with this story is the final romance, which surprises me as I adore a good olde love story, but Helen and Graham's relationship just did not sit comfortably with me. His passion too quick, her acceptance too easy, the ending too rushed. I wanted to get that 'heart flutter' I get with Jane and Rochester, but as it didn't come to me.
A must-read of classical literature to be sure, but the darkness of the subject makes me hesitant to want to revisit anytime soon.
I love Jane Eyre, it's one of my favourite novels ever, but this is a very different novel. Whilst it still has the same honest and broody heart that flutters throughout the pages you get with her first novel, you feel as though you are truly living Charlotte's own bitter experience with marriage
This is not a love story, it's so much more than that.
It's a story of survival in a world where a woman's only defence is silent compliance. Its a reflection of the gentry during a time often glorified for its opulence and excess; the impact of women trapped in marriages they cannot escape, and a scathing review of the debauchery and immoral lives of men with no concept of self control.
I read a comment once that a woman's rage is silent. If the author of that comment had read this book, they would know that it's a load of twaddle.
Helen's rage is loud and exacting. It's selfless and proud. She calls out those who abuse her, escapes those who mean to imprison her and outlives those who try to kill her spirit. An icon.
My only issue with this story is the final romance, which surprises me as I adore a good olde love story, but Helen and Graham's relationship just did not sit comfortably with me. His passion too quick, her acceptance too easy, the ending too rushed. I wanted to get that 'heart flutter' I get with Jane and Rochester, but as it didn't come to me.
A must-read of classical literature to be sure, but the darkness of the subject makes me hesitant to want to revisit anytime soon.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I came into this book with some trepidation, not being a great fan of Charlotte Bronte. However, I was thoroughly delighted by Anne. This was Austinian with significantly more grit and depth. Highly recommend