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tlclarkauthor 's review for:
Villette
by Charlotte Brontë
Est-ce que tu parles français?
If you are unable to read the above sentence, this is not the book for you. Having a basic grasp of the French language is prerequisite. There is a plethora of French scattered throughout.
My old school French just about carried me through. I can't be bothered to hop around, looking up translations to read a novel tbh. I made do.
At the time of writing, all readers, I daresay, would have spoken French fluently. It was a sign of being well-educated. So, we may forgive this now irritating aspect - it was not intended for us.
Jane Eyre, it is commonly known, is my favourite book of all time - in the world ever!
I have no idea why it took me so long to read another book by the same author. But I sort of wish I hadn't.
This is NOT a bad book. It's just not great either.
I do not particularly like Lucy Snowe (the MC). She is rather severe upon everybody yet is lacking in many aspects herself. In short, she is rather dull.
There are characters around her who capture some interest. Dr John being perhaps the liveliest. Everybody has flaws - great. No, as not many have any redeeming features either. Does this make them more 'real'? Possibly.
Yet, having said that, there is something likeable about Lucy and I found myself wanting her to get a happily ever after. Perhaps it's her truly independent spirit which endears her to me.
Incidentally, I believe the fictional Villette to be loosely based on Brussels.
It's also long. Mixed with my tedious trudging through this tome and the distraction of The Virus going on, it's taken me over a month to read the flippin' thing!
If you are unable to read the above sentence, this is not the book for you. Having a basic grasp of the French language is prerequisite. There is a plethora of French scattered throughout.
My old school French just about carried me through. I can't be bothered to hop around, looking up translations to read a novel tbh. I made do.
At the time of writing, all readers, I daresay, would have spoken French fluently. It was a sign of being well-educated. So, we may forgive this now irritating aspect - it was not intended for us.
Jane Eyre, it is commonly known, is my favourite book of all time - in the world ever!
I have no idea why it took me so long to read another book by the same author. But I sort of wish I hadn't.
This is NOT a bad book. It's just not great either.
I do not particularly like Lucy Snowe (the MC). She is rather severe upon everybody yet is lacking in many aspects herself. In short, she is rather dull.
There are characters around her who capture some interest. Dr John being perhaps the liveliest. Everybody has flaws - great. No, as not many have any redeeming features either. Does this make them more 'real'? Possibly.
Yet, having said that, there is something likeable about Lucy and I found myself wanting her to get a happily ever after. Perhaps it's her truly independent spirit which endears her to me.
Incidentally, I believe the fictional Villette to be loosely based on Brussels.
It's also long. Mixed with my tedious trudging through this tome and the distraction of The Virus going on, it's taken me over a month to read the flippin' thing!