A review by ncholmes2022
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

dark emotional tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved this book! It made me think and feel deeply, and obsessively read reviews afterward. Jane was such a strong, spirited, meek character who tried to stay true to herself. Her love interests were deeply problematic, and some of her choices frustrated me beyond belief, but for a traumatized nineteen year old girl in the 1800s, she was doing her best. This book comes with a lot of trigger warnings, including mental illness, racism, abuse, and religious trauma. I savored the honest thoughts and questions about how to relate to God, what it means to be a moral person, and how to balance principles and feelings. I am also obsessed with the intense social commentary on women's rights, roles, equality, and finances, as well as power dynamics in relationships. The prose was exquisite and so very quoteable. The symbolism was moving and I was engrossed in all the gothic drama. Through my modern lens, I wished some things could have been different, but all in all, it was an excellent reading experience. The 2011 film is lovely as well!
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