Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by i_love_big_books
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I have read this book years ago and I think it was the abridged version possibly. This time around, I really enjoyed the beauty of the language which is big for me because that's exactly what has prevented me from attempting too many classics over the years!
Jane is such a fantastic heroine, in the true sense of the term! Her self respect and independence as well as her refusal to accept any form of ill treatment from anyone no matter the consequences is evident from the first time we meet her as a 10 yo dependent on an aunt who is obliged to care for her unwillingly.
As a young woman seeking employment as a governess, her industrious nature and confidence are obvious and she holds her own so well in the days she spends at Thornfield Hall, the estate of Edward Rochester, whose ward Adele she teaches.
So much happens in this book in terms of conversations, house parties and the activities the guests indulge in and the dialogue between Jane and Edward that it is constantly engrossing. Mr Rochester, as Jane refers to him is worldly wise, prone to sarcastic humour and of course drawn to Jane in a way that seems endearing. Even when his true circumstances are revealed, he comes across as one deserving empathy.
The truth of the mysterious presence in the upper story of the mansion who creates disturbances every once in a while is revealed just as Jane and Mr Rochester are on the threshold of happiness and I think what follows between the two of them is one of the most heartbreaking yet beautiful scenes I have ever read. To present such raw, honest feelings on both sides in a way that neither appears the one at fault and yet keep them true to their characters upto that point is accomplished so wonderfully.
Jane's sojourn with the Rivers family had its own charming moments, even if there was more religious talk given St John Rivers was a clergyman. Jane of course recognised when she was acting out of character even when feeling the utmost gratitude to her benefactors and St John's idea of what her future should be, was never considered based on who was suggesting it.
The banter between Edward and Jane was so delightful, given the period the book is set in. It sort of elevated the book to something ahead of its time while retaining the uniqueness of 19th century England. Jane addressing the reader directly is so quirky, emphasizing the feeling that the reader is experiencing everything with her.
It felt good to read a story that is a throwback to many values that existed at the time while being about two people whose relationship, closeness and love seems timeless in the way it is presented.
The narration by Thandie Newton is superlative. This is the best advertisement for the classics genre.
Jane is such a fantastic heroine, in the true sense of the term! Her self respect and independence as well as her refusal to accept any form of ill treatment from anyone no matter the consequences is evident from the first time we meet her as a 10 yo dependent on an aunt who is obliged to care for her unwillingly.
As a young woman seeking employment as a governess, her industrious nature and confidence are obvious and she holds her own so well in the days she spends at Thornfield Hall, the estate of Edward Rochester, whose ward Adele she teaches.
So much happens in this book in terms of conversations, house parties and the activities the guests indulge in and the dialogue between Jane and Edward that it is constantly engrossing. Mr Rochester, as Jane refers to him is worldly wise, prone to sarcastic humour and of course drawn to Jane in a way that seems endearing. Even when his true circumstances are revealed, he comes across as one deserving empathy.
The truth of the mysterious presence in the upper story of the mansion who creates disturbances every once in a while is revealed just as Jane and Mr Rochester are on the threshold of happiness and I think what follows between the two of them is one of the most heartbreaking yet beautiful scenes I have ever read. To present such raw, honest feelings on both sides in a way that neither appears the one at fault and yet keep them true to their characters upto that point is accomplished so wonderfully.
Jane's sojourn with the Rivers family had its own charming moments, even if there was more religious talk given St John Rivers was a clergyman. Jane of course recognised when she was acting out of character even when feeling the utmost gratitude to her benefactors and St John's idea of what her future should be, was never considered based on who was suggesting it.
The banter between Edward and Jane was so delightful, given the period the book is set in. It sort of elevated the book to something ahead of its time while retaining the uniqueness of 19th century England. Jane addressing the reader directly is so quirky, emphasizing the feeling that the reader is experiencing everything with her.
It felt good to read a story that is a throwback to many values that existed at the time while being about two people whose relationship, closeness and love seems timeless in the way it is presented.
The narration by Thandie Newton is superlative. This is the best advertisement for the classics genre.