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A review by mitskacir
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
5.0
My first time reading Jane Eyre and I loved it (actually listened to the amazing Thandie Newton audiobook).
Certainly, there are problems with the book (black face and racist characterizations of Roma and the use of the word gypsy, and the glaring ableist and misogynist mistreatment of the wife, two obvious examples) that should not be left unexamined. But the characters were strongly written and showed immense growth over the novel while still being predictable (as in, all their actions were in character despite their changes). There was strong development of relationships between the characters that felt real - wow, genuine romantic attraction and compatibility! - with excellent pacing. Jane is witty and rude, and I loved her dialogue with Mr. Rochester. I felt Jane was a very relatable to the modern reader, despite over a century of difference in setting, and her character was progressive, empowered and had clear agency, which surprised me (based on my preconceptions of novels from this era and my recent readings of her predecessor Jane Austen and her contemporary Emily Brontë). I am very thankful I read this piece of classic literature and highly recommend the audiobook.
Rereads: Just as good on the 2nd and 3rd read. Loved reading it out loud with my partner. Really brought all the funny parts to life.
Certainly, there are problems with the book (black face and racist characterizations of Roma and the use of the word gypsy, and the glaring ableist and misogynist mistreatment of the wife, two obvious examples) that should not be left unexamined. But the characters were strongly written and showed immense growth over the novel while still being predictable (as in, all their actions were in character despite their changes). There was strong development of relationships between the characters that felt real - wow, genuine romantic attraction and compatibility! - with excellent pacing. Jane is witty and rude, and I loved her dialogue with Mr. Rochester. I felt Jane was a very relatable to the modern reader, despite over a century of difference in setting, and her character was progressive, empowered and had clear agency, which surprised me (based on my preconceptions of novels from this era and my recent readings of her predecessor Jane Austen and her contemporary Emily Brontë). I am very thankful I read this piece of classic literature and highly recommend the audiobook.
Rereads: Just as good on the 2nd and 3rd read. Loved reading it out loud with my partner. Really brought all the funny parts to life.