Helpful Score: 7
If you haven't read this classic, do. It is the heartwrenching story of an orphaned girl who perseveres despite obstacle after obstacle thrown her way. Her strong, unyielding spirit and innate purity are what makes her one of the best characters in all of literature. Mr. Rochester is not to be missed, either - he'll evoke a strong emotion from you, one way or the other. Highly recommended.
Helpful Score: 3
I've read many romance novels, new and old, and this is THE most heart wrenching love story that I have ever read. I used to think that this and Pride and Prejudice were tied, but, over time and a few more readings, I must say that Jane Eyre trumps P&P!
Helpful Score: 2
The highest praise for a book is when you turn the last page and immediately want to go back and read it again. Jane Eyre was that sort of book for me. It's not a large volume, I imagine few books published back then were, but it has everything that I enjoy: it has a strong, intelligent heroine who's not afraid to speak her mind, adventure, romance, mystery and a happy ending. It is written in such a way that wherever the heroine is you feel like you're right there with her, experiencing what she is experiencing, the plot developments are never contrived and flow naturally and the ending, while happy, isn't so happy that it seems unrealistic and fake.
It is my all-time favourite book and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes an unhurried narrative without gratuitous drama and enjoys historical fiction.
It is my all-time favourite book and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes an unhurried narrative without gratuitous drama and enjoys historical fiction.
Helpful Score: 2
Since its publication in 1847 "Jane Eyre" has never ceased to be one of the most widely read of English novels. Transmuted by the rare Bronte imagination, the romance of Jane and Rochester takes on a strange and unforgettable atmosphere that lifts it above the level of mere melodrama. But Charlotte Bronte intended more. She portrayed the refusal of a spirited and intelligent woman to accept her appointed place in society with unusual frankness and with a passionate sense of the dignity and needs of her sex. Q. D. Leavis's introduction brings out the revolutionary qualities of the book and its author's creation of something that would 'be true to the experience of the whole woman and...convey a sense of life's springs and undercurrents.'
Helpful Score: 2
FINDING HER WAY!...
From the time she was orphaned, Jane knows nothing but unkindness. She must make her way in a world that is often cruel and indifferent. When it looks as if Jane is going to be happy at last, fate deals her its harshest blow. But Jane has spirit, strength, and determination. Now she must use them all to win love and true happiness.
From the time she was orphaned, Jane knows nothing but unkindness. She must make her way in a world that is often cruel and indifferent. When it looks as if Jane is going to be happy at last, fate deals her its harshest blow. But Jane has spirit, strength, and determination. Now she must use them all to win love and true happiness.
Helpful Score: 2
This is one of my top three favorite books of all time. I read Jane Eyre at least once a year. If I had to pick one favorite love story, it would be Jane Eyre. The emotional drama of this 19th century book is unparalleled. The hero and heroine have such an intense, all-consuming love for each other. Neither one is particularly good looking so their love is not based so much on physical appearance as much as a meeting of the minds.
Jane Eyre is the type of woman I like in fiction - bright, independent, and moral. She really is the first fictional feminist. Despite being poor, plain, and obscure, she's willing to stand up for herself even at great personal cost. The hero, Mr. Rochester, will make you fall in love with him. He's strong, rich, and passionate. He's the archetype for the tortured, engimatic, brooding hero found in so many modern stories. You can't read his passionate declarations to Jane without being moved. His passion for Jane is remarkable. Everyone should have someone who loves them as much as he does Jane.
I read this book in high school, but didn't appreciate the depth, symbolism, and plot. When I read it as an adult, I couldn't get enough of the story.
If you haven't read this book, you should. It's a classic in literature. The first ten chapters aren't as interesting as what happens later in the book so if you find the beginning a tad boring, don't give up. Keep reading. It gets better. I promise.
Jane Eyre is the type of woman I like in fiction - bright, independent, and moral. She really is the first fictional feminist. Despite being poor, plain, and obscure, she's willing to stand up for herself even at great personal cost. The hero, Mr. Rochester, will make you fall in love with him. He's strong, rich, and passionate. He's the archetype for the tortured, engimatic, brooding hero found in so many modern stories. You can't read his passionate declarations to Jane without being moved. His passion for Jane is remarkable. Everyone should have someone who loves them as much as he does Jane.
I read this book in high school, but didn't appreciate the depth, symbolism, and plot. When I read it as an adult, I couldn't get enough of the story.
If you haven't read this book, you should. It's a classic in literature. The first ten chapters aren't as interesting as what happens later in the book so if you find the beginning a tad boring, don't give up. Keep reading. It gets better. I promise.
Helpful Score: 2
I loved this book! I'm not usually one to pick up a classic, but this book was so good that I couldn't put it down.
Helpful Score: 2
I don't know why I went so long before reading this book. I don't know what I thought it would be like, but I obviously had some serious misconceptions. Those have since been corrected.
This book is a beautifully written Gothic tale that is part romance, part ghost story, and part social commentary. In the social sense this book was completely ahead of its time. Taken as a whole this book will always remain a truly timeless classic.
Jane Eyre now ranks among my all-time favorites when it comes to the classics. The Count of Monte Cristo now has a worthy companion when it comes to sharing the top spots on my list.
This book is a beautifully written Gothic tale that is part romance, part ghost story, and part social commentary. In the social sense this book was completely ahead of its time. Taken as a whole this book will always remain a truly timeless classic.
Jane Eyre now ranks among my all-time favorites when it comes to the classics. The Count of Monte Cristo now has a worthy companion when it comes to sharing the top spots on my list.
Helpful Score: 1
Charlotte Brontes impassioned novel is the lover story of Jane Eyre,and her employer,Mr. Rochester. Written in 1847, if you like historical fiction about class struggle, this is a classic.
Helpful Score: 1
A classic. Very good read. A page turner.
Helpful Score: 1
Although I've seen the movie countless times, I'd never read the book until now, and it was a wonderful experience. There's so much material that was not in the movie. This has become one of my favorite books of all time.
Helpful Score: 1
This is one of my top three favorite books of all time. I read Jane Eyre at least once a year. If I had to pick one favorite love story, it would be Jane Eyre. The emotional drama of this 19th century book is unparalleled. The hero and heroine have such an intense, all-consuming love for each other. Neither one is particularly good looking so their love is not based so much on physical appearance as much as a meeting of the minds. Jane Eyre is the type of woman I like in fiction - bright, independent, and moral. In some ways, she really is the first fictional feminist. She's willing to stand up for herself and her values even at great personal cost. The hero, Mr. Rochester, will make you fall in love with him. He's absolutely passionate. He's really the archetype for the tortured, engimatic, brooding heroes you find in modern stories. You can't read his passionate declarations to Jane without being moved.
If you haven't read this book, you should. It's a classic in literature.
If you haven't read this book, you should. It's a classic in literature.
Helpful Score: 1
A governess and a brooding stranger. Stormy,
intense and passionate.
intense and passionate.
Helpful Score: 1
This story is amazing!
Bronte set out to make a story with plot and characters wholly unique, and she ended up with a masterpiece!
The only bad thing is, it is a little long. However, it is well worth your efforts to read it!
The story follows a young, plain girl named Jane. She grows in the worst imaginable surroundings, yet her sufferings can not destroy her spirit. When she is grown, she goes to work as a governess in a strange house owned by a dark and secretive master.
That master is the only one who truly knows Jane's heart and spirit. The two form the closest bond possible, close enough to break through their dark secrets, and whatever other obstacles come their way.
This story is very real, deep, and dark. However, the ending is well worth it! MUST READ!
Bronte set out to make a story with plot and characters wholly unique, and she ended up with a masterpiece!
The only bad thing is, it is a little long. However, it is well worth your efforts to read it!
The story follows a young, plain girl named Jane. She grows in the worst imaginable surroundings, yet her sufferings can not destroy her spirit. When she is grown, she goes to work as a governess in a strange house owned by a dark and secretive master.
That master is the only one who truly knows Jane's heart and spirit. The two form the closest bond possible, close enough to break through their dark secrets, and whatever other obstacles come their way.
This story is very real, deep, and dark. However, the ending is well worth it! MUST READ!
Helpful Score: 1
A classic.
Helpful Score: 1
A great classic! I somehow missed having to read this in school, but I'm glad I finally did pick it up. I loved the descriptions of everyday life. I loved how strong Jane was, and how she wasn't a perfect person like so many heroines seem to be. I already knew some of the plot twists, but it didn't stop my overall enjoyment. I really like this version of the book because it has end-notes about many of the literary references Bronte makes, as well as explaining some of the more obscure things we wouldn't know today, like the odd version of the game of charades.
I highly recommend picking this up.
I highly recommend picking this up.
I am a little over 3/4 the way through it. I am enjoying it and have gotten used to the vocabulary and English terms. I would like to read some more classics.
I loved this book! A precious love story with so many twists and turns, I wasn't sure how it would end. The beginning is a little slow, but once you're through her school years, you'll love it.
One of my favorite books. Amazing.
i loved this story! Jane is one of the greatest chatacters in English Literature!
A good read. Starts slow but picks up as you get into it. Clean story.
Very passionate book about a girl/woman who knows what she wants.
Fantastic book! Got me into reading Classics!
What can i say a must read for people thatlove the classics.
I don't know why I went so long before reading this book. I don't know what I thought it would be like, but I obviously had some serious misconceptions. Those have since been corrected.
This book is a beautifully written Gothic tale that is part romance, part ghost story, and part social commentary. In the social sense this book was completely ahead of its time. Taken as a whole this book will always remain a truly timeless classic.
Jane Eyre now ranks among my all-time favorites when it comes to the classics. The Count of Monte Cristo now has a worthy companion when it comes to sharing the top spots on my list.
This book is a beautifully written Gothic tale that is part romance, part ghost story, and part social commentary. In the social sense this book was completely ahead of its time. Taken as a whole this book will always remain a truly timeless classic.
Jane Eyre now ranks among my all-time favorites when it comes to the classics. The Count of Monte Cristo now has a worthy companion when it comes to sharing the top spots on my list.
A wonderful, gothic romantic classic - must read!
This is an adapted edition of Jane Eyre intended for young readers. It was part of my daughter's 5th grade reading list.
Classic book of domestic help who falls in love with employer.
This is one of the classics that I have been meaning to read for years. I read a Franklin Library leather bound edition that I have had on my shelf along with quite a few other classics that I also hope to eventually read. As for Jane Eyre, I did for the most part enjoy it although the descriptions and dialogue in the novel were really pretty overblown and wordy. In addition, the novel used the classic literary device of coincidence and wish fulfillment to finally resolve the story which to me in modern times was somewhat ridiculous. The novel was written in 1847 when I'm sure these devices were used frequently in the writing of the time so I guess I can forgive that.
Anyway, the story was very familiar to me mainly because I know I have seen one or two movie versions of the novel. The classic 1943 version starring Orson Welles and Joan Fontaine is probably the one I remember best although I don't think the entire story was included in it.
Of course the story is about Jane Eyre and her struggle to survive. As a child, she suffers at the hands of her Aunt who she lives with after her father dies. Her aunt then sends her to the oppressive Lowood School, with all of its hardships. But Jane manages to survive there and eventually makes it as a teacher who then advertises as a governess. She goes out on her own and finds a position at Thornfield Hall where she is put in charge of the young Adele, the possible illegitimate daughter of the master of the Hall, Mr. Rochester. Jane falls in love with Rochester and eventually wins him over but on their marriage day, it is disclosed that he is already married to a madwoman who is imprisoned in the attic of Thornfield Hall. So the wedding is off and Jane leaves on her own only to find her long lost cousins in a town far to the south. (This is where the really eyerolling coincidences comes into play). It also turns out that Jane is an heiress and inherits £20,000 that she shares with her cousins before she is finally reunited with her love Rochester.
Basically, Jane Eyre is a love story of the Victorian era but it also has themes of struggles for survival and eventual fulfillment without the support of money, family, or class privilege. "Jane Eyre still speaks powerfully for the plight of intelligent and aspiring women in the stiflingly patriarchal context o Victorian Britain."
Anyway, the story was very familiar to me mainly because I know I have seen one or two movie versions of the novel. The classic 1943 version starring Orson Welles and Joan Fontaine is probably the one I remember best although I don't think the entire story was included in it.
Of course the story is about Jane Eyre and her struggle to survive. As a child, she suffers at the hands of her Aunt who she lives with after her father dies. Her aunt then sends her to the oppressive Lowood School, with all of its hardships. But Jane manages to survive there and eventually makes it as a teacher who then advertises as a governess. She goes out on her own and finds a position at Thornfield Hall where she is put in charge of the young Adele, the possible illegitimate daughter of the master of the Hall, Mr. Rochester. Jane falls in love with Rochester and eventually wins him over but on their marriage day, it is disclosed that he is already married to a madwoman who is imprisoned in the attic of Thornfield Hall. So the wedding is off and Jane leaves on her own only to find her long lost cousins in a town far to the south. (This is where the really eyerolling coincidences comes into play). It also turns out that Jane is an heiress and inherits £20,000 that she shares with her cousins before she is finally reunited with her love Rochester.
Basically, Jane Eyre is a love story of the Victorian era but it also has themes of struggles for survival and eventual fulfillment without the support of money, family, or class privilege. "Jane Eyre still speaks powerfully for the plight of intelligent and aspiring women in the stiflingly patriarchal context o Victorian Britain."
A story about a girl who has been estranged from her family and her travels through life. Really beautifully written.
This was always a favorite of mine and I hope someone else is looking for it too!
This is a complete and unabridged copy of the book. It is one of the economical paperback classics sold at Walmart 2 for $1.
The first 'classic' book that I've read. Very good book.
Truly one of the best classic novels I have read! It's a hard one to put down!!
A truly classic tale of love.
Beautiful!!!
Beautiful!!!
...the love story of Jane Eyre, a plain yet spirited governess, and arrogant, brooding Mr. Rochester. Published in 1847, under the pseudonym of Currer Bell, the book heralded a new kind of heroine...."Jane Eyre" is still regarded, over a century later, as one of the finest novels in English literature.
I don't know why I went so long before reading this book. I don't know what I thought it would be like, but I obviously had some serious misconceptions. Those have since been corrected.
This book is a beautifully written Gothic tale that is part romance, part ghost story, and part social commentary. In the social sense this book was completely ahead of its time. Taken as a whole this book will always remain a truly timeless classic.
Jane Eyre now ranks among my all-time favorites when it comes to the classics. The Count of Monte Cristo now has a worthy companion when it comes to sharing the top spots on my list.
This book is a beautifully written Gothic tale that is part romance, part ghost story, and part social commentary. In the social sense this book was completely ahead of its time. Taken as a whole this book will always remain a truly timeless classic.
Jane Eyre now ranks among my all-time favorites when it comes to the classics. The Count of Monte Cristo now has a worthy companion when it comes to sharing the top spots on my list.
Regency chick lit at its finest!
This story is a one of a kind tale of one of the strongest woman characters I have yet encountered. The story is just so gripping as young Jane goes from unwanted orphan to the mundane and humble life in Lowood charity school for girls knowing nothing of life outside of the school walls. She finds a position as governess for a young girl and decides to take the leap away from her security and all she's ever known.
The Master of the house, Mr. Rochester, gets a hold of her heart and eventually they are to be married. But there is a problem. Jane must choose between the laws of man and the laws of her God and consience. She faces hardship and starvation as she leaves her love to follow what she knows in her heart to be right. The decisions she is faced with are profound and difficult, almost uncomprehendible in today's society. She faces them all and lives with a clear consience. A good story through and through, one I will be reading over and over.
The Master of the house, Mr. Rochester, gets a hold of her heart and eventually they are to be married. But there is a problem. Jane must choose between the laws of man and the laws of her God and consience. She faces hardship and starvation as she leaves her love to follow what she knows in her heart to be right. The decisions she is faced with are profound and difficult, almost uncomprehendible in today's society. She faces them all and lives with a clear consience. A good story through and through, one I will be reading over and over.
Jane Eyre is the story of an orphan child living with relatives who do not want her. As soon as is possible her aunt sends her to boarding school at Lowood--a a dismal place where she is misunderstood and underfed. But Jane manages to make a place for herself there and acquire friends and an education.
After leaving Lowood she becomes the governess for the ward of the mysterious Mr. Rochester and finds herself falling in love with him. Things look to be taking a turn for the better in Jane's life until a dark family secret comes to light and seemingly ruins all her hopes and dreams for the future.
My first encounter with classic literature as a high school student. Great read!
After leaving Lowood she becomes the governess for the ward of the mysterious Mr. Rochester and finds herself falling in love with him. Things look to be taking a turn for the better in Jane's life until a dark family secret comes to light and seemingly ruins all her hopes and dreams for the future.
My first encounter with classic literature as a high school student. Great read!
Fantastic always a classic!
Really un-rewarding read, I know english buffs would care to argue. reccomend it for Woman who are in romance novels with A LOT behind them, no Danielle Steele.
I don't know why I went so long before reading this book. I don't know what I thought it would be like, but I obviously had some serious misconceptions. Those have since been corrected.
This book is a beautifully written Gothic tale that is part romance, part ghost story, and part social commentary. In the social sense this book was completely ahead of its time. Taken as a whole this book will always remain a truly timeless classic.
Jane Eyre now ranks among my all-time favorites when it comes to the classics. The Count of Monte Cristo now has a worthy companion when it comes to sharing the top spots on my list.
This book is a beautifully written Gothic tale that is part romance, part ghost story, and part social commentary. In the social sense this book was completely ahead of its time. Taken as a whole this book will always remain a truly timeless classic.
Jane Eyre now ranks among my all-time favorites when it comes to the classics. The Count of Monte Cristo now has a worthy companion when it comes to sharing the top spots on my list.
This is my all time favorite book. It is wonderful. It could be modern chick lit. A MUST read.
Absolutely fabulous book! It took me a few hundred pages to really getting into it suspense-wise but then I was hooked. We all should deem to become like Jane with her thoughts.
A classic. Perhaps not everyone's taste, but what book is. Definitely has images that stick in your mind for years to come.
I was very happy with this book. Somehow, it has slipped through the cracks of my literary reading over the years, and it's great!
A hard and long read, compared to many others, but well worth it!
A hard and long read, compared to many others, but well worth it!
I LOVE this book it is my favorate book I ever read.
I have loved this book from the first time I read it at the age of twelve. I even named our blind, toeless, toothless cat after the author. Now that is a compliment.
The idea of empowering a young woman in the eighteenth century with the will to perservere despite the odds is not an unusual theme in romantic literature, nor is allowing her to fing the man of her dreams who happens to be wealthy.
What is unusual is the Jane has a tenacious quality to her that keeps her from fainting and swooning when some pretty horrific things happen around her. Her character has a brilliance to it that allows someone like her to capture the imaginations of so many of the other characters, either one way or the other.
I highly recommend this book because it's not only a classic that justly deserves to be canonized, but it also is rather timeless. It touches people in strange ways.
The idea of empowering a young woman in the eighteenth century with the will to perservere despite the odds is not an unusual theme in romantic literature, nor is allowing her to fing the man of her dreams who happens to be wealthy.
What is unusual is the Jane has a tenacious quality to her that keeps her from fainting and swooning when some pretty horrific things happen around her. Her character has a brilliance to it that allows someone like her to capture the imaginations of so many of the other characters, either one way or the other.
I highly recommend this book because it's not only a classic that justly deserves to be canonized, but it also is rather timeless. It touches people in strange ways.
I read 1/2 of this and then couldn't take the endless details Jane provided on every aspect of every person. It was naive and boring.
Every few years, I love re-reading this classic English love story!
Jane Eyre, a bright, virtuous, spirited governess and her emplyer, the arrogant and brooding Mr. Rochester...
Jane Eyre, a bright, virtuous, spirited governess and her emplyer, the arrogant and brooding Mr. Rochester...
I hate to say it but i didnt like this book at all. i generally love classics and was really excited to finally read it. i cant say that the writing was bad, it was easy to comprehend and clear, but the story is so blah and at the same time saddening that i felt depressed once i had finished. even the fact that she marries in the end is not really redeeming at all.
Wonderful classic - but long.
Can't beat a classic
I just read this for the first time. I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!!! It was WONDERFUL and VERY WORTH MY TIME!! I HIGHLY recommend this book!
A true classic of the Victorian era!
Jane Eyre is a young woman steadfast in her morals who faces hardships with great fortitude in the early years of the 19th century. Raised by Mrs. Reed, a cruel aunt, she is sent to Lowood, a bleak charity school run by the tyrannical Mr. Brocklehurst, where she endures a lonely and sad life. But even these travails do not disturb Jane's moral sensibilities and Christian virtues, for she puts all trust and faith in God's plan for her life.
Jane becomes the governess at Thornfield and falls in love with her employer, Mr. Rochester. For the first time since she was a child Jane is truly loved by another, but Rochester harbors a dark secret that threatens their love. Unwilling to yield to her own desires, a heartbroken Jane flees Thornfield and is taken in by a young pastor, St. John Rivers and his two sisters. They become quit fond of Jane and she learns that they are cousins. Needing a wife for his missionary work in India, Rivers asks Jane to be his wife, but she hears Rochester calling her name on the wind.
JANE EYRE is a great gothic romance that will have readers rooting for the heroine to finally find some much deserved happiness. The novel is clearly a critique of Victorian assumptions about both gender and social class, and was one of the most successful novels of its era, both commercially and critically. Basically, JANE EYRE is a romance told in the compelling structure of a gothic horror novel, and should appeal to readers who love either one of those classic genres.
Jane becomes the governess at Thornfield and falls in love with her employer, Mr. Rochester. For the first time since she was a child Jane is truly loved by another, but Rochester harbors a dark secret that threatens their love. Unwilling to yield to her own desires, a heartbroken Jane flees Thornfield and is taken in by a young pastor, St. John Rivers and his two sisters. They become quit fond of Jane and she learns that they are cousins. Needing a wife for his missionary work in India, Rivers asks Jane to be his wife, but she hears Rochester calling her name on the wind.
JANE EYRE is a great gothic romance that will have readers rooting for the heroine to finally find some much deserved happiness. The novel is clearly a critique of Victorian assumptions about both gender and social class, and was one of the most successful novels of its era, both commercially and critically. Basically, JANE EYRE is a romance told in the compelling structure of a gothic horror novel, and should appeal to readers who love either one of those classic genres.
Hadn't read a classic in years, but I really liked this.
by far my most favorite book and I have read a lot of books
One of my favorite books of all. The heroine does go thru a great deal, but it is worth watching her face her tests in her life to measure how I face mine.
Great romance, too, by the way, and I don't generally like romances.
Great romance, too, by the way, and I don't generally like romances.
I don't know why I went so long before reading this book. I don't know what I thought it would be like, but I obviously had some serious misconceptions. Those have since been corrected.
This book is a beautifully written Gothic tale that is part romance, part ghost story, and part social commentary. In the social sense this book was completely ahead of its time. Taken as a whole this book will always remain a truly timeless classic.
Jane Eyre now ranks among my all-time favorites when it comes to the classics. The Count of Monte Cristo now has a worthy companion when it comes to sharing the top spots on my list.
This book is a beautifully written Gothic tale that is part romance, part ghost story, and part social commentary. In the social sense this book was completely ahead of its time. Taken as a whole this book will always remain a truly timeless classic.
Jane Eyre now ranks among my all-time favorites when it comes to the classics. The Count of Monte Cristo now has a worthy companion when it comes to sharing the top spots on my list.
A classic itself, a must read for any true reader. The story of Jane a governess and her employer Mr Rochester.
This book is a classic. Every high school and college student will more than likely read this book.
Over the top!!!! Loved this book. You will want to read it over and over again. Excellent love story.
First printing February 1960
Very skillfully written, Jane Eyre plows the path for independent and smart women who want to stand toe to toe with men. I understand the significance of this book in its setting and time. Gasp, unheard of ye little woman contesteth man? However, at this moment in history the power of its role challenging story line doesn't seem like a big deal anymore. I guess the story was actually successful in pushing forward equality between men and women. There are some fun mystery elements and also very sad, rip your heart out and squash it with a hammer moments, that make it a little different than your average love story. I tip my cap, but refuse to bow down to this classic.
Oh how I love this novel! Jane Eyre is one of those novels that I can read over and over again and get something new out of it every time. I consider it to be one of the most readable classics, one I can just pick up and lose myself in it without even thinking about it. To me, thats a testament to how well it holds up, there arent too many classics I can say that about because I find so many of them to be rather plodding.
This time around, I found myself to be much more emotional about the trials that Jane goes through. Ive gone through quite a few emotional events since the last time I read this one, and that undoubtedly affected my reading of many of the situations Jane is in. I openly wept when reading about her treatment during early childhood at Gateshead and later at Lowell School.
To read the rest of my review, please visit my blog.
This time around, I found myself to be much more emotional about the trials that Jane goes through. Ive gone through quite a few emotional events since the last time I read this one, and that undoubtedly affected my reading of many of the situations Jane is in. I openly wept when reading about her treatment during early childhood at Gateshead and later at Lowell School.
To read the rest of my review, please visit my blog.
You've probably heard the expression that a million monkeys typing for a million years eventually will reproduce the works of William Shakespeare. I give "Jane Eyre" one monkey, ten minutes.
While recognizing Bronte's derring-do in writing a novel about a comely 17-year-old governess who rejects a virtuous adonis (St. John Rivers) for her much older and unattractive employer, this is a book I cannot see reading again unless it's the only way to save a terminally ill relative.
This book is a slow read. And I mean slow. A snail? Greased lightning. Molasses on a cold day? Quicksilver. Eighth-period study hall in high school on a Friday? Over in a flash. We're talking a slow, boring read here, even without the benefit of a high school English teacher's enthusiasm for ruining literature.
The novel chronicles the story of Jane Eyre from her childhood as an orphan up until the birth of her first child. Life was hard for orphans in 19th-century England, particularly when their parents' marriage was considered improper. Fair enough, I suppose: that's why Jane's childhood is so rotten, and she is picked on by the cousins she lives with, misliked and mistreated by her aunt and so on. Unfortunately, Bronte's writing is so dry and lifeless that it's hard to care.
It just gets worse from there. The book is written in the first person, with the result that we get to hear every self-pitying thought Jane has (and there are plenty of them), about how plain she is, how her employer Mr. Rochester could never love her, how beautiful her imagined rival in love is, and on and on and on for page after tedious page.
My standard joke is "This is both good and original. Unfortunately, the parts that are good are not original, and the parts that are original are not good." I will give Charlotte Bronte the benefit of the doubt, and will say that "Jane Eyre" is thoroughly original. Unlike the works of Shakespeare and a number of other classics of English and world literature, I can't say it is particularly good.
While recognizing Bronte's derring-do in writing a novel about a comely 17-year-old governess who rejects a virtuous adonis (St. John Rivers) for her much older and unattractive employer, this is a book I cannot see reading again unless it's the only way to save a terminally ill relative.
This book is a slow read. And I mean slow. A snail? Greased lightning. Molasses on a cold day? Quicksilver. Eighth-period study hall in high school on a Friday? Over in a flash. We're talking a slow, boring read here, even without the benefit of a high school English teacher's enthusiasm for ruining literature.
The novel chronicles the story of Jane Eyre from her childhood as an orphan up until the birth of her first child. Life was hard for orphans in 19th-century England, particularly when their parents' marriage was considered improper. Fair enough, I suppose: that's why Jane's childhood is so rotten, and she is picked on by the cousins she lives with, misliked and mistreated by her aunt and so on. Unfortunately, Bronte's writing is so dry and lifeless that it's hard to care.
It just gets worse from there. The book is written in the first person, with the result that we get to hear every self-pitying thought Jane has (and there are plenty of them), about how plain she is, how her employer Mr. Rochester could never love her, how beautiful her imagined rival in love is, and on and on and on for page after tedious page.
My standard joke is "This is both good and original. Unfortunately, the parts that are good are not original, and the parts that are original are not good." I will give Charlotte Bronte the benefit of the doubt, and will say that "Jane Eyre" is thoroughly original. Unlike the works of Shakespeare and a number of other classics of English and world literature, I can't say it is particularly good.
Classic tale of a woman's coming of age, in a time when women didn't have the options they have now. Jane is strong in her sense of her own worth and personal integrity, in contrast with others in her life who either want to use her for their own purposes or disregard her entirely.
Contrary to some reviews I've seen, I never found the language at all difficult; there may be terms for objects that have fallen out of use, but it's always clear what's going on. And we do have google :)
A classic, a heroine for any age. Done in prose which is graceful, nuanced and yet clear cut. Couldn't recommend it any more highly.
Contrary to some reviews I've seen, I never found the language at all difficult; there may be terms for objects that have fallen out of use, but it's always clear what's going on. And we do have google :)
A classic, a heroine for any age. Done in prose which is graceful, nuanced and yet clear cut. Couldn't recommend it any more highly.
THE MOVIE MADE FROM THIS BOOK WAS VERY CLOSE. THIS IS ONE DELIGHTFUL BOOK TO READ, AND DREAM ABOUT THE TIME OF INNOCENCE.I ENJOYED READING IT.
This is a wonderful book....couldn't wait to get to the end. Charlotte Bronte is a great writer, even though it is in the sometimes-hard-to-understand old English words. It's a big book, but it moves along fast... this is my first Bronte book.
Wonderful classic!
Unlike Wuthering Heights, I greatly enjoyed this novel by a Bronte sister. I almost let my disgust of the previous novel stop me from reading Jane Eyre. I am so glad I listened to some friends and did not let that happen. It is a very different story and oddly captivating as a result. I heartily recommend the book to all young adults (being teenagers) and older. Now, of course I would not recommend and do not agree with everything that happens in the book, but when does that ever happen, no?
(originally published: http://sophiesmindset.blogspot.com/2008/02/jane-eyre.html)
(originally published: http://sophiesmindset.blogspot.com/2008/02/jane-eyre.html)
Throroughly enjoyed this book, couldn't put it down
A classic story that's hard not to love!
Introduction and Notes by Susan Ostov Weisser. Barnes & Noble Classics 2003 edition. 551 pps including Endnotes, Further Reading, Inspired By, Comments and Questions.
charlotte bronte is an excellent writer of victorian england. any fan of jane eyre will truly enjoy reading this book to understand all the characters of this story. there is also information on charlotte bronte's life which i found excellent in it's history of her life.
penniless,orphaned,locked away in a prison-like boarding schook. 18 year old jane eyre has one chance for happiness: in the great mansion of thronfield, as governess to a little french girl,the adopted ward of an eccentric millionaire. edward rochester is troubled,cynical,moddy-but funny,brilliant,giving and sensitive;little adele is a delight;thornfield has all the bearuy jane could ever want. life "should" be perfect.. but jane eyre and her decades-older employer are falling desperately in love- and thronfield holds a living horror that can,with no warning, destry edward,jane,adele... a murderous secret ready to devour jane eyre's dreams,hopes-even her life.
penniless,orphaned,locked away in a prison-like boarding schook. 18 year old jane eyre has one chance for happiness: in the great mansion of thronfield, as governess to a little french girl,the adopted ward of an eccentric millionaire. edward rochester is troubled,cynical,moddy-but funny,brilliant,giving and sensitive;little adele is a delight;thornfield has all the bearuy jane could ever want. life "should" be perfect.. but jane eyre and her decades-older employer are falling desperately in love- and thronfield holds a living horror that can,with no warning, destry edward,jane,adele... a murderous secret ready to devour jane eyre's dreams,hopes-even her life.
One of the best novel I have ever read. I love Jane Austin and the way she tell a story._Teresa
i read this book, and really wanted and tried to like and get into it. however it just never happened. i'm not sure what it was about the book, but it felt repetitive, and dragged along. i might give it another shot in the future.
http://miasbooklist.blogspot.com/2007/02/jane-eyre-by-charlotte-bronte-rating-4.html
Barnes and Noble edition
Orphaned at an early age, Jane Eyre leads a lonely life until she finds work as a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she meets the mysterious Mr. Rochester and sees a ghostly woman who roams the halls by night. This is a story of passionate love, travail and final triumph. The relationship between the heroine and Mr. Rochester is only one episode, albeit the most important, in a detailed fictional autobiography in which the author transmuted her own experience into high art. In this work the plucky heroine is outwardly of plain appearance, but possesses an indomitable spirit, a sharp wit and great courage. She is forced to battle against the exigencies of a cruel guardian, a harsh employer and a rigid social order which circumscribes her life and position.
Orphaned at an early age, Jane Eyre leads a lonely life until she finds work as a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she meets the mysterious Mr. Rochester and sees a ghostly woman who roams the halls by night. This is a story of passionate love, travail and final triumph. The relationship between the heroine and Mr. Rochester is only one episode, albeit the most important, in a detailed fictional autobiography in which the author transmuted her own experience into high art. In this work the plucky heroine is outwardly of plain appearance, but possesses an indomitable spirit, a sharp wit and great courage. She is forced to battle against the exigencies of a cruel guardian, a harsh employer and a rigid social order which circumscribes her life and position.
