Jane Eyre by Charlotte BrontëMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I picked this book up (not this actual cover shown... I have an American print dated 1971 - it's 2 years older than me!) for 85p at Minehead Train Station, on a steam train day out with my kids.
I had decided that I needed to read more classics, and there was Jane Eyre (I also picked up Gulliver's Travels).
I thought it would be hard to get into, the language heavy and stilted, however instead I found myself gripped. I was so wrong. It was so easy to read, the long passages of description, or dialogue engaging.
The first ten chapters are of her life as a child, these were extremely powerful, but as soon as Mr Rochester hit the page I didn't want to put this book down. Like Jane's, my emotions were up and down.
I do find it interesting that Mr Rochester is frequently regarded as ugly, something a modern day romance couldn't easily do, yet, you never see him as ugly, you see him through Jane's eyes, and know instantly that he loves her. I loved his devilish tricks, his moodiness and Jane's strength to match him.
Truly wonderful story, taking us back into a time that we can only imagine. Where people were truly poor or rich.
The characters were easily distinguished, from Mr Rochester to St John. I never tired of reading this book. Such a powerful romance.
I'm off to find more classics!
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This has taken my book read total to 39! Only one more to go and I've reached my 40. I can do that in a month, right?
Jane Eyre is one of my desert-island books. I read it over and over when I need comfort and security. It has its flaws - the weird occult flavor of Rochester's voice calling her has always thrown me off - yet the book is overall such a master stroke of passion that I love it all the same.
ReplyDeleteI just spoke to an acquaintance who had to force himself to finish it. He hated everything about it and said none of it made sense. I felt bad for him!
I agree, Sela, it does have a couple of flaws. I wasn't so convinced about her being saved by her cousins - very small world. Yet, I liked it because it was another happy ending for Jane. She'd found family but it also added some nice conflict.
ReplyDeleteYes, I saw the Jane! Jane! Jane! as maybe her subconscious Mr Rochester was speaking to her and telling her 'off'. But all the same. I read it that they're love for each implied that maybe they could communicate far and wide. I loved the book! I've lent it to my dad now lol! as he likes period set books.