Book info

• Title Jane Eyre
• Author Charlotte Brontë
• Year 1847
• Genre Classic

A novel of intense emotional power, heightened atmosphere and fierce intelligence, Jane Eyre dazzled and shocked readers with its passionate depiction of a woman's search for equality and freedom on her own terms. Its heroine Jane endures loneliness and cruelty in the home of her heartless aunt and the cold charity of Lowood School. Her natural independence and spirit prove necessary when she takes a position as governess at Thornfield Hall. But when she finds love with her sardonic employer, Rochester, the discovery of a shameful secret forces her to make a terrible choice.

Thoughts

After reading and not particularly enjoying David Copperfield, I went straight into another classic in which we follow the main protagonist from childhood into adult life. There’s also a significant case of child neglect going on here, and they get sent away to school, but that’s where the similarities end.

I enjoyed this one so much more than the Charles Dickens work. I had a vague feeling that I’d read it before, nothing that cropped up came as a surprise but it was still very interesting. My only real concern was the heck of a coincidence that was revealed about the family that took her in after she escaped from Thornfield.

Meanwhile, Mr Rochester is a fascinating character, not the traditional kind of hero, unless you count the brooding characteristic. I like the writing style of Charlotte Brontë. It’s engaging and brings you into the character’s mind, with detailed thoughts and worries, but it’s not so over the top that it seems endless.

Rating: 4 / 5