janaelawrence's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
peculiaritea's review against another edition
2.0
this will not be a formal review so much as a brief rant.
also, let me say, Thandie Newton is a fabulous narrator and my criticisms are all for the book written by Charlotte Brontë, not the listening experience. if you like this book and you want a real treat, listen to this narration. you won't be sorry.
I believe (but am not certain) I read this book in the summer between high school and college. Twenty years, later all I could remember was that I didn't like it but I couldn't remember why, so I read it again.
Ughhhhhh~
Thandie Newton made this book palatable enough to get through. I was tempted to give this book 1 star, but I have only one 1-star review in my history, and my dislike for Jane Eyre doesn't even begin to approach my level of hatred for That Book, so I guess my review stands at 2 stars.
also, let me say, Thandie Newton is a fabulous narrator and my criticisms are all for the book written by Charlotte Brontë, not the listening experience. if you like this book and you want a real treat, listen to this narration. you won't be sorry.
I believe (but am not certain) I read this book in the summer between high school and college. Twenty years, later all I could remember was that I didn't like it but I couldn't remember why, so I read it again.
Ughhhhhh~
Thandie Newton made this book palatable enough to get through. I was tempted to give this book 1 star, but I have only one 1-star review in my history, and my dislike for Jane Eyre doesn't even begin to approach my level of hatred for That Book, so I guess my review stands at 2 stars.
zephyrusne's review against another edition
3.0
i'm thoroughly convinced that in order to fully grasp a book (written in some historical period or another; today's lit doesn't count) in all it's meaning and content we should a) attend a class on a certain period OR b) research it closely by ourselves. and a must it to examine all the references and intertextuality. that being said, i think i value more what this book is and how it is written precisely because of my professor who filled me in on all the possible views we should contrast or associate with the victorian era. parts i would usually skim through were put in a perspective to me and that's what i value most about this reading experience.
however, mr rochester kind of got to the irritating level of YA novels at one point and comparing the two i could not but roll my eyes. another thing, st john (what kind of a name is that anyway??) is super weird and i would have liked to hit him on the head multiple times for most of his behavior. and the moon/chestnut tree metaphors or whatever - i hope you'll give me no trouble in my essay xd
however, mr rochester kind of got to the irritating level of YA novels at one point and comparing the two i could not but roll my eyes. another thing, st john (what kind of a name is that anyway??) is super weird and i would have liked to hit him on the head multiple times for most of his behavior. and the moon/chestnut tree metaphors or whatever - i hope you'll give me no trouble in my essay xd
cloranger's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
fpaliaga20's review against another edition
challenging
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
izzy_dawson_'s review against another edition
4.0
A classic? No doubt.
This novel follows the story of a girl of no extraordinary talent or beauty as she learns to become a respectable, well educated woman in a world where it pays to have money and yet she has none.
As she grows up, she learns to discern between what matters in life and love, and what doesn’t.
This novel has many aspects, not just of love (or a decided lack of it), but also of loss and friendship. Jane soon finds that each of these things can bring scars and/or healing in many ways.
It also speaks of faith and the part it plays in her life and those around her; she also learns to accept the challenges of following God’s law when “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”.
A standout of this book has to be the headstrong heroine that is the title character. Jane is never afraid to say what she feels is necessary and follows her head and heart in equal measure, using God as her compass. She does all this despite being a woman in a low place in society, and therefore risks forming a “most unbecoming” disposition in the view of others.
As for the writing, I can certainly see why this book is a classic.
I have a ‘favourite quotes’ page in my Notes app and for most books I only find a few (if any) quotes to add, but let me tell you I could NOT stop adding quotes and paragraphs from Jane Eyre! Charlotte Brontë manages to cobble together thoughts, emotions and ideas we all struggle with and question into eloquent speeches and phrases. This is done beautifully in the humble telling of Jane’s life who is by no means exceptional in any way, but possess remarkable courage and determination. Brontë uses her words powerfully and carefully to great effect throughout this novel, challenging and compelling her readers.
However, I would say it feels a little slow moving overall and proves to be quite a commitment. You need to be invested in the character’s life and story overall as it spans many years and thus it is detailed and lengthy. So, if you’re looking for a thrill-a-minute novel to grip your senses, this one may not be for you.
Overall, it was a joy to read (and a tearjerker at points!).
This novel follows the story of a girl of no extraordinary talent or beauty as she learns to become a respectable, well educated woman in a world where it pays to have money and yet she has none.
As she grows up, she learns to discern between what matters in life and love, and what doesn’t.
This novel has many aspects, not just of love (or a decided lack of it), but also of loss and friendship. Jane soon finds that each of these things can bring scars and/or healing in many ways.
It also speaks of faith and the part it plays in her life and those around her; she also learns to accept the challenges of following God’s law when “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”.
A standout of this book has to be the headstrong heroine that is the title character. Jane is never afraid to say what she feels is necessary and follows her head and heart in equal measure, using God as her compass. She does all this despite being a woman in a low place in society, and therefore risks forming a “most unbecoming” disposition in the view of others.
As for the writing, I can certainly see why this book is a classic.
I have a ‘favourite quotes’ page in my Notes app and for most books I only find a few (if any) quotes to add, but let me tell you I could NOT stop adding quotes and paragraphs from Jane Eyre! Charlotte Brontë manages to cobble together thoughts, emotions and ideas we all struggle with and question into eloquent speeches and phrases. This is done beautifully in the humble telling of Jane’s life who is by no means exceptional in any way, but possess remarkable courage and determination. Brontë uses her words powerfully and carefully to great effect throughout this novel, challenging and compelling her readers.
However, I would say it feels a little slow moving overall and proves to be quite a commitment. You need to be invested in the character’s life and story overall as it spans many years and thus it is detailed and lengthy. So, if you’re looking for a thrill-a-minute novel to grip your senses, this one may not be for you.
Overall, it was a joy to read (and a tearjerker at points!).
myriahmendes's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Such a good read. Easy classic to read as well.
erinb426's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
elegra's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
dolores_lima's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
One of my favorites for 2023! I enjoyed Bronte's style of writing, especially as the main characters were introduced and developed. Overall, the story was engaging from the beginning to the end. In fact, this is a book I would read again and hope to find new perspectives on the characters.