A review by izzy_dawson_
Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë
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!).