A review by sir_ren
Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë

medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Now this book is the embodiment of "there's a lot to unpack here, but we don't have time for all that". That's not to say it wasn't enjoyable. It definitely was. There's a lot of the old, Christian, English people morality and vibes going on, plus their limited and bigoted outlook (of the time). It is quite fantastical at times, provoking some incredulity and or cringe, but despite all its shortcomings, I did find the book worth the read. The romance has a not-insignificant age and power gap and the dude was straight up a creep at some points (like a manipulative, scheming, little shit). There are some supernatural elements and some bits of folklore/myth. The dialogue between Jane and Rochester might be my favourite part of the book. I don't vibe with the relationship, or a lot of the character's decisions and plot elements, but I can recognize that they tell a very particular story and fits their roles. The parts where the book dwells on setting and description are dull compared to the rest of the book and the thrilling parts are the compelling highlights. Overall it is a fun read and a great book to discuss with a friend or a book club. Maybe reading the book Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys would round out this reading experience. 
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