Scan barcode
A review by federicadaisy
Villette by Charlotte Brontë
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The book is divided into three parts. Although I absolutely adored the first and half of the second part, towards the end of the second part and for the whole third I began to find it all a bit odd and messy. This was partially due to the insertion of typical features of the gothic novel that I don’t think fit well in that context. As the story progressed, things started to take an unexpected turn that I’m not sure I truly appreciated.
What I appreciated was the main character of Lucy Snowe. Lucy is as human as it can be, alternating moments of strength (she worked hard for her independence and self determination, and fought even harder to hold onto it) to moments of incredible weakness where the protagonist isolates herself and avoids forming deep attachments, a feature which stems from past experiences leading to isolation and emotional struggles. This is something I found very interesting considered the time when the novel was written and published: the reader is given a deep insight of Lucy’s vulnerability and mental health issues, something very straightforward. She owns a strong sense of self-reliance and is also a keen observer, resilient and well determined to maintain her principles (when it comes to religious values for example). Lucy is definitely an unconventional heroine just like Jane Eyre was. Lucy breaks away from typical Victorian stereotypes of femininity. She is plain, introspective, and prioritizes independence over superficial qualities, making her a unique and relatable heroine.
What I appreciated was the main character of Lucy Snowe. Lucy is as human as it can be, alternating moments of strength (she worked hard for her independence and self determination, and fought even harder to hold onto it) to moments of incredible weakness where the protagonist isolates herself and avoids forming deep attachments, a feature which stems from past experiences leading to isolation and emotional struggles. This is something I found very interesting considered the time when the novel was written and published: the reader is given a deep insight of Lucy’s vulnerability and mental health issues, something very straightforward. She owns a strong sense of self-reliance and is also a keen observer, resilient and well determined to maintain her principles (when it comes to religious values for example). Lucy is definitely an unconventional heroine just like Jane Eyre was. Lucy breaks away from typical Victorian stereotypes of femininity. She is plain, introspective, and prioritizes independence over superficial qualities, making her a unique and relatable heroine.