A review by kerryanndunn
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
3.0
2020 Review: Charlotte Brontë is SO EXTRA.
2009 Review: I just finished Jane Eyre. This is the second time I've read it and the first time I read it I think I was in my late teens/early 20s. On this second reading it has lost a star in my review. I really liked it, but it's not amazing.
There were inconsistencies in the character of Jane that bothered me this go round. When she was with Rochester she was so capable, with him wrapped around her little finger, controlling his every move, all while making him think that HE was controlling everything. I don't think I realized that when I read this book as a young woman. Jane is strong enough to hold to her beliefs and leave Rochester when necessary and makes it through trials of destitution. But then she loses her strength and assertiveness when it comes to St. John Rivers. She does everything he tells her to do because she wants to please him and he was of moral character. I don't really get as a character why she would do that? She had no love for him. Why would she feel so compelled to obey him? It didn't feel right to me. That Rivers family portion of the book dragged for me. I don't like Jane with them. I just want her to get back to Rochester!
I did really like the book. The gothic mystery of it all and the passion make for a great read. I love reading a book at different times of life and coming away with different views.
2009 Review: I just finished Jane Eyre. This is the second time I've read it and the first time I read it I think I was in my late teens/early 20s. On this second reading it has lost a star in my review. I really liked it, but it's not amazing.
There were inconsistencies in the character of Jane that bothered me this go round. When she was with Rochester she was so capable, with him wrapped around her little finger, controlling his every move, all while making him think that HE was controlling everything. I don't think I realized that when I read this book as a young woman. Jane is strong enough to hold to her beliefs and leave Rochester when necessary and makes it through trials of destitution. But then she loses her strength and assertiveness when it comes to St. John Rivers. She does everything he tells her to do because she wants to please him and he was of moral character. I don't really get as a character why she would do that? She had no love for him. Why would she feel so compelled to obey him? It didn't feel right to me. That Rivers family portion of the book dragged for me. I don't like Jane with them. I just want her to get back to Rochester!
I did really like the book. The gothic mystery of it all and the passion make for a great read. I love reading a book at different times of life and coming away with different views.