Book Review: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Jane Eyre

by Charlotte Bronte

Blurb: Orphaned as a child, Jane has felt an outcast her whole young life. Her courage is tested once again when she arrives at Thornfield Hall, where she has been hired by the brooding, proud Edward Rochester to care for his ward Adèle. Jane finds herself drawn to his troubled yet kind spirit. She falls in love. Hard.

But there is a terrifying secret inside the gloomy, forbidding Thornfield Hall. Is Rochester hiding from Jane? Will Jane be left heartbroken and exiled once again?

Cover Review: Not really applicable, since this book has been out for like 150 years and had multiple covers. But there are some really pretty ones out there.

Plot: Like a lot of classics, the plot is a bit meandering, but overall easy to follow. Quite a lot of time passes over the course of the novel, as we watch Jane go from a child to a wife. A lot of time is spent with Jane's inner monologue, but she's an interesting character, so it's not bad.

Characters: Jane, the titular character, is sweet and domicile, but that doesn't mean she lacks conviction and morals. I think that's something that modern fiction doesn't understand. Just because she tends to submit herself to everyone around her, doesn't mean she'll bend to every whim of others. I admire her so much.

But now we must talk about Mr. Rochester for a second. I don't like him. I think he's creepy and manipulative and I don't like possessive guys (the bad kind, who are jealous and all that). I don't understand why Jane likes him. And then there's St. Rivers, who is almost worse. I did like his sisters, though.

World: Charlotte Bronte did a great job with describing the world. It's so gothic and mysterious and real. I felt like I was right there in every setting, from the school to Thornfield to Moor House.

Other: I didn't realize there would be so much faith in this book. It's something people don't talk about. Jane is a Christian and her faith comes into play a lot, especially in the decisions she makes.

Rating: 4 stars (5 without Rochester)

Have you read Jane Eyre? What's a classic that surprised you in some way? Tell me in the comments.

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