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Dolors's Reviews > Jane Eyre
Jane Eyre
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I first discovered this book when I was 15 and it was a great impact for me. I actually think that from that moment on I started looking through an adult and not a child's eyes. It awakened my passion for literature as well.
Now, 15 years later I took it again and read it a second time, having watched countless films and series adaptations and having read many more novels, I have to say that I still find the book extraordinary. A masterpiece, in fact.
This novel is maybe the first of its gender: part coming of age novel, part drama, part mystery, part romance. But not only that. Jane Eyre, for me, is the perfect heroine. The first woman of her time who dares to speak her mind, who is unafraid of conventions, who is liberated from social restraint because she has a free soul and a perfect sense of justice and goodness. She makes her own way in a masculine world and she overcomes hardship and suffering with an inner peace that is even a bit disturbing.
The counterpoint is perfectly placed when she meets Mr. Rochester, a grumpy, moody and unpredictable man surrounded by mystery who becomes her only true friend, treating her like his equal in all senses. Age, beauty and social standards are reduced to dust when Jane Eyre finds a twin soul with some secrets to hide which will threaten her so much deserved happiness.
One of the top in my book collection, this novel will always hold a special place in my heart. A true gem, don't hesitate to plunge into it.
Now, 15 years later I took it again and read it a second time, having watched countless films and series adaptations and having read many more novels, I have to say that I still find the book extraordinary. A masterpiece, in fact.
This novel is maybe the first of its gender: part coming of age novel, part drama, part mystery, part romance. But not only that. Jane Eyre, for me, is the perfect heroine. The first woman of her time who dares to speak her mind, who is unafraid of conventions, who is liberated from social restraint because she has a free soul and a perfect sense of justice and goodness. She makes her own way in a masculine world and she overcomes hardship and suffering with an inner peace that is even a bit disturbing.
The counterpoint is perfectly placed when she meets Mr. Rochester, a grumpy, moody and unpredictable man surrounded by mystery who becomes her only true friend, treating her like his equal in all senses. Age, beauty and social standards are reduced to dust when Jane Eyre finds a twin soul with some secrets to hide which will threaten her so much deserved happiness.
One of the top in my book collection, this novel will always hold a special place in my heart. A true gem, don't hesitate to plunge into it.
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Reading Progress
Started Reading
November 28, 1996
–
Finished Reading
March 15, 2013
– Shelved
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by
Cecily
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rated it 5 stars
Mar 19, 2013 05:41AM
I enjoyed it very much as a 15-year old, but I got FAR more from it when rereading it as an adult. Pretty revolutionary for its day, as you say (especially given that it was written by the daughter of a priest).
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Of course Cecily! Such an austere and miserable life the Brontë sisters led! I had the change to visit the Parsonage in Haworth and I was even more mystified, I don't know where Charlotte got her inspiration from, surely not in her everyday life (apart of course of the horrible schools she attended to)!Thanks for your comment, I'm going to have a look at your books, I'm sure I'll find something unknown and wonderful to read!
Absolutely endearing to read this, one of your earlier attempts at writing on what impacted you, what you read! This review is a gem in that regard, on its own... not that a more 'straight from the heart' review will not be welcomed :PThis surely deserves one, one of your most favourites!!!
The first woman of her time who dares to speak her mind, who is unafraid of conventions, who is liberated from social restraint because she has a free soul and a perfect sense of justice and goodness.You've summed up the essence of this unique book in one great sentence, Dolors!
I can imagine Charlotte smiling with pleasure.
Tej wrote: "Absolutely endearing to read this, one of your earlier attempts at writing on what impacted you, what you read! This review is a gem in that regard, on its own... not that a more 'straight from the..."Thank you so much for your endearing comment Tej. I wrote that attempt of a review four years ago and I have read the novel a 3rd time since then. And you're most right, it came straight from the heart. This is one of those novels which I feel incapable of reviewing properly because I will always get the feeling I am not doing it justice! Thank you as ever for your kind words, you are the true gem here! :)
Fionnuala wrote: "The first woman of her time who dares to speak her mind, who is unafraid of conventions, who is liberated from social restraint because she has a free soul and a perfect sense of justice and goodne..."I think her smile is not as bigger as mine right at this instant. Thank you so very much Fionnuala!
My hand reached out to Charlotte Bronte only when I am 32, sad that it did not at 15 or 20 but glad beyond words that reach it did :)Thoroughly enamoured with Bronte, once again dived in here, satiated yet silently wishing for that quintessential lyrical ode :))
Yes Tej!! seeing those 5 stars sent me soaring cloud high. I read this novel when I was 15 and I am still smitten with it! I am so glad to know it also moved you and that Jane has found another home in the heart of yet another reader. Thanks for stopping by to comment but... can I hope for a review? Not to press you my friend, I know you don't have much time, but let me dream for a while, like Jane did while fighting restlessness in Thornfield Hall before Mr. Rochester made his dramatic appearance! :))
Dolors wrote: "Yes Tej!! seeing those 5 stars sent me soaring cloud high. I read this novel when I was 15 and I am still smitten with it! I am so glad to know it also moved you and that Jane has found another hom..."Not as much the dearth of time but that of tranquility of mind which keeps me from writing anything for the while, dear Dolors... Your encouragement has always been most dear and beckoning and I hope to overcome this state of affairs ... I am happy to read, meanwhile, both books and treasure trove of your reviews... best wishes :)
I admit I hesitated. I must be part of a really small group that haven't read this book yet. But if a Dolors review tells me to consider a certain book, I will certainly do that.The first woman of her time who dares to speak her mind, who is unafraid of conventions, who is liberated from social restraint because she has a free soul and a perfect sense of justice and goodness.
It sounds quite appealing :) Thank you for this review, Dolors! Beautifully written and right to the point.
Florencia wrote: "I admit I hesitated. I must be part of a really small group that haven't read this book yet. But if a Dolors review tells me to consider a certain book, I will certainly do that.The first woman o..."
Well then, if you admit hesitation I must confess being totally biased about this novel, my opinion is far from objective on this one, Florencia. BUT. Having said that, I think you might be surprised at how much is enclosed in this apparently simple Victorian novel. If you admire independent women who defy the rules of an oppressing society with dignity and self-respect, you will love Jane Eyre, trust me on that one! ;)
Thanks for your always kind comments, this was one of my first reviews on the site and I feel I never managed to make justice to the book.
Just leaving a comment here to tell you how much I am loving this book! :) Almost done and looking forward to reviewing it!
Yet another glowing review that solidifies my sense of needing to reexamine this novel. I'll have to plan my reread so I'm not influenced by my impression of a vastly different novel.
Tristan wrote: "Yet another glowing review that solidifies my sense of needing to reexamine this novel. I'll have to plan my reread so I'm not influenced by my impression of a vastly different novel."I just read your review Tristan. The Brontë Sisters were quite different from the poised Victorian writing of Jane Austen, indeed. JE is gloomy, it is dark but oh, I loved Jane's independence and her muted fight for happiness regardless of her gender or social position. Thanks for reading and posting such kind words regardless of your lukewarm reaction to one of my favorite books ever.
Jane Austen is indeed very different from the Brontes, but she is firmly pre-Victorian. Another difference is perhaps her relatively comfortable upbringing in healthier, warmer, and more affluent climes.
Cecily wrote: "Jane Austen is indeed very different from the Brontes, but she is firmly pre-Victorian. Another difference is perhaps her relatively comfortable upbringing in healthier, warmer, and more affluent c..."Certainly, Cecily. But in any case, I have always been more attracted to the clogging sadness of the Brontës, whom I see as highly erudite and literate individuals who dwelled on unquestionable matters such as preordained divinity or the social position of women in Victorian society. Their tone was far from celebratory, but I suppose it also reflected the era while anticipating the change that was about to come.
"Clogging sadness" - what an excellent description. Far preferable to Austen, for me.
Thanks, this is a thoughtful, encouraging review.
Did you write that review or did I? Apart from the age of discovery and age difference (a mere 6 years), your review, Dolors, echoes my thoughts and feelings exactly.
Jane Eyre is one of my touchstones for potential readers. Why, because something that influenced me so strongly as a teen (like you, I read it very young) has to be reflected in my own writing, and people who don't like it are vaguely suspect.It's not the only touchstone - such varied novels as Dune, The Thorn Birds, GWTW, On The Beach, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, The Three Musketeers... - also indicate a certain attitude toward reading 'the good stuff' which seems to be predictive of readers with my kind of tastes. And not all men appreciate it - some of the other touchstones work better with men. But it's on the list for a reason.
