Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte (Currer Bell)
The Story: In Bronte’s classic masterpiece, Jane Eyre is an orphan left in the care of her cruel aunt who wants nothing to do with her. She is sent to Lowood boarding school, where she is punished for being outspoken. After staying on as a teacher, she takes the position of governess at Thornfield Hall, owned by the illustrious but mysterious Mr Rochester.
My Review: Like most classics, I failed to see what the fuss was really about. Certainly I can appreciate that at the time it was written it was bold, visionary and, with its obvious feminist overtones, ahead of its time. Bronte was a good writer, possibly aided by the fact that most of her characters were based on real people, Jane Eyre being quite similar in nature to Bronte herself. Her prose at times is quite poetic, but I did find it a struggle to pick the book up again night after night.
P.S. I highly recommend the recent movie. Small parts of the plot are changed but all in all it’s a good adaptation.
Memorable Quotes:
Do you think because I am poor, obscure, plain and little, I m soulless and heartless? You think wrong! — I have as much soul as you — and full as much heart!
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