Title: Jane Eyre
Author: Charlotte Brontë
First published October 16, 1847
532 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780142437209 (ISBN10: 0142437204)
Rating: 4.14
Overview
Abandoned in her childhood, Jane has always felt like a misfit. Her bravery is put to the test once more when she takes up the position of a caretaker for Adèle, the ward of the brooding and arrogant Edward Rochester at Thornfield Hall.
Jane is captivated by Rochester’s enigmatic yet gentle soul and falls deeply in love with him. But the eerie and daunting Thornfield Hall holds a dark secret.
Is Rochester concealing something from Jane? Will Jane’s heart be shattered, and she will be forced to leave once again?
About the Author
Charlotte Brontë, the oldest of the renowned Brontë sisters, was a celebrated English novelist. She was born in Thornton, Yorkshire, England, as the third of six children to Patrick Brontë, an Irish Anglican clergyman, and his wife Maria Branwell.
After her mother’s death in 1821, Charlotte and her siblings were cared for by their spinster aunt, Elizabeth Branwell.
In 1824, Charlotte and her sisters Emily, Maria, and Elizabeth attended the Clergy Daughters’ School at Cowan Bridge in Lancashire. The school was a dismal experience for them, as they were subjected to harsh treatment and deprived of basic necessities.
The Brontë sisters’ health deteriorated, and two of them died of tuberculosis. Charlotte’s experiences at the school left a lasting impression on her, and she later incorporated them into her novel, Jane Eyre.
Back at home in Haworth Parsonage, Charlotte, along with her surviving siblings, Branwell, Emily, and Anne, continued their education. In 1826, their father brought them a box of toy soldiers, which sparked their creativity and led to the creation of their imaginative world, Angria.
They became engrossed in writing, and Charlotte later attributed her burst of creativity to their dependence on each other, books, and studying for their enjoyment and occupation of life.
Charlotte completed her education at Roe Head school in Mirfield, where she met her lifelong friends and correspondents, Ellen Nussey and Mary Taylor. She left the school to become a governess to the Sidgewick family in 1838, but teaching did not appeal to her.
In 1854, she married her father’s curate, Arthur Bell Nicholls, but her health rapidly declined during her pregnancy, and she died on March 31, 1855, along with her unborn child.
Editoral Review
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bront: A Timeless Classic
Charlotte Bront’s Jane Eyre, first published in 1847, has stood the test of time as a classic novel. Often dubbed a masterpiece of Victorian literature, this book tells the gripping tale of an orphaned governess who falls in love with her enigmatic employer.
Bront’s masterpiece offers the perfect blend of romance, social commentary, and gripping storytelling that will captivate readers of all ages and backgrounds. The novel’s protagonist, Jane Eyre, is an unconventional heroine who refuses to conform to the expectations of her society.
As a reader, one can’t help but admire Jane’s strength, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity. Bront portrays Jane’s struggles with a raw honesty that has made her character beloved by countless generations of readers.
While Jane’s journey towards love and self-discovery is at the heart of the story, Bront also uses her novel as a platform to discuss important social and moral issues of the time. She raises questions about class, gender, and education, and challenges the traditional narrative about a woman’s role in society.
In doing so, Bront offers a thought-provoking commentary on the inequalities of her time that still resonates today. Moreover, Bront’s writing style is impeccable.
She uses vivid descriptions, complex characters, and nuanced symbolism to create a world that draws readers in from the first page. Her beautiful prose and attention to detail make every scene burst to life, making you feel as if you are part of the story.
One of the strengths of Jane Eyre is its ability to appeal to readers of varied interests and backgrounds. Bront weaves a story that transcends time, culture, and language.
Whether you are interested in romance, social commentary, or classic literature in general, this novel has something to offer you. However, despite its many strengths, Jane Eyre is not without its limitations.
Some readers may find the novel’s pacing slow at times or may struggle with its themes. Moreover, the novel may not resonate with readers who don’t enjoy classic literature.
In conclusion, if you are a lover of classic literature, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bront is a must-read. This timeless classic offers a beautiful story, complex characters, and social commentary that is still relevant today.
Its themes of love, identity, and self-discovery make this book perfect for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted story. While not perfect, Jane Eyre is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time, and its relevance is only increasing in today’s society.
It is, without a doubt, one of the greatest novels written, and one that every book lover should experience. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
