| Title : Jane Eyre Author : Charlotte Bronte Reading Dates : 26 Aug - 30 Aug 2011 |   |
From goodreads : Charlotte Bronte's impassioned novel is the love story of Jane Eyre, a plain yet spirited governess, and her arrogant, brooding Mr. Rochester. Published in 1847, under the pseudonym of Currer Bell, the book heralded a new kind of heroine--one whose virtuous integrity, keen intellect and tireless perseverance broke through class barriers to win equal stature with the man she loved. Hailed by William Makepeace Thackeray as "the masterwork of great genius," Jane Eyre is still regarded, over a century later, as one of the finest novels in English literature. | |
Book Review of Jane Eyre.
Jane Eyre, is unfortunately another book that hasn’t stood the test of time for me. I used to love this story but after re-reading it this time, I simply couldn’t understand why this was such a favourite of mine before.First of all, the young Jane Eyre was a bit creepy. She seems way too mature and upstanding for a 10-year old child who has either been largely ignored or abused by those responsible for her care.
And then, there’s her relationship with Mr. Rochester which doesn’t seem very healthy to me. I mean, what attractions Jane could hold for Mr. Rochester is easily guessed at, but I couldn’t help but wonder if it was love or lust. And as for Jane’s feelings for him, I couldn’t guess what he could have done or said to turn her thoughts in that direction.
Additionally, I didn’t share Jane’s admiration and respect for her cousin, St. John. He strikes me as too cold and callous; ill-suited to what I imagine someone of his vocation should be. How someone who isn’t capable of comprehending another person’s feelings be expected to help them was the running thought I had.
Overall, it is the characters in Jane Eyre, which left me feeling disappointed in the story. It wasn’t that they felt unreal, just that I couldn’t feel for them in the way the author intended.
My conclusions :
- Would I re-read the book ? Maybe. After all, I did love it once upon a time.
- Would I want to read the next book in the series if there were one? Hmm ... I doubt it.
- Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? I'm not too sure about it.
- Who would I recommend this too? Everyone. I think this is a book that should be read at least once.
- For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Borrow it.
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I found the character of St John to be near offensive in its suggestion that Europeans needed to bring a superior religion and culture to Asia-I do agree everyone should read this book-
ReplyDeleteI think this is the first negative review I have ever read of this book which is an interesting change. I definitely found the attraction between them odd, but I was carried away by the love story so it didn't matter that much too me. St John was an entirely despicable character - but I loved that Brone made him so perfectly like that.
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