Yes, I finally read Jane Eyre! I honestly cannot believe that it took me so long to read this one for the first time, but I can tell you that I am glad that I did. I think that part of why I put off reading Jane Eyre and so many other classics, is partly due to intimidation. Have you ever been intimidated by a book for any reason? Because of the language, size, author, literary influence? Well, I’m not afraid to admit that the next book on my classic TBR list that intimidates me just a liiiitle bit is War and Peace. Just a little, but I digress. Jane Eyre has definitely become a new favorite of mine!
In case there is anyone else out there who, like me, have yet to read this, here is Goodreads’ summary:
Orphaned into the household of her Aunt Reed at Gateshead, subject to the cruel regime at Lowood charity school, Jane Eyre nonetheless emerges unbroken in spirit and integrity. She takes up the post of governess at Thornfield, falls in love with Mr. Rochester, and discovers the impediment to their lawful marriage in a story that transcends melodrama to portray a woman’s passionate search for a wider and richer life than Victorian society traditionally allowed.
First of all, I’d like to talk about the language. I love the way they chose their words during this time period. Don’t get me started on how we have butchered the English language. Welp bae, idk I am totes a noob. I’m not even sure what I just said, but I’m still cringing just from typing that. Let’s just focus on some things out of the book, shall we?
“I shall sully the purity of your floor.”
“I had not intended to love him; the reader knows I had wrought hard to extirpate from my soul the germs of love there detected; and now, at the first renewed view of him they spontaneously revived, great and strong! He made me love him without looking at me.”
“Even for me, life had its gleams of sunshine.”
“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.”
…and, of course…
“Reader, I married him.”
To be sure, I shall be wandering about saying ‘what the deuce’ to all of my acquaintances for a fortnight until I am outcast. Well, “I would always rather be happy than dignified.” Ok, I couldn’t help myself – I am just tickled pink with these sayings. Ok, one more: “Why are you speaking to the air?” That last one was technically from the movie, and not from the book but it still makes me laugh!
This book has all of the little pieces that make it wonderful from Jane’s saucy personality, to the kindness in her friend Helen, the verbal banter between Jane and Mr. Rochester, and the mysterious ‘ghost’ in the attic. More than that, I personally felt like I could identify with Jane. I have only two complaints, and they’re not really complaints but things that just made me tilt my head and lift my ears (like a puppy) thinking; really? 1. The family that she happens to find when she runs away are… her cousins? What are the chances of that? Eh, OK if you say so… 2. I don’t speak French which makes it a little difficult to understand Adele when she speaks in French. But I love the rest of the book so much, those two things don’t really make a difference to me.
So, what about you? Did you love it as much as I did? What were your favorite parts? Did anyone not enjoy it?
5 out of 5 stars.
All My Love, Lj 