Which book?
Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte
Genre?
Classic
Summary? (from GoodReads)
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. With a heroine full of yearning, the dangerous secrets she encounters, and the choices she finally makes, Charlotte Bronte's innovative and enduring romantic novel continues to engage and provoke readers...
When did I first read it?
High school
Why did I first read it?
I was on a classics kick in high school, so I worked my way through the classics section at my local library. Thus, I discovered Jane Eyre.
What did I think about it then?
I thought it was sooooo romantic. I hadn’t read a romance like it before--it was darker and more serious than Jane Austen and infinitely more challenging than the crappy selection of YA my library had. Plus, I really connected to Jane. She’s just an ordinary person, but she always does what she thinks is right no matter how hard it is.
What do I think about it now?
Now I think Mr. Rochester is a total jerk. Seriously. But I still love him, because Jane loves him. And I still adore this story--I adore it in all its forms: the book, the movies, the musical, the spin-offs . . . they’re all lovely. I just . . . really like Jane. She’s kinda one of my literary heroes. And I still think the romance is swoony. And the crazy wife in the attic only makes the book even better.
I love Jane Eyre - I generally love the whole intense, gothic mood that the Bronte sisters create in their novels. That moment when Rochester screams out "Jane! Jane!" and she hears it because they're so connected? Gives me chills every time.
ReplyDeleteHave you read any of the YA retellings? I bought Jane by April Lindner because it's very cheap on Kindle, but I haven't read it yet.
I love "Jane" by Lindner! I think it's such a genius modernization. I may have re-read it almost as much as Jane Eyre itself :)
DeleteThat's good to know! I'll put it higher up on my TBR list.
DeleteI bought Jane Eyre when I was a senior in high school [2001] but didn't end up reading it until last year! Can you believe that! And the only reason I finally read it was because I downloaded the audio version. I listened to the audio version with the actual book beside me and every time there was something I liked I would pause it, open the book, find it and underline it! But I did love it sooo much! I need to reread it, and actually read it this time!
ReplyDeleteMan, it would be awesome to listen an audio version! I definitely need to track down a good version! And there is so much to underline in Jane Eyre--there's the straight up good quotes AND the weird ones ... like all the random endearments that Rochester calls Jane :)
DeleteI really need to read this. I tried awhile back because I haven't read very many classics, but it seemed really depressing in the beginning. I think I only did about 10 or 15 pages before I just felt too bad for her. :(
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'll watch one of the movies first and then see if I can get into the book better. Have you seen the newest one?
The beginning of the book is totally lame, so I don't blame you for stopping. Whenever I re-read it always skip to the part where Jane gets to Thornfield (a fourth of the way through?)--you could probably skip ahead to that point too without missing too much :)
DeleteI like the new Jane Eyre movie in general--I think it does a good job at keeping the gothic tone. But it definitely leaves a TON of stuff out and might be a litte harder to follow if you haven't read the book. My favorite is the Timothy Dalton version, but I think most people tend to prefer the Toby Stepehns one.
I've always been a bit intimidated to read Jane Eyre. I guess so many people love it and the classics are something I struggle with. Knowing that you love it is a great motivator though.
ReplyDeleteI think it's pretty readable, considering it's a classic. Plus, I think you might enjoy the gothic atmosphere it's got going on :)
DeleteI am not terribly fond of the first part of the book. It really is so dark and depressing. The movies - I adore the Toby Stephens version. The Timothy Dalton version is good, but it's a BBC television production and it looks... cheap? The 2011 movie is good also, but so much stuff is left out! I know the story very well and I was confused while watching.
ReplyDeleteThe Toby Stephens version is a BBC television production, too, but it's from 2006, whereas the Timothy Dalton one is from 1983. TV didn't spend as much on productions then; I don't think they were expected to compete with film the way they are now. It can be difficult to watch that stuff; you really have to ignore the video quality and the wobbly sets and focus completely on the acting and story.
DeleteThe Timothy Dalton version is pretty low filming quality, but it's still my favorite! Probably because it's the first version I ever saw :)
DeleteTimothy Dalton is my favorite Mr. Rochester! I have seen that movie so many times and I love it everytime :) Never read the book, actually.. I always think about reading it, but I've never actually did it. Now I've decides to read it in the summer vacation :)
ReplyDeleteThanks!