\\n  “'I scorn your idea of love,' I could not help saying, as I rose up and stood before him, leaning my back against the rock. 'I scorn the counterfeit sentiment you offer: yes, St. John, and I scorn you when you offer it.'\\"\\n

Oh, my dear Jane Eyre. Such intense fire, such passionate emotions she possesses. A young woman who seems to be cut from the very same cloth and heart as mine.

I waited an incredibly long time to read Charlotte Bronte’s magnificent masterpiece of gothic fiction. Jane Eyre is truly brilliant. It is not only a remarkable work but also groundbreaking. It stands as one of the earliest examples of feminist fiction, with Jane bravely fighting against the patriarchy and social hierarchy to achieve equality and independence. Considering the book was first published way back in 1847, Bronte was clearly far ahead of her time.

I am fully aware that there isn't much that I can say about this novel that hasn't already been said countless times before. It is a classic for a very good reason, and it has been analyzed in every possible way, forwards, backwards, sideways, and upside down. So, instead, I will share a few thoughts on why I absolutely adore Jane as a character and why she has now firmly made it onto my shortlist of favorite fictional feminists.

For a woman who never experienced love during her childhood to have the courage and fortitude to walk away from the man she loves, simply because of principle, because he lied to and manipulated her; to choose homelessness and the possibility of starvation over a seemingly pleasurable life with him – that is true strength. And later, to refuse a loveless marriage based on duty and security, even when her Christian faith and the weight of guilt from God are hanging over her head – that is also strength. And although she does eventually return to Mr. Rochester, as we all know, it is entirely on her own terms and of her own volition, and only after he admits his wrongdoings.

For her unwavering refusal to accept anything less in life, in love, and in the pursuit of happiness, that is precisely why I love Jane.

Mr. Rochester walked, and with his every step, it seemed as if every other tall, dark, handsome, and broody male character in literature could only run to keep up. And that's the end of that.

I really don't have a whole lot else to add that hasn't already been said about this book. After all, it's been around for over 150 years. But I must admit how truly impressed I am with how modern this story feels. I think that's a crucial factor in why I enjoyed it so very much - because it simply doesn't feel like a classic to me.

Not only is the writing extremely accessible and incredibly easy to read, which I don't typically find to be the case for most books written during this time period, but the dialogue between the characters is also very forward-thinking. The conversations between Jane and Mr. Rochester are strikingly similar to the conversations that are taking place today. I truly admire how Bronte seamlessly incorporates feminist ideals into this story. And quite frankly, I didn't expect the low-key thriller vibes that are present in some parts, so that was an added bonus and great fun.

Overall, this is an outstanding story. I would highly recommend it without hesitation. 10/10 would recommend.

↠ 4.5 stars

It’s a steamy night in the Knowsley Working Men’s Club, located in Knowsley, Manchester. For this one-night-only bout, the organisers have set aside their No Women policy. However, many slightly deranged working-class men (perhaps due to the lead in their bloodstream) are muttering both darkly and lightly, and expectorating heavily against the walls (likely because of the coal dust in their lungs). The promoter, Manny Rayner, clumsily climbs into the ring.

“Thank you, thank you, lads. This next fight is an elimination bout, with three falls, one submission, or death to determine the winner. In the BLUE corner, we have the mild-mannered yet steely protofeminist from Thornton, Yorkshire, Miss Jane....EEEEEYYYYRRRREEEEE….”

There is scattered and indifferent applause. Jane, dressed in full-length governess attire but with absurd bright red boxing gloves tied to each hand, storms to the side of the ring and unleashes a torrent of abuse at the assembled grinders, mashers, and collier lads. They tell her to fuck off, and she retaliates with the same. Neither side backs down.

“Thank you, thank you, and in the RED corner we have…. The Man from La Mancha himself, DON…. QUIXOTE... ‘ere, where the fuck is he?”

Surprisingly, there is no one in the red corner. Jane dances to the middle of the ring, mouthing obscenities and shadow boxing furiously. She snatches the microphone from Manny.

“The man from la Mancha
Is a bit of a wanker
E –I-O, E-I-O”

“Give us the fuck that back,” says Manny, seizing the mike back. Just then, a galloping sound starts to come from outside the club doors. A couple of grinders open the doors, look outside, and then flatten themselves against the wall. Don Quixote is riding towards the club on his trusty horse, LADY GAGA, dressed in full armour, complete with a lance and all that medieval gear. He can’t stop. He charges through the door, and LADY GAGA, seeing the boxing ring in the way, comes to a screeching halt. The Don goes flying. Up, up, up, and then down, down, down, smack onto the center of the boxing ring and through it with a great crash. Manny and a couple of collier lads look down into the hole. Manny takes up the mike again.

“Thank you, gentlemen. Tonight’s elimination celebrity death match has been won by a technical knockout. Tonight’s champion is… put your hands together… Miss Jane Eyre…!”

There are cries of “Who the fuck cares.” Jane struts around, boasting and spitting down into the hole where the dead Quixote lies in his mangled state. She’s now completely out of her mind. “I told you but you weren’t listening - well, who’s the governess now? Eh? Eh? No, YOU fuck off! I AM THE GOVERNESSATOR! Yeah, me, not you, loser!”

Later, Jane writes in her journal.

Reader, it is not pleasant to dwell on these details. Some say there is enjoyment in looking back to painful experiences past; but at this day I can scarcely bear to review the times to which I allude: the moral degradation, blent with physical suffering, form too distressing a recollection ever to be willingly dwelt on. I blamed none of those who repulsed me. I felt it was what was to be expected, and what could not be helped: a boxing match, nay a celebrity death match. It was humiliating, true. It was not a noble occupation. The persons who saw me then for the first time, and who knew nothing about my character would have drawn lamentable conclusions. And as to the outcome, where it was not sinister and cruel it was piffling. Let me condense now. I am sick of the subject. I know not when I shall have to fight again.

I often envision classics as "mandatory reading," usually accompanied by a scarcely concealed groan. After all, how could they possibly be any good? I'm uncertain as to why I've always regarded well-known and beloved classics in such a way, but perhaps it's the anticipation of loving them just as much as the rest of the world. I know it's silly. One can't be expected to love all books, regardless of their classic status, yet still, I wondered if I would enjoy it.

"Jane Eyre" is one of those novels that completely disproves my preconceived notions, and I'm glad for it. It isn't beloved merely because of its age, progressiveness, or pretentious nature, but because at its core, it's an outstanding book. Lyrical, emotional, and captivating, Brontë makes you plead and beg for a sweet, emotional respite. You hunger for it, but she holds it just out of reach ever so slightly – not to the point of frustration, but instead leaves a trail of breadcrumbs to keep you from starving. And the best part is that you relish every moment. Brontë made my emotions work for that happily ever after with the irresistible OTP: Jane and Mr. Rochester.

Simultaneously, while I thoroughly relished the romantic aspect, I was equally intrigued by Jane Eyre's life in general. Although at times she endured horrible circumstances, her resilience was truly admirable. She never allowed her hardships to define her as a person or to compromise her morals, even when she was at her lowest. In the end, her luck does change for the better, and she finds happiness, which at times I felt was long overdue.

Thandie Newton's narration was even better than I had anticipated. Her voice brought the novel to life, and at times, I could have sworn that several different people were narrating instead of just her. It was evident that she had a great deal of respect for the novel, and her reading imparted the same into me. It felt as if her voice was saying, "These words are amazing, this prose is magic, this story enchanting. I'm thrilled to be reading them to you. Let's bask in Brontë's brilliance together." Who could say no to that? I was highly impressed and believe that listening to this version was the best decision for me. I was never once bored because Newton demanded all of my attention.

This is the first time I've read "Jane Eyre," and I'm glad I did so at this stage in my life, where I'm fully capable of appreciating the various themes it conveys. That's not to say I wouldn't have understood certain things before, but I'm sure there are many books where we finish thinking, "Wow, this was exactly what I needed right now." It's even more surprising and fascinating that a novel written over 100 years ago still appeals to me today. Ah, the joys and magic of literature!

All the elements that I love in a great book were present here and more: masterful character development, an interesting plot, and OMG, the witty dialogue. I could have read an entire book composed solely of Jane and Mr. Rochester's banter!

This book brought me many happy sighs, and I'm delighted to have discovered a new all-time favorite in a classic tale. Definitely an oldie, but a goodie for sure.

More reviews and other fantastical things at Cuddlebuggery.

“‘Jane, be still; don't struggle so like a wild, frantic bird, that is rending its own plumage in its desperation.’

‘I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being, with an independent will; which I now exert to leave you.’”

I am truly glad that in 1847, Charlotte Bronte made the momentous decision to publish her novel under a male pseudonym. Currer Bell indeed had a far better chance of being published compared to Charlotte Bronte. With reviewers and readers assuming that she was a male writer, it allowed the novel to have a fair chance of being properly evaluated without prejudice. And Jane Eyre became an instant bestseller. The question that naturally arises is, of course, would the novel have achieved such remarkable success or even been published at all if CHARLOTTE BRONTE had been emblazoned on the cover? I like to believe that some discerning editor would have recognized the sheer brilliance of the story and would have published it anyway, perhaps even without spending a significant amount of money on promoting it. Would readers have bought it? Hopefully, word would have gradually spread about how captivating the plot was, and people would have overcome their inherent prejudice against reading a novel written by a woman.

The story, of course, is much larger than the book itself. Most people with an inquisitive nature have been exposed to the basic outline of this novel without actually reading the book. Maybe they watched a movie adaptation based on the book, or perhaps they have heard it referenced in various conversations. Once read, it becomes impossible for people not to use aspects of this novel as common reference points when discussing with other readers.

Take Mr. Edward Fairfax Rochester himself, the master of Thornfield Hall. He is a brooding, complex, dark, and highly intelligent character. He is like a force of nature, shaping the world around him with every step he takes or every word that escapes his lips. He is the embodiment of the Lord Byron-esque character. It doesn't matter that he isn't conventionally handsome. His power and presence are what draw people to him. Women swoon in his presence, and after a quick application of smelling salts, might even start calculating his annual worth.

Rochester is completely smitten with Jane Eyre, practically from the moment they meet. The drama of their encounter is one of those unforgettable cinematic scenes in the history of literature. Bronte incorporates numerous such scenes into the novel that are, quite frankly, a gift to future movie adaptations. Rochester has never met anyone quite like her. And he is not alone in this perception. Everyone who comes into contact with Jane Eyre knows that they have met a truly unique individual. She is a kind and pleasant person, but she will not tolerate any form of discrimination against her character.

Mrs. Reed (her aunt), Mr. Brocklehurst (the director of Lowood School attended by Jane), Mr. St John Eyre Rivers (the minister who asks to marry her), and even Mr. Rochester himself, all attempt to mold Jane into the acceptable, deferential Victorian woman of the time. To simply label this as a feminist novel does limit its scope too much. Jane or Charlotte, either one, would break free from those constraints and let the novel breathe, as Charlotte's intentions with this work go well beyond the boundaries of any specific genre. I found her ideas of female equality, so beautifully embodied in the character of Jane, truly inspiring.

“Women are supposed to be very calm generally: but women feel just as men feel; they need exercise for their faculties, and a field for their effort, as much as their brothers do; they suffer from too rigid a restraint, too absolute a stagnation, precisely as men would suffer, and it is narrow-minded in their more privileged fellow-creatures to say that they ought to confine themselves to making puddings and knitting stockings, to playing on the piano and embroidering bags. It is thoughtless to condemn them, or laugh at them, if they seek to do more or learn more than custom has pronounced necessary for their sex.”

I hear you, Charlotte.

Can you imagine the impact of such words on a typical Victorian housewife? A woman who has lived her entire life as the daughter of her father, the wife of her husband, and the mother of her sons. She has been passed from the care of one man to another. If she was fortunate enough to be born pretty, she might have had that brief moment of power when suitors vied for her hand, but ultimately, it was probably her father who decided who was the best match for her to marry. How about the impact of reading this novel on a typical Victorian man? Did he look up from the book and gaze at his wife, sitting rosy in the firelight, knitting some frivolous item, and wonder... does she want more? Or perhaps he sees his pretty daughter enter the room on the cusp of womanhood and consider the possibility that she wants or deserves more?

There may not be a full-blown revolution inspired by this book, but I do hope that it may have chipped away at some of the archaic ideas of inequality. Maybe a few female readers realized that some of those secret desires they had harbored their whole lives were not such strange concepts after all. When Jane stands up to the conformists she encounters, she is willing to accept the punishment because she knows in her soul that what she believes about herself is unassailable.

This is no better exemplified than in her interactions with (I'm sorry to say this because it isn't entirely fair) the odious St. John Eyre Rivers. He wants to marry her, but only because he believes she will make a wonderful, useful missionary wife. He doesn't love her. She is willing to go with him, but only as a “sister,” not as a wife. Jane refuses to compromise, but there is that moment when she is wavering. I'm mentally shouting at her at this point.

“I shuddered as he spoke: I felt his influence in my marrow--his hold on my limbs.”

He is a cold man who would have happily marched OUR Jane off to some godforsaken part of the world to die a horrible death from disease or simple neglect.

I know the plot; and yet, I'm still completely engaged in every scene. There is always the possibility that I've fallen into an alternate universe and I'm reading some other version of Jane Eyre with a completely different ending. I can assure everyone that this did not happen.

When Jane is living with Mrs. Read, she describes her sleeping place as a “small closet.” I can't help but think of the closet under the stairs at 4 Privet Drive. Like Harry Potter, she is also an orphan, but still with a rebellious streak because she is also certain that she is meant to be someone other than who she is currently perceived to be. The relief she feels when she learns she is getting away from the condescending attitude of the Read household and going away to school at Lowood also reminds me of Harry's relief when he discovers he is escaping to Hogwarts. Though I must say Harry, despite the trials and tribulations he endures, has a somewhat easier lot than Miss Jane.

I really enjoyed the gothic elements in the novel; those were, to a certain extent, completely unexpected.

“‘Oh sir, I never saw a face like it! It was a discoloured face--it was a savage face. I wish I could forget the roll of the red eyes and the fearful blackened inflation of the lineaments!’

‘Ghost are usually pale, Jane.’

‘This, sir, was purple: the lips were swelled and dark; the brow furrowed: the black eyebrows widely raised over the bloodshot eyes. Shall I tell you of what it reminded me?’

‘You may.’

‘Of the foul German spectre--the Vampyre.’”

There are strange noises in the night at Thornfield Hall. There is an unknown tenant locked away in the attic of the house. There are secrets galore. There are unexpected fires. There are scandals just waiting to be uncovered. In fact, the twists and turns of the plot were considered so outrageous for the time that the book gained a reputation for being “improper.” This, however, only served to boost its sales even further.

The Bronte family was extremely close. They grew up creating their own stories and fantasies and acting them out in impromptu plays. All three girls and their brother, Branwell, were writers. Tragically, they all died at a young age. Charlotte outlived them all, passing away in 1855 at the age of 38, along with her unborn child. Branwell (31) and Emily (30) both died in 1848, and Anne died the following year at the age of 29. Can you imagine having to bury all your siblings? It must have felt as if the spectre of death was constantly lurking around the Bronte family.

What makes Rochester unique is that he does eventually see Jane the way she sees herself.

“Fair as a lily, and not only the pride of his life, but the desire of his eyes.”

I will remember that line “desire of his eyes” for a very long time. She is like a hidden gem in a room full of people. Charlotte Bronte makes some excellent points through Jane's eyes about how unaware wealthy people are of the true natures of those who serve them.

I would love to talk about the love story, but what more can be said? It is truly one for the ages. I would say that Charlotte Bronte never found her Rochester in real life, but some letters have come to light, written to a man named Constantin Héger, which suggest that perhaps she did. He was married to someone else, and when Elizabeth Gaskell wrote the biography of her friend, she carefully edited out those very revealing letters of a love that could never be.

Jane Eyre, may you always find the readers you so richly deserve.

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Driven to rediscover works read in adolescence, after the very beautiful Tess d'Urberville by Thomas Hardy and Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, I immersed myself in Jane Eyre. I must admit that I had few memories of it.

And I was truly transported by the story of Jane, a not-very-pretty orphan. She was a pain in the ass to her cousin and ended up being put into a boarding school by her mother. The unsanitary conditions there caused the death of her best friend.

Afterward, it seems that her life lights up when she becomes a teacher and then a housekeeper with a squire. But the man she falls in love with is a prisoner of a terrible secret.

All the strength of this novel does not come from the story alone, which is as telling as it is reminiscent of a rosewater story. Instead, it comes from the quality of Charlotte Brontë's writing, the realism of an era, and the character of the characters. Jane's uprightness and intelligence, the ambiguity of the man who cannot love her freely, the kindness of her best friend, and the perversion of her adoptive family. These qualities make Jane Eyre a great romance novel.

It is a story that not only entertains but also makes us think about love, society, and the human condition. It shows us that even in the face of great difficulties and obstacles, one can still find love and happiness.

Certainly one of the best novels ever written.

This novel stands out among countless others for its remarkable qualities. The story is crafted with such finesse that it immediately draws the reader in and keeps them engaged from start to finish. The characters are vividly portrayed, each with their own unique personalities and motives, making them feel like real people. The plot is filled with twists and turns, surprises and revelations, that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The writing style is elegant and engaging, with beautiful descriptions and a flowing narrative that makes it a pleasure to read. Whether you are a lover of literature or simply looking for a great story, this novel is sure to satisfy. It is a true masterpiece that will be enjoyed by generations to come.

4 stars!

Jane Eyre is a book that has been on my reading list for years, almost a decade in fact, but I never got around to reading it. I vividly remember when I was in middle school, my mother showed me the black and white movie adaptation, and I was instantly captivated. Then, when I saw the 2011 movie, I fell in love with the story all over again.



In 2016, my new year's resolution was to explore a variety of literary genres and to finally read the books I owned in paperback or hardcover that had been gathering dust on my shelves. Jane Eyre was next in line. During high school and college, I devoured a lot of literature, but in the past 3 years, I became addicted to YA, NA, and Contemporary romance. So, the idea of reading a classic was a bit intimidating. However, after just about 30 pages, I was completely hooked by the book's beautiful language and vivid imagery. There is a reason why this book is a renowned classic that has endured the test of time; it is truly one-of-a-kind.



Jane Eyre begins with Jane's childhood,描绘了她被冷漠的家庭成员抚养长大的艰辛生活。她被送到一所苛刻且令人不安的寄宿学校。凭借知识，她得以生存并茁壮成长，这使她获得了在罗切斯特先生庄园担任家庭教师的工作，负责教育他资助的一个年轻女孩。在这里，她在工作中以及在房子里的其他居民中找到了幸福。很快，她对罗切斯特先生本人产生了感情。



I was completely enamored with the language of the book. It flowed so beautifully across the pages. Jane, as the heroine, is unique. She is plain and often overlooked, but she is observant and keeps a sharp eye on her surroundings and the events that unfold. I was constantly surprised by how often her plainness was mentioned, as well as how her love interest, Mr. Rochester, was described as ugly. But it was refreshing to read about ordinary people rather than the conventionally beautiful and blessed ones. It made the story more believable and authentic.



The romance in the book is very angsty. I thought I would love Rochester more than I actually did. In the book, he seemed a bit more selfish considering the time period and what he was asking of Jane. However, in the movies, his actions came across as more romantic. Since I had seen the movies, I knew what was going to happen, but the creepy factor was still present in the book, and I found myself shivering at all the strange things that happened around Jane.

If you are thinking about trying something new (or in the case of this book, old), I highly recommend it if you are considering delving into the classics. I do not regret reading this book, and I am glad that I finally opened it up and discovered its beauty.

\\n  \\n

'It is in vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquillity: they must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it.'

One would be hard pressed to find a stronger female character than Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre. She is a remarkable figure of feminist literature, defying the norms of social class and gender roles as she ascends from her modest beginnings. I was truly amazed by how captivating and beautifully written this novel was. It has the power to resonate with audiences of both genders, despite being sometimes overlooked by males. With Brontë’s potent feminist themes artfully presented through her admirable prose and engaging characters, Jane Eyre rightfully earns the title of a Classic Novel.

One cannot help but be charmed by the character of Jane Eyre. I entered this novel anticipating a mere Austen-like story, but was delightfully surprised. Instead of focusing on the proper conduct within proper society, I discovered a complete rejection of such ideas in Jane. Like Austen’s heroines, she is pleasant and strong-willed, yet she climbs the social ladder without pausing to consider her place and frequently criticizes class-based distinctions. Although she is only a governess, she sets her sights on the heart of the ‘Master of the house’. Even after certain events that would no longer necessitate her servitude, she is adamant about maintaining employment and an income. She is like a Victorian-era rebel, completely determined to be independent. Mr. Rochester is another endearing character, despite his pompous nature (which actually won my heart). It is interesting to note that Brontë also plays with some of the concepts of romantic plots. In typical romantic stories (think Hollywood), the couple is usually attractive, but Brontë is quick to point out that neither Jane nor Mr. Rochester is particularly good-looking and they have rather difficult countenances.

Brontë’s use of language is highly impressive. She has a sharp eye for detail and distinction in both natural descriptions and dialogue. It was almost impossible not to imitate the way these characters spoke in real life (which might have gotten me into trouble). The writing and speech are so captivating. It flows smoothly for pages, with a strong momentum, and never becomes dull in the long descriptive passages and accounts. In short, Brontë writes with great skill.

Adding depth to this story is the theme of sin and forgiveness. While deeply rooted in religion, Brontë also challenges the standard notions of the day in this regard. She presents a morally upright lead who is still able to critique religious standards and hold ambiguous religious beliefs. Jane is quick to judge her actions based on moral principles, but she cannot let that prevent her from being her independent, free-spirited self. The most powerful moment in this novel, however, is when only after her lover’s sins are purged by fire and paid for in flesh are the two able to unite in heavenly bliss.

If you haven’t read this novel, well, let’s just say I’m looking at you with a hint of disappointment. I’m joking, of course, but seriously, give it a try. Brontë is truly a master, and this book takes some truly unexpected turns. And for once, ‘literally’ really means literally, as you’ll soon discover. Jane Eyre is a wonderful character to follow throughout this novel, and upon completion, you will have ‘acknowledged that God had tempered judgment with mercy’.

4.5/5

The picture disappeared, which made the comments rather irrelevant.

In December 2007, on a radio show with an audience of 14.5 million, Rush Limbaugh asked a rather controversial question about the former first lady's presidential prospects. After an incredibly unflattering picture of her had surfaced, he said, "Will Americans want to watch a woman get older before their eyes on a daily basis? I want you to understand that I'm talking about the evolution of American culture here, and not so much Mrs Clinton. It could be anybody, and it's really not very complicated. Americans are addicted to physical perfection, thanks to Hollywood and thanks to television” (news.com.au).

Interestingly, at the same time, we have John McCain, another presidential prospect who was 71 years old (11 years older than Hillary Clinton). Somehow, society has this perception that women age while men grow more distinguished. But that's just bullshit. McCain looked plenty old and acted like an irrational coot.

However, the more important point is how little we've changed. Women still must be beautiful, and for the most part, beautiful women still populate contemporary fiction. Consider how brave it was for Charlotte Brontë to insist on a "plain" heroine. Brontë emphasizes Eyre's plainness as if challenging the reader to reject her. The impact of presenting such a heroine can be seen from a male critic in the Westminster Review (1858), who wrote, "Possibly none of the frauds which are now so much the topic of common remark are so irritating, as that to which the purchaser of a novel is a victim on finding he has only to peruse a narrative of the conduct and sentiments of an ugly lady" (Showalter 123).

Despite ignoring the classic paradigm of having a beautiful heroine or a heroine who later "blooms," Brontë makes us forget that neither Jane nor Rochester are physically attractive. From the opening scene, Jane's personality dominates. After enduring the young master's abuse, she strikes back and is punished by being banished to the red room. The room is cold, garish, and where Mr. Reed died. Jane's cries for release are ignored, and she falls unconscious.

Although Jane suffers no lasting harm, her thoughts before being thrust into the room show why her path will be harder. She says, "I know that had I been a sanguine, brilliant, careless, exacting, handsome, romping child—though equally dependent and friendless—Mrs. Reed would have endured my presence more complacently; her children would have entertained for me more of the cordiality of fellow-feeling; the servants would have been less prone to make me the scapegoat of the nursery."

While beauty and its charms would have made Jane’s life easier, it would have lessened her complexity as a character. Again and again, Jane cannot rely on the advantages that beauty often brings but must choose to give up or fight. She chooses to fight, and it is her passion, wit, and intelligence that make her an unforgettable heroine.

Jane Eyre is undoubtedly one of the best novels of the Victorian era and of literature in general. It is a story that engages and overwhelms not only due to its splendid narration but also because of the mental and emotional complexity of its characters, who challenge the social conventions of the time on countless occasions. Perhaps it is this latent rebellion that gives the work its timeless charm.

Our protagonist, Jane Eyre, is first presented to us as an orphaned child under the guardianship of an aunt who despises her and eventually gets rid of her by sending her as a pupil to a school where, far from摆脱 the notions of deprivation, she will witness them like never before. This first part has a tone marked by solitude and the search for affection, the indomitable temperament of a child, the almost superstitious fear of the world, and the harshness of an environment ravaged by disease and death. The author manages to create a harsh and certainly devastating atmosphere in which, at times, certain miracles such as friendship shine through.

But far from being limited to the hardships or concerns of a child, the work progresses as we follow Jane during her youth and adulthood. In a first-person narration, we read about her search for independence that takes her away from the institution where she grew up and leads her to a place where an unusual love awaits her, a love that will make her question everything she conceived about society and herself. A love truncated by circumstances beyond her control that will demand sacrificial decisions that will once again condition the course. Nevertheless, under the weight of a destiny that seems to change constantly and the harsh light of a society where the possibilities of happiness seem linked to name and status, Jane Eyre will refuse to let others decide for her or imprison her in wills that go against her principles.

Endowed with great determination, a just though critical judgment, an unwavering perception of herself, a shrewd intellect, and a sharp capacity for dialogue, Jane Eyre will conquer Mr. Rochester but also her readers. She is a magnificent protagonist, rich in nuances, with a strong temperament but an admirable control over her expression. In her arguments and counterarguments with Rochester, we witness not only the birth of love and the limitations imposed on them by the era but also delight in the unusual humor they offer us.

Jane Eyre is, without a doubt, a classic. Perhaps because of the strength of its protagonist, the delight that the romance represents, or how its unexpected twists seduce us. Perhaps because of the criticism it raises against the prejudices of a society that marginalizes, divides, and crushes. Perhaps because of the peculiarity of being able to accompany Jane from the innocence of childhood to adulthood. Perhaps because of the splendid and incomparable pen of its author. Perhaps because of all of the above and something additional that this reader is unable to capture in words, but Jane Eyre is, certainly, an overwhelming and unforgettable experience.

Yes, I suppose you can view this book mostly as a love story. That's what I did at age 13 - but that's why I was left disappointed back then.

At that young age, I was perhaps too focused on the romantic aspect and failed to see the deeper layers of the story.

However, as I've grown older and gained more life experience, I now realize that "Jane Eyre" is much more than just a love story.

It can also be seen as an story of the formation of a strong and independent female protagonist, a nineteenth-century feminist, light-years ahead of its time.

And that's what left my now-closer-to-thirty-than-twenty self very satisfied and, quite frankly, rather impressed.

When I read it for the first time as a young and opinionated teen, I thought Jane Eyre was a boring and meek protagonist.

I thought she was too clingy to her 'outdated' morals and too afraid to do what I thought was a brave thing to do - say 'yes' to the apparent happiness that poor tragic Mr. Rochester was offering.

But now I understand that Jane has a good idea of her self-worth and her own morals.

And, unlike many in her situation, she sticks to her morals and her idea of what is wrong or right regardless of what outcome is in it for her.

This is truly admirable and shows her strength of character.

By refusing Rochester, Jane stays so true to herself without ever betraying herself.

She refuses to take the steps that would destroy her integrity in her own eyes, and for that she has my strongest and most sincere respect and admiration.

Despite self-proclaimed meekness, Jane Eyre is far from weak or scared.

She is a rebel, setting out to have her own career in a male-dominated world and refusing to let a man rule her life.

And finally, the atmosphere of this story is wonderfully gothic, with intense moods palpable in every paragraph.

So colorful, so vivid, so immersing - it truly adds to the overall charm of the book.

All in all, "Jane Eyre" is a remarkable book that I now highly recommend.

4.5 stars and a pat on the shoulder to my teenage self for not understanding it back then.