A Tale of Morality, Marginalisation and Soul-Binding Love

This remarkable book has truly captivated me. From the very beginning, I was drawn in by the integrity and strength of Jane's character. As I delved deeper into the story, I felt an intimacy building between me and her, as if I was having a conversation with a dear friend or reading her personal diary. Jane speaks directly to you, sharing her world and herself in the most engaging way.

The symbolic use of nature throughout the book adds another layer of depth. It reflects the trials and tribulations of loss and solitude that Jane endures. And yet, amidst all this, the emotive and all-consuming depiction of love stands out. What makes this portrayal of love truly unique is that for once, a woman is shown not losing herself to a man or the need for marriage, but rather finding it and embracing it on her own terms.

This is a true pursuit of happiness, genuine happiness, presented in a beautiful and enchanting story. I cannot put my love for this book into words. There is so much more I could say about its profound themes, its rich characters, and its captivating narrative.

It is a book that will stay with me for a long time, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story that touches the heart and soul.

Watch the reading vlog for Jane Eyre and Wide Sargasso Sea here: https://youtu.be/s-NG8ltXIwI (full reviews with and without spoilers!).

In this vlog, you'll get an in-depth look at two classic novels. Jane Eyre is a story of a young woman's struggle for independence and self-discovery. It follows her through various hardships and her complex relationship with Mr. Rochester. Wide Sargasso Sea, on the other hand, is a prequel to Jane Eyre that gives a voice to the often-overlooked character of Bertha Mason. It explores her background and the events that led to her being locked away in the attic.

A written review will be coming soon, so stay tuned! In the meantime, you can find me on various social media platforms. Follow me on Youtube, Instagram, and TikTok to stay updated on my latest bookish adventures. And if you're interested in joining a book club, you can check out our PBB Book Club on Patreon.

The Pinnacle of Literature as Far as I Am Concerned

Literature has always been a captivating and profound art form that has the power to transport us to different worlds, evoke a wide range of emotions, and make us think deeply about the human condition.

As far as I am concerned, the pinnacle of literature lies in those works that manage to achieve a perfect blend of beautiful language, engaging storytelling, and profound themes.

These masterpieces have the ability to stand the test of time, remaining relevant and inspiring generations of readers.

They can make us laugh, cry, feel愤怒, or be filled with a sense of wonder.

Whether it is a classic novel like "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen or a modern masterpiece like "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel García Márquez, the pinnacle of literature represents the very best of what the human imagination can create.

It is a source of无尽的 joy and inspiration for me, and I will continue to explore and appreciate these great works for the rest of my life.

Jane Eyre is a remarkable novel that has the power to inspire and move readers. Her qualities such as goodness, humility, frankness, passion, fierce will, and moral compass are truly inspiring. However, it's not just her virtues that make her appealing; her faults also add to her charm. She has a temper, gets jealous, fights back, and at times is too obedient, especially when面对 overbearing men.

The enduring popularity of this gothic novel, more than 160 years after its publication, is a testament to its timeless appeal. I first encountered this story through the various movie and TV adaptations, as I suspect many others have. I have read the book several times, and each reading reveals something new. I have paid closer attention to Brontë's commentary on women and gender roles, class and social order, and religion and piety. I also appreciate the continuum of Christianity she presents, with some characters being noble like St. John, while others use the Bible as a guise for cruelty, such as Mr. Brocklehurst and Aunt Reed.

Brontë had a lot to say about Victorian England, and her characters are so real and well-developed that they feel like old friends. I love this book and will continue to do so. I'm already looking forward to my next reading.

Update March 2017: When Donald was elected U.S. President over Hillary, I was heartbroken and sought comfort in Jane Eyre. Her goodness was a source of solace during that difficult time.

Update December 2024: After DJT's win in the November election, I once again turned to Jane Eyre for consolation and inspiration. I watched multiple adaptations and listened to Juliet Stevenson's audiobook, which was outstanding.

First read: February 2009

Second read: January 2015

Third read: November-December 2016

Fourth read: December 2024

FAVORITE QUOTES:

"Children can feel, but they cannot analyze their feelings; and if the analysis is particularly effected in thought, they know not how to express the result of the process in words."

"I remembered that the real world was wide, and that a varied field of hopes and fears, of sensations and excitements, awaited those who had courage to go forth into its expanse, to seek knowledge of life amid its perils."

"It is vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquility; they must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it. Millions are condemned to a stiller doom than mine, and millions are in silent revolt against their lot. Nobody knows how many rebellions besides political rebellions ferment in the masses of life which people earth. 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 efforts 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."

"Most true it is that 'beauty is in the eye of the gazer.' My master's colorless, olive face, square, massive brow, broad and jetty eyebrows, deep eyes, strong features, firm, grim mouth — all energy, decision, will — were not beautiful, according to the rule; but they were more than beautiful to me; they were full of an interest, an influence that quite mastered me — that took my feelings from my own power and fettered them in his. I had not intended to love him; the reader knows I had wrought hard to extirpate at the first renewed view of him, they spontaneously revived, green and strong! He made me love him without looking at me."

"I care for myself. The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will respect myself. I will keep the law given by God; sanctioned by man. I will hold to the principles received by me when I was sane, and not mad -- as I am now. Laws and principles are not for the times when there is no temptation; they are for such moments as this, when body and soul rise in mutiny against their rigour; stringent are they; inviolate they shall be."

FOOTNOTE:

I will share my opinions on the best and worst movie adaptations of Jane Eyre. Casting is crucial, and it's not enough to just put a famous actress in a dowdy dress and do her hair in a bun. You have to find the right actress and the right actor to play Mr. Rochester, and they must have on-screen chemistry. Here are my rankings:

ABSOLUTE BEST: 2006 Masterpiece Theatre version with Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens. A fantastic script, incredible actors, steamy chemistry, and beautifully filmed. 5 stars

SECOND FAVORITE: 2011 movie with Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender. The script moves quickly, streamlining events and characters, and the actors give good performances. 4 1/2 stars

SOLID TRY: 1996 Zeffirelli film starring Charlotte Gainsbourg and William Hurt. The script and filming are fine, but William Hurt seems half-asleep. 3 stars

MOST FAITHFUL TO ORIGINAL BOOK: 1983 mini-series starring Timothy Dalton and Zelah Clarke. The script is very close to the book, but Dalton lacks chemistry with Clarke. 2 1/2 stars

MEH: 1997 movie with Samantha Morton and Ciarán Hinds. A total mismatch of actors. 2 stars

WORST: 1943 version with Orson Welles and Joan Fontaine. Orson Welles' ego gets in the way, and he is a terrible Mr. Rochester. 1 star

Passion is not something that only exists within the confines of our beds. In fact, it begins much earlier, first taking root in our minds. Bronte was well aware of this fundamental truth.

As I delved into the reading, my initial impulse was to toss my own pen aside. However, I drew the line at causing myself physical harm by breaking my fingers. Besides, I could almost hear Bronte whispering to me that pain is an inherent part of the creative process. So, I persisted in writing.

This account of desire is the most honest one that I have had the good fortune to read and aspire to write. Movies attempt to capture the essence of passion, and some do a better job than others. But this book outshines them all. How does it manage to do so? By patiently sharing Jane's thoughts, the author allows the passion to build and reach its full intensity.

Page by page, this book pulsates with raw emotion.

For those interested in experiencing a very passionate film version, here is a link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yx86Y...

4.5⭐️ Jane and Mr. Rochester are extremely dramatic! It's a love story filled with passion and turmoil. On one hand, I'm so inclined to give this 5 stars

SPOILER ALERT. YOU MAY NOT WANT TO READ THIS REVIEW IF YOU PLAN ON READING JANE EYRE.

I read Jane Eyre for the first time as an adult, and I can't help but feel a sense of pity for every junior high or high school student who was compelled to read this book. I thought the process of getting through it was extremely difficult. I had assumed that I would love it since I generally have a great affection for books by Jane Austen. However, I didn't discover many similarities at all. Jane Eyre was both boring and unbelievable. I did take some enjoyment from the first half of the book because I had such high hopes for her. But then, it simply became dull and unrealistic. I never truly believed in the romance between Jane and Mr. Rochester. Nor could I accept the coincidence of her arriving on the doorstep of the only relations she has in all of England during her time of need. I also find it rather strange that she devotes the last paragraphs of the book mainly to St. John Rivers, when he was such a minor part of her life. Not to mention the fact that the role he played was predominantly negative.

Bronte failed to engage me in the lives of these characters or make me like them, frankly speaking. This made the reading experience a very long and tiresome one for me.

It was indeed a prudent idea to let this work simmer in my mind before penning a review.

My initial inclination was perhaps to rate it three stars. However, as I delved deeper into thought, perused literary analyses, and explored the historical context, my perspective began to shift.

I also had the pleasure of watching the outstanding 1944 movie starring Orson Welles and adapted by Aldous Huxley, the author of "Brave New World." This viewing further illuminated the greatness of the story and its adept handling of major themes such as cruelty, particularly within the realm of religion, and the profound meaning of being loved.

That being said, I do believe there is still scope for criticism. The remarkable fact that a 90-minute movie can remain almost 100% faithful to a 500-page book with minimal omissions suggests that the novel may contain a fair amount of excess.

Perhaps in the era when it was first published, Jane's moral dilemmas held greater significance for its original readers. However, modern audiences may find themselves grappling with hundreds of pages dedicated to what might seem like trivial concerns.

Nonetheless, it remains a captivating read that keeps you turning the pages. If you can endure the intermittent dull moments, the juicy and engaging parts will hold your attention until the very end. Without a doubt, it is a classic that is an absolute must-read.

Finally!!!!!

Finally, we have a remarkable book written in the 1800's that features a strong female main character. This literary gem is truly incredibly moving and filled with unpredictable twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. It is, without a doubt, hands down better than Pride and Prejudice.

However, it should be noted that there were a few sections that did seem to drag a bit. But this minor flaw does not overshadow the overall brilliance of the book.

2025 Reading Schedule

Jan - A Town Like Alice

Feb - Birdsong

Mar - Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Berniere

Apr - War and Peace

May - The Woman in White

Jun - Atonement

Jul - The Shadow of the Wind

Aug - Jude the Obscure

Sep - Ulysses

Oct - Vanity Fair

Nov - A Fine Balance

Dec - Germinal

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I read this book back in High School. I truly hated it. I firmly believed it was both boring and stupid. All I desired was to spread the word far and wide that this book was terrible and that no one should waste their time reading it. I had even marked it with one star on Goodreads, and it had a permanent place on my least favorite shelf.

Well, I have been patiently waiting for years to discover the perfect place to use this gif:

I reread it in late August or early September of 2017. I must admit that I should probably reread everything I read back in High School to gain a better perspective.

This time around, I actually enjoyed the book quite a bit. The story is intricate and dark. Jane Eyre is a tragic hero who does her utmost throughout the entire book, yet keeps encountering one unfortunate situation after another. The story held my interest to a much greater extent than some other classic novels I have read.

My only complaint was that on a few occasions, certain plot points were overly belabored. I found myself repeatedly saying, "Okay, I get it, let's move on."

So, everyone, if you remember a book from your youth with less than enthusiastic fondness, it might very well be worth giving it another chance. You truly never know what hidden treasures you might uncover!

A great read for cold weather & a fireside seat.

Cold weather has a certain charm that makes us long for the warmth and comfort of a fireside. And what better way to enhance that cozy experience than with a great book?

When the temperature drops outside and the wind howls, curling up in a comfortable chair by the fireplace with a captivating story is pure bliss. The crackling of the fire, the warm glow, and the soft light create the perfect ambiance for getting lost in the pages of a good book.

Whether it's a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking non-fiction work, a great read can transport us to another world and keep us entertained for hours on end. It can also provide a welcome escape from the stresses and distractions of daily life.

So, the next time the weather turns cold, make sure you have a good book on hand and find yourself a cozy fireside seat. Let the magic of the written word take you away and enjoy the warmth and comfort of this wonderful combination.

Reader, she married him. This simple statement holds within it a world of emotions, hopes, and dreams.

When she said "I do," it was a moment that changed her life forever. The decision to marry him was not made lightly. It was the result of countless shared experiences, deep conversations, and a growing bond between them.

As she walked down the aisle, her heart filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. She knew that this was the start of a new chapter in her life, one that would be filled with both joys and challenges. But with him by her side, she felt confident that they could face anything together.

Now, as they begin their life as husband and wife, they look forward to creating memories that will last a lifetime. They will build a home, start a family, and support each other through thick and thin.

Reader, she married him, and this is just the beginning of their love story.