Let me just start off with saying that this was my first introduction to the Bronte sisters' collection of writings. I have, of course, heard all about their books and read background information on the authors in various literature books/classes for school. But I had never actually sat down and read one of their books. I know a few times when I was in high school I had tried to read Wuthering Heights, but only got past the first page or two before quitting and moving onto something else (like Austen or Alcott). But I can now officially say I have read one of the Bronte books. I have finally read Jane Eyre (which would be counted on the list of books I feel everyone else has read except for me).
I started reading Jane Eyre on Monday, a week ago. It was the first full day in the cabin that my husband and I went to for our honeymoon. And he was kind enough to let me lay on the couch all morning reading (and every morning after). I finished it in a quick 5 days. And had moments where I didn't want to go shower or go to bed because I just couldn't put it down (I read it on my Nook... which again proved to be perfect for traveling and packing light!). I was so completely intrigued by the story and the style of writing that I just couldn't believe that I had waited so long to read it and now can't wait to read more by the Bronte sisters. I've heard great things about all of their books and look forward to getting to read them in the future.
The thing I loved most about Jane Eyre was that Charlotte was 100% consistent with how she wrote. Sometimes I get really bothered if the style and voice change or falter throughout the book. But with having Jane be the narrator of the story, Charlotte did an amazing job of keeping the tone, pace, voice... everything in perfect rhythm and consistency. It really helped me stay engaged with the story and feel as though I was actually sitting down and talking with Jane herself, rather than reading a fictional novel about a fictional character. And that I think is one of the most important things in literature for me. I have to feel like the story is real. I need to connect with and believe in the story. If I don't... I just lose interest and then give up on some books that people are think are just genius and the best in the literary world. But to me they are just fluff or mediocre. And I can't change that no matter how hard I try. But I can honestly say that I don't feel that way about Jane Eyre because of how well Charlotte did in keep the story flowing, consistent, real and engaging.
One thing that was impressive, yet bothersome to me, was the development of Mr. Rochester and St. John as characters. It was impressive because Charlotte really made them interesting characters. She gave them different personalities that developed and changed with the story. They were extremely dynamic characters who always kept me wondering. Especially Mr. Rochester. It was kind of eery how he seemed to play games in an attempt to pull Jane to him, but was never completely honest and forthcoming about anything. It was strange because I could think of people I know that reminded me of both men. And that was a bit bothersome. It made Mr. Rochester and St. John a little too real at times. It was also bothersome because of how Jane interacted with both of them. She was such a strong, independent woman. It didn't make sense to me how she could be so manipulated by both men in completely different ways. It was unexpected, yet intriguing how she was so quick to love Mr. Rochester then leave him and then return to him at the snap of a finger. But I suppose that's how it sometimes happen with people when "love" is the issue. But "love" aside, it still was just a little disconcerting how much control both men desired and eventually had over Jane and her life. It definitely makes me appreciate my husband even more because he is sooo not like that. He gives me plenty of space to be myself without asking too much of me or expecting me to be different than who I am, unlike Mr. Rochester or St. John.
I know there is a lot more I could say about the book. But I am getting tired of trying to make my thoughts and ramblings coherent. So, I am going to just end with one of my favorite quotes from the book. It's one of my favorite quotes because when I read it I couldn't help but think about how I first started to notice that I liked (and later loved) my husband. So, from page 227 of Jane Eyre I leave you with this:
I started reading Jane Eyre on Monday, a week ago. It was the first full day in the cabin that my husband and I went to for our honeymoon. And he was kind enough to let me lay on the couch all morning reading (and every morning after). I finished it in a quick 5 days. And had moments where I didn't want to go shower or go to bed because I just couldn't put it down (I read it on my Nook... which again proved to be perfect for traveling and packing light!). I was so completely intrigued by the story and the style of writing that I just couldn't believe that I had waited so long to read it and now can't wait to read more by the Bronte sisters. I've heard great things about all of their books and look forward to getting to read them in the future.
The thing I loved most about Jane Eyre was that Charlotte was 100% consistent with how she wrote. Sometimes I get really bothered if the style and voice change or falter throughout the book. But with having Jane be the narrator of the story, Charlotte did an amazing job of keeping the tone, pace, voice... everything in perfect rhythm and consistency. It really helped me stay engaged with the story and feel as though I was actually sitting down and talking with Jane herself, rather than reading a fictional novel about a fictional character. And that I think is one of the most important things in literature for me. I have to feel like the story is real. I need to connect with and believe in the story. If I don't... I just lose interest and then give up on some books that people are think are just genius and the best in the literary world. But to me they are just fluff or mediocre. And I can't change that no matter how hard I try. But I can honestly say that I don't feel that way about Jane Eyre because of how well Charlotte did in keep the story flowing, consistent, real and engaging.
One thing that was impressive, yet bothersome to me, was the development of Mr. Rochester and St. John as characters. It was impressive because Charlotte really made them interesting characters. She gave them different personalities that developed and changed with the story. They were extremely dynamic characters who always kept me wondering. Especially Mr. Rochester. It was kind of eery how he seemed to play games in an attempt to pull Jane to him, but was never completely honest and forthcoming about anything. It was strange because I could think of people I know that reminded me of both men. And that was a bit bothersome. It made Mr. Rochester and St. John a little too real at times. It was also bothersome because of how Jane interacted with both of them. She was such a strong, independent woman. It didn't make sense to me how she could be so manipulated by both men in completely different ways. It was unexpected, yet intriguing how she was so quick to love Mr. Rochester then leave him and then return to him at the snap of a finger. But I suppose that's how it sometimes happen with people when "love" is the issue. But "love" aside, it still was just a little disconcerting how much control both men desired and eventually had over Jane and her life. It definitely makes me appreciate my husband even more because he is sooo not like that. He gives me plenty of space to be myself without asking too much of me or expecting me to be different than who I am, unlike Mr. Rochester or St. John.
I know there is a lot more I could say about the book. But I am getting tired of trying to make my thoughts and ramblings coherent. So, I am going to just end with one of my favorite quotes from the book. It's one of my favorite quotes because when I read it I couldn't help but think about how I first started to notice that I liked (and later loved) my husband. So, from page 227 of Jane Eyre I leave you with this:
"He made me love him without even looking at me."
First of all, congratulation for your wedding! :)
ReplyDeleteMy first experience with the Brontes is Wuthering Heights, which I didn't enjoy at all. Maybe that's the reason I haven't picked any Bronte works after that. However, I'd like to start reading Charlotte's for the Classics Club, but perhaps I will begin with Villette. And Anne Bronte's The Tenant seems quite interesting too...