Book Report Monday: Jane Eyre

Title: Jane Eyre

Author: Charlotte Bronte

Genre: Classic Literature

Synopsis: Having grown up an orphan in the home of her cruel aunt and at a harsh charity school, Jane Eyre becomes an independent and spirited survivor-qualities that serve her well as governess at Thornfield Hall. But when she finds love with her sardonic employer, Mr. Rochester. But the discovery of a terrible secret forces her to make a choice. Should she stay with him whatever the consequences or follow her convictions, even if it means leaving her beloved?

Why did I pick it up?: I never read this in school and so it was always on my to be read list. Whenever I was in a classics mood, however, I ended up reading WUTHERING HEIGHTS by her sister Emily Bronte, repeatedly. I have a theory that my Emily Bronte love, is born out of our middle sister connection, but I digress. Finally, I got a Nook and downloaded JANE EYRE for free.

Favorite Line(s): "When we are struck at without reason, we should strike back again very hard. So hard as to teach the person who struck us never to do it again."

There were too many great lines, but this one, in my opinion, really captures Jane in her youth. Her strength of will and her bitterness towards how ill treated she was as a child in her aunt's house.

My Review: This book is a classic for good reason. The story and characters remain relevant and relatable. The story is told in straight forward first person, by a very observant and trustworthy narrator, unlike WUTHERING HEIGHTS, which is told from a combination of perspectives.

Every chapter of Jane's life shows you another side of the girl who has had some serious bad luck. Yet Jane bears it with charm. Throughout the 500 pages, mysteries linger around her family history and around Thornfield Hall, the first place where Jane feels at home. Though the mysteries are not the prime focus of the story, they kept me turning the page (or clicking the Nook) to figure out when the truth would be uncovered.

YA Cover

The book can now be found on YA bookshelves, because it is in many ways a coming of age story for Jane Eyre. There is also romance, mystery, danger, a strong female protagonist and...well I won't ruin anything. Though if you buy a YA version, the text is larger and more sparse on the page bringing the total to almost 700 pages.

Recommendation: Do I really need to suggest you read this? It's one of those classic must-reads, especially for teen girls and fans of YA.