I really thought I had read this book before, but as I was reading it, absolutely NOTHING was familiar, so maybe I didn't. Anyway, I loved the story. It has a great plot, Jane is a wonderful character and all of the other characters add much to the story. It's romantic, heartbreaking, and compelling. I really wanted to be reading all the time, and I was reading this when "life" had a lot of other demands, and it was frustrating. I wanted so badly for Jane to live "happily every after." I won't say if that came true, in case you haven't read or heard this story.
I love historical fiction, and so I enjoyed the setting and learning the customs of that time. I particularly liked the exploration of Jane's education and her "place" in the home as a governess. Not as "low" as the servants, but also not really included in the society of the home.
It's a bit difficult to read. There is much vocabulary, and terms and phrases particular to the time this was written. I enjoyed that also, but I can see why high school students would struggle with this book. Especially because it is quite long.
If you haven't read this, I encourage you to do so. Especially if you like a historical romance, and a small reading challenge. It's worth the trouble to be exposed to this well-crafted tale.
There have been many publishers and many printings of this classic. First published in 1847.
Copy obtained for FREE on my Kindle
480 pages (depending on the particular printing.) Qualifies for my 350 Page Book Challenge!
Rating: 3.5/5
I love this book! I had to read it in university, and I was kind of annoyed that I hadn't been made to read it earlier.
ReplyDeleteI actually found it pretty easy to read... but then, I'd just come off the most awful, boring book that I've ever been forced to read (and I never did finish it), so probably anything else would have seemed wonderful in comparison!
I recently read this one for the first time, and I enjoyed it too. Jane was so easy to relate too, although I thought Mr Rochester was a bit creepy.
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