“Jane Eyre” Review: A Classic That Never Gets Old

“Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong! – I have as much soul as you, – and full as much heart!” ― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre

Title: Jane Eyre

Author: Charlotte Brontë

Length: 624 pages

Genre: Gothic Romance, Fiction

My Rating: 4.5/5

My Age Rating: 13+

Content Notes: Child abuse and neglect, mental illness, violence, grief and emotional themes, racial slurs, classism, religious bigotry, emotional manipulation, discussions of past mistresses

“Flirting is a woman’s trade, one must keep in practice.”
― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre

Synopsis:

Charlotte Brontë tells the story of orphaned Jane Eyre, who grows up in the home of her heartless aunt, enduring loneliness and cruelty. This troubled childhood strengthens Jane’s natural independence and spirit – which prove necessary when she finds employment as a governess to the young ward of Byronic, brooding Mr Rochester. As her feelings for Rochester develop, Jane gradually uncovers Thornfield Hall’s terrible secret, forcing her to make a choice. Should she stay with Rochester and live with the consequences, or follow her convictions – even if it means leaving the man she loves? A novel of intense power and intrigue, Jane Eyre dazzled readers with its passionate depiction of a woman’s search for equality and freedom.

My Review:

This book is a classic that will never get old.

I read this after it was suggested over and over by my aunt, who has amazing taste when it comes to classic literature, and I couldn’t believe that I put it off for so long. Jane Eyre (pronounced Air, even though that is definitely not what it looks like) is a classic love story, full of resilience, powerful independence and will, and the ability to make decisions based on what you know is right, not what you want.

One of the things that made me hesitant to read this was that, like all classic literature, this book is written in old English. So because of that, as someone who reads a lot of romance and fantasy, it is a bit harder to read and understand. But yet, even though it isn’t as easy to read, if you work to uncover the meaning then you will find hidden messages much more powerful and beautiful than ordinary words.

It is truly a rewarding experience!

There are so many great life lessons in this book. Jane knows that to follow her heart would end in sin, so she has to pull away and do the right thing even when it isn’t what she wants to do. Because ultimately God has a plan, and by the end of this book you see that. Jane is also a very strong female lead, taking life by the reins and making a way for herself in a world that doesn’t make it easy. She is determined and smart, she knows what she wants, and she works hard to get it. And that is just the beginning of the many moments in this book full of powerful life lessons.

I loved the romance in this book. It wasn’t the fluffy kind you find in most novels, it was deep and powerful. It was also a bit confusing at times, considering the main love interest is basically bipolar (if you know, you know) and it isn’t an immediate happily ever after either, it takes time, they both need to grow and face challenges that make them into the people they need to become for each other. Not to mention that the banter between them is amazing, full of words, looks, and speeches that’ll fill your heart with so much joy you’ll be bursting at the seams.

It was a long journey, full of ups and downs, but it was worth the wait.

Let’s talk about content. There are some heavy themes of child abuse and neglect, largely at the beginning of the book. Along with themes of mental illness, violence, grief, and emotional moments. One of the characters has had a pretty wild past and he discusses it with the main character a few times. He never goes into too much detail, but it’s enough to understand what he’s talking about and that he isn’t a saint. There are also a few instances where outdated, offensive racial slurs are used, and many instances where unfair prejudices are made because of class, wealth and upbringing.

Overall there aren’t many inappropriate themes in this book, with no strong language or sexual content. But even though it is relatively clean, I would suggest it for 13 or older, just because the writing style is harder to read and has hidden depth you need wisdom to discover.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was so happy that I finally read it. It was an amazing read, and a great break from the sometimes shallow, more fluffy and less meaningful books I normally devour. It was full of meaningful life lessons, a powerful romance story, and an ending that will leave your heart full and happy. So get ready to dig into this adventure of a lifetime that will leave you a different person than the one you were before starting this book!

Happy Reading,

Ava

P.S. The BBC version of Jane Eyre is AMAZING, and I highly suggest watching it if you like the book!

Click this Link to get your own copy of this classic love story!