Book # 11 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte in 1847

Progress- Book# 2 of 100

I really enjoyed this novel.  I think this was my first time reading it, which is pretty surprising since I love all things British and this is a classic British Romantic Novel.  Before I started reading I was  worried the story would be too dark and that I may not really enjoy it that much, especially when it’s always compared to my favorite novel of all time Pride and Prejudice.  I was wrong, and blame all the movie adaptations for painting a dreary sad picture. It is serious and you do feel for Jane and everything she goes through, but it’s not sad and depressing all the time.  There are actually many happy moments. 

This book has been on my “to read” shelf since I got out of the movie theater last spring.  Michael Fassbender as Mr. Rochester was a good choice- which is kind of funny since the book describes the character as not very handsome and I don’t think you could say that about Michael Fassbender.  Having him in the cast definitely made the movie more enjoyable, and the movie adaptation got me curious about the book.  I was happy to see that it made our list.

The story touches on faith, classes and morals during this period. Charlotte Bronte (CB) provides many memorable characters throughout the book. 

SPOILERS:

First there is Jane's Aunt Reed who doesn’t like or care for Jane- but has to take care of her since she made a promise to her husband on his deathbed.  This lasts for a few years, but then she sends Jane to a horrible boarding school.  CB punishes Aunt Reed by giving her a son that squanders all their money away.  Later on, she is tormented and ashamed of her treatment towards Jane and seeks and is given Jane's forgiveness on her own deathbed. 

Then CB gives us Helen Burns, Jane's best friend at school.  Helen teaches Jane to be strong and independent, and helps her survive public embarrassment at the school.  Later when Helen dies in Jane’s arms and it’s a very tender moment about faith and peace.   

Mr. Rochester is the love interest that treats Jane poorly.  CB even has him dress up as a gypsy and tricks Jane with a false fortunetelling. In today's standards he would be in the dog house, but Jane quickly forgives him for love.  Later we learn that Mr. Rochester fell in love with Jane almost at first sight and that does warm me to him a little more.  While he was entertaining other socialites and flirting with Miss Ingram it was hard to sympathise with his character.  I almost wonder if CB didn't want you to like Mr. Rochester until he tells his entire story to Jane when he is exposed. 

Finally we have Jane.  As the reader, you are with her from childhood and get to see how she grows up to be the person she is.  After teaching a few years at her own boarding school Jane wants to move on and becomes a governess at Thornfiled Hall.  She falls in love with the owner and they almost get married, until he is discovered to have a mad wife locked up in the attic.  When Mr. Rochester explains he doesn't considered himself married and tries to plead Jane to run away with him, all Jane can think of is that he would just get tired of her and leave her one day.  She runs away herself to be in her own misery thinking he would just forget about her.  At the end of the book, Mr. Rochester's mad wife burns Thornfield Hall down and takes her own life.  In the fire he loses his sight and a hand (I think this is how CB punishes him for deceiving Jane).  At the end of the novel  Jane comes back to him, they marry, have a child and he gains some eyesight back.  I'm glad it ended on a happy note and would definitely recommend this book. 

This book gets a 94%- solid A.

-Lucinda