Jane Eyre
rating system:
5: this book rocked my world
4: very good
3: decent
2: not really worth the time
1: did I really just read that?
0: useful for fires.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
3.5
I got to the end of the book and all I could say was, "What a weird book." The characters were strong, well described, passionate, interesting, and their actions convincing. Yet I found the plot oddly stilted. Perhaps it was the happy coincidence when Jane is at her wit's end, perhaps it was the opposing portrayals of faith--but whatever it was left me feeling like I'd read a moral tale rather than a romantic one. Is this a bad thing? Are romances ever separate from morality? "Love" is always cast as a sort of moral act, as higher than simple lust, so perhaps this novel just accents that. Nonetheless, I was not as delighted by plot and relations as I was by that other classic romance: Pride and Prejudice. I think I'll read "The Mad Woman in the Attic" soon, as well as some basics on gothic literature to further figure out Jane Eyre.
Ann--I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the novel (as a comment, email, facebook message, phone call, or other means). I could be swayed to a 4 here...I'm just not entirely sure what to make of what I just read.