"Jane Eyre" review by Margaret
Jane Eyre may be downloaded for free from our ebook catalog.
Jane Eyre might look like the typical high school required reading - a dry, slow, sleep-inducing novel. But don't be fooled. It has all the elements of a modern-day soap opera or telenovela. While the reader might not be able to identify with the stark settings of Lowood School or Thornfield Hall, she certainly can understand some of the timeless themes. Mystery. Villainesses you love to hate. The search for love and companionship. It's all there, and I loved it.Okay, I have a confession to make. This was the third time I read the book. Yes, the first time was in high school, and because it was something forced upon me like vitamins or cough medicine, I didn't give it quite the attention it deserved. (So I slacked a little... who didn't every now and then?). But when I finally got back to it after ten plus years and gave it a chance, I found myself actually enjoying the novel. Go figure.
What I think most interesting about the book is the title character, Jane Eyre. She starts off an orphan - unwanted and unloved. But we soon learn that within her plain exterior exists an honest young lady who is assertive, intelligent, determined, and capable of deep love. Yet, Jane is also very human and very much a woman. She goes through manic emotions that we all experience at some point in our lives - vacillating between intense longing and determination to just get over it already. We follow her through her dramas and doubts. We become curious to find out how it will all turn out for her.
Yes, there are some contrived characters in Jane Eyre. Yes, there are a few plot twists here and there that are just too convenient. But ultimately, it is about ordinary people with very real flaws and very real emotions. They are people who search for love, and encounter great tragedy, and end up... well, I don't want to give anything away. You'll just have to find out for yourself.
Check it out, and let me know what you think!
Discussion
Reply to T.H.R.
Support Free Ebooks
Excellent review! It makes one want to re-examine books from the past with fresher perspective. As a person-reader evolves over time, so does the critical eye. Thanks.