[simpleazon-image align=”left” asin=”B00BTM62P0″ locale=”us” height=”500″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/511XH-OBPCL.jpg” width=”332″] [simpleazon-link asin=”B00BTM62P0″ locale=”us”]Jane Eyre: (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) Deluxe Edition by Bronte, Charlotte (2010)[/simpleazon-link]

I own no less than three editions of Jane Eyre and would happily collect more. I have read this enduring classic three times and will most likely pick it up again in a year or two. Few books resonate with me the way Jane Eyre has over the years. Our book club chose this title for our classic this year. The selection delighted me. While some struggled through the intricate Victorian language, all found the story compelling. Edgy for its time, Jane Eyre presents a strong female protagonist made even stronger by her difficult circumstances. Within her dwells a restless spirit straining against the confines of class and position and Victorian expectations regarding females. A plucky heroine, she possesses passion and intellect worthy of more than her station in life allows. From the beginning, Jane’s exclusion and isolation are apparent. The stormy, cold weather reflects her despair. Despite her torment she struggles to forgive and manages to maintain her dignity as well as her humility. The novel is atmospheric, dark and brooding but occasionally given to moments of joy and light. Characters rising above their circumstance or stoically enduring them as necessary inspires readers to want to do the same. Bronte’s insight and surprisingly feminist views for her time add depth and food for thought. Gothic elements enrich the novel with terrifying imagery and mystery. The chemistry between Mr. Rochester and Jane Eyre electrifies the novel particularly during their flirtatious verbal sparring. As a reader and a woman, I admire Jane Eyre and delight in her growth from tormented child to independent and happily loved adult.

My review: 5 of 5 stars (of course)

Notable words:

opprobrium: harsh criticism or censure

inanition: lack of mental or spiritual vigor and enthusiasm

hebdomadal: weekly (used especially of organizations that meet weekly)

Quotes:

“…human beings must love something…” (p. 25).

“It is far better to endure patiently a smart which nobody feels but yourself, than to commit a hasty action whose evil consequences will extend to all connected with you…” (p. 56).

“It is vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquility : they must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it” (p. 111).

To dig deeper: http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/janeeyre/

For book clubs:

http://www.litlovers.com/reading-guides/13-fiction/496-jane-eyre-bronte?start=3

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/learningresources/book_janeeyre.html

http://www.penguin.com/read/book-clubs/jane-eyre/9780141441146