I didn't read the novel until after hearing the musical, but I had read books by the Brontės before. This one, however, became my favourite immediately...I just adore the story. It's so beautiful that it made me cry...usually I just cry over a book because it's sad. :-)

The characters in this book are what made it so amazing...Jane is such a wonderful character. She's a lot like me, I think, so that made it easy to identify with her and understand what she was going through. Rochester is just fascinating. He's so complex and interesting! I just love his conversations with Jane. They're just the type of conversation that you wish you could have with someone.

I thought the part where she went and stayed with St. John went on a little too long, but other than that I don't have a single complaint! I would definitely recommend reading this book to anyone! I have re-read it several times since the first time, and I was thrilled to visit the British Library in London, where they have the original work in Charlotte Brontė's own hand!

Favourite quotes:

  • "Why, then, should we ever sink overwhelmed with distress, when life is so soon over, and death is so certain an entrance to happiness - to glory?" (Helen Burns)

  • "Necessity compels me to make you useful." (Rochester)

  • "Young lady, I am disposed to be gregarious and communicative tonight" (Rochester) ... I can't imagine anyone actually saying this. :-)

  • "I sometimes have a queer feeling with regard to you - especially when you are near me, as now: it is as if I had a string somewhere under my left ribs, tightly and inextricably knotted to a similar string situated in the corresponding quarter of your little frame." (Rochester)

  • "Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain and little, I am soulless and heartless?" (Jane)

  • "I thank my Maker, that in the midst of judgment he has remembered mercy." (Rochester)

  • "...and yet while I breathe and think, I must love him." (Jane)

  • "There is no happiness like that of being loved by your fellow creatures and feeling that your presence is an addition to their comfort." (Jane)


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