In 2012 I read Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre for the first time, after admittedly avoiding reading it when I was supposed to in high school (I was sixteen then and apparently had much better things to do than read novels). I don't know if you've ever had an experience of wonder and amazement at finding a book that seems as if it was destined to be your favorite. But that's how I felt the first time I read Jane Eyre. I loved everything about it, and I loved how it took me by surprise.
Over the years, none of that has changed. I've gone back to reread my favorite passages and chapters numerous times, and have probably read up to a third of the novel various times because it was too great to put down. But I had never actually reread it, from beginning to end, since 2012. Until a few days ago that is, when I decided that was what I wanted to do this October. Of course I should have known the story would hook me the same way again and I would finish it in a matter of days.
I've never actually posted any sort of review of Jane Eyre though, even though it's my favorite. But I figure since every part of the story is so fresh in my mind right now, it's the best time to do that. Just know that, obviously, this is just going to be a review flowing with praise for Jane Eyre. How could it not be?
To start with, let me just give you the top two reasons why I love this book so much:
1. Jane Eyre herself. Much is made of the romance central to the novel, and rightfully so. But at the end of the day, this story isn't as much about Rochester (Jane's love interest) as you would think. This is a story about Jane and her choices. What I love about Jane as a character is how she is completely plain and powerless by the standards of her society, but she doesn't view herself as such. She knows she isn't beautiful or admired, but what I mean is, she doesn't let that affect her confidence in her decisions, and doesn't allow anyone to pressure her to do anything that she doesn't believe in. In the face of her greatest temptation, she chooses the hardest thing imaginable and walks away from guaranteed happiness to follow her principles. Some people think this makes the story old fashioned or nonsensical, but the way I see it, it makes the story incredibly moving, timeless and profound. I mean it when I say we could all stand to be more like Jane Eyre. She's passionate but self contained, brave but wise, frank but respectful. Her character is the first reason I first fell in love with this book.
2. The other reason is one that I was reminded of on this second time reading it from beginning to end. Somehow, I had almost forgotten how intense of a story Jane Eyre is. The way Jane falls in love with Rochester (say what you will about all of Rochester’s faults, this is ultimately Jane’s story, not his) before she knows anything about his feelings is so profound and intense. I can't think of another book I've read where the characters seem to love each other the way Jane and Rochester do, especially because their love is, against all odds, grounded in equality and a complete acceptance of one another. It's no Romeo and Juliet-esque infatuation, though they are certainly star-crossed. Despite their differences in age, experience, rank and wealth, Jane and Rochester truly are equals (something she, of course, famously declares). This book has such an incredible depth of emotion, and it had such a profound effect on me even the second time I read it. It's truly an experience to read, so long as you allow yourself to be fully immersed in Jane's mind and world.
Anyway, there you have it, the two main reasons this will probably always be my favorite novel. There are other reasons too, of course, like Jane's reliance on her faith, the themes of God's judgement and mercy, and the discussions on feeling versus reason. But I'll keep it at that.
I will say, I do think it's interesting that some people criticize the novel because of Rochester, who, as Jane herself expresses, has many faults (and basically causes the main conflict in the book). I agree that Rochester is far from perfect, but he isn't a villain, as some people like to make him out to be. He's a Byronic hero of sorts, who does receive a form of judgement in the end. But like I said, the heart of this story isn't about him. It's about Jane.
The only real problem with rereading this novel at this point of the year is that I've lost my will to read other books a little bit, since I doubt any will be able to compare. But I'll get over that eventually I'm sure. Or maybe I'll just reread Jane Eyre...
Rating: I mean, I think it's obvious. 5/5 stars, or more, if possible.
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