katiewilkins186

I've been having a hard time writing this review because I basically like this book for the same reason I like nearly all the classics I've read. I like the older style of writing, which always strikes me as more beautiful and formal than much of today's writing, without becoming stiff. The observations on human nature are definitely there, keeping the book relevant. And I love Jane's character. With her passion and desire to be happy, she's much more a protagonist for today than many other heroines in older books.

Unlike some other classics, Jane Eyre didn't have much else going for it. The plot was kind of boring, with not much action and a lot of coincidences necessary to make things work out. Some of the plot points strike me as unbelievable, especially the rare gothic or even supernatural elements. I also found Jane and Mr. Rocheter's interactions often stretched my belief. While a lot of their flirting was witty and enjoyable in an almost Shakespearean fashion, at other times they seemed to be downright cruel to one another. Then they forgive each other everything. For me, the writing was enough to forgive all these flaws. If I sat back and analyzed, I wasn't impressed with the plot, but most of the time, I just enjoyed reading it.

This review first published on Doing Dewey.