Orphaned Jane Eyre grows up in the home of her heartless aunt, enduring loneliness and cruelty. This troubled childhood strengthens Jane’s natural independence and spirit—which prove necessary when she finds employment as a governess to the young ward of the brooding Mr. Rochester. As her feelings for Rochester develop, Jane gradually uncovers Thornfield Hall’s terrible secret, forcing her to make a choice. Should she stay with Rochester and live with the consequences, or follow her convictions - even if it means leaving the man she loves? 

An other @bookishswiftiesclub January read! I loved Jane Eyre as a high schooler/early college student, and I must have read it at least five times before this. It has been ten years since my last read, so I was very glad to revisit this classic and encounter things that I didn’t glean from previous reads. In my younger years I read this more as a romance story, but now that I’m older I can also admire Bronte’s creation of a strong female protagonist searching for independence and equality in the nineteen century, and that makes me love the book all the more. At first glance Jane seems meek, but her strength and self-worth are very subtly developed throughout her formative years, so much so that the reader hardly even notices that she talks back to Rochester in a way that would have been unheard of for the era. Her character goes through real trials and triumphs, making her relatable and lovable. I also loved that Bronte creating a situation in which Jane still got her happy ending while maintaining her integrity and independence. I love the gothic, moody atmosphere of the book as well. This book is so much more than a romance, and I am so happy that I was able to enjoy it again!