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Book Reviews of Jane Eyre (Penguin Classics)

Jane Eyre (Penguin Classics)
Jane Eyre - Penguin Classics
Author: Charlotte Bronte
ISBN-13: 9780140434002
ISBN-10: 0140434003
Publication Date: 9/1/1996
Pages: 532
Rating:
  • Currently 4.4/5 Stars.
 43

4.4 stars, based on 43 ratings
Publisher: Penguin Books
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

6 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

dolleygurl avatar reviewed Jane Eyre (Penguin Classics) on + 32 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Genre: Classic

I chose to read this book for a couple of reasons. I had never read this book before, but I had heard a lot of people talking about it and figured it was probably something I should read. Coming into this, I had no idea what to expect from this book, I hadnt read a classic in awhile and I didnt know what it was about. I chose to have this in audio book because I have a long drive to and from work and it would not interrupt my normal reading schedule.

This being an audio book I think that the choice of narrator is very important as to how enjoyable the experience is. I have heard some awful narrators and it can really ruin the story. The narrator for the version I listened to was Joanna David and she was a phenomenal narrator. First of all she was British, which was very appropriate because the book was set in England and made it more believable and felt like Jane was actually narrating her story. She was also very amazing at evoking the emotions of the characters. It really felt like I was listening to a play and helped me enjoy my ride.

Now on to discussing the actual book. I really, really enjoyed this story. I enjoyed it in a different way than I have enjoyed other books I have reviewed recently. This story begins with a young Jane Eyre living with the family of an aunt who really doesnt treat her like family. She is eventually sent away to a boarding school and then takes up the role of governess for a Mr. Rochester. This is when the story really starts to pick up. There is romance, secret desire, heartbreak, a little bit of a mystery, sadness, and then a happy endingwhich we all enjoy. There were times when I cried and times when I yelled at Jane for making a dumb decision such as leaving her post of governess.

There really were only two main characters in this story: Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester. I really went back and forth in my opinion of the character of Mr. Rochester. Sometimes I thought he was clearly crazy. Things that he said did not make sense sometimes, but it truly could have been me not hearing right in the car. I felt for Jane from day one: she was treated poorly by people who were her family, was sent from home, and was angst ridden from her secret desire for love. As I said before, there were times I was mad at her choices, but overall she was a very likeable character.

I would definitely read another classic book after reading this one; well, actually I would probably do an audio book so I can still read another book. I actually made me interested in this genre again without feeling like I was reading for school.

4 out of 5 stars.
reviewed Jane Eyre (Penguin Classics) on + 37 more book reviews
Jane Eyre is a thick book, not just in number of pages, but also in writing style. My bachelor's degree is in English, so I was "required" to read Jane Eyre many times (at least 4 or 5). I just could never get through it; I always lost interest. So, when I decided to join the Eponymous challenge, I thought that this time I would read "Jane Eyre" in its entirety. And I did.

I enjoyed reading "Jane Eyre". I did know, of course, the entire storyline of the book (since I still participated in class discussions). But now I know what all the fuss is about. There's more to "Jane Eyre" that what meets the page.

I recommend that everyone read "Jane Eyre". It is truly a classic, and with good reason. I am also interested in having a small discussion about "Jane Eyre". So, if you're interested, go to www.carriesclassics.com and post a question or discussion point in the comments field, and we can start a book discussion.
bolgai avatar reviewed Jane Eyre (Penguin Classics) on + 109 more book reviews
The highest praise for a book is when you turn the last page and immediately want to go back and read it again and when days, weeks, months, even years later you still return to it in your thoughts. Jane Eyre was that sort of book for me. It's not a large volume, I imagine few books published back then were, but it has everything that I enjoy: it has a strong, intelligent heroine who's not afraid to speak her mind, adventure, romance, mystery and a happy ending. It is written in such a way that wherever the heroine is you feel like you're right there with her, experiencing what she is experiencing, the plot developments are never contrived and flow naturally and the ending, while happy, isn't so happy that it seems unrealistic and fake.
It is my all-time favourite book and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes an unhurried narrative without gratuitous drama and enjoys historical fiction.

Read my other reviews at bibliophilescorner.blogspot.com
sabrinalynn avatar reviewed Jane Eyre (Penguin Classics) on + 6 more book reviews
True classic. I'll never ever tire of reading this.
reviewed Jane Eyre (Penguin Classics) on + 13 more book reviews
Overall, Jane Eyre is a WONDERFUL story that no one should escape their educational pursuits without reading. This particular audiobook leaves a little to be desired in its reader, but I still enjoyed it very much. What a wonderful way to pass a few hours on a long road trip!
Marjy avatar reviewed Jane Eyre (Penguin Classics) on + 34 more book reviews
One of my favorite books. A classic.