everything good comes out of Nazareth, or Yorkshire

[esteliwyn]

I just read Jane Eyre for the first time today. (I know this is probably a SHOCK to some people, but 'tis true.)

I had read Charlotte Bronte's Shirley a few weeks ago on the flight from England, and was surprised to find that I was delighted with it. I expected to like it, but I hadn't properly experienced Charlotte's insight into both human

Comments

[rachel2205]

Oh, Charlotte isn't like Jane Austen at all. Her writing has a great, troubled, sweeping heart lit by stormy skies and chill winds, influenced by a childhood of fantasy worlds and the grim reality of poverty. Love her to bits - even though she has some rather, ah, choice words about the Catholic Church in some of her novels (especially Villette).

I've never loved Wuthering Heights - Heathcliff and Cathy are extraordinary creations, and Emily's writing is even more intense than Charlotte's, but the people of WH are just difficult to love. Anne's writing is criminally underrated, however. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is a very brave book for its time.

[esteliwyn]

I actually thought of you when I thought of people who would be shocked that I hadn't read Jane Eyre! I have heard/noticed that Charlotte doesn't seem terribly fond of Catholics :P I suppose it's rather forgivable, considering. I'll have to try The Tenant of Wildfell Hall -- my sister Annie owns it, so I may steal it from her sometime.

[nainsongspear]

I can't tell you how thrilled I am that you finally read it! And enjoyed it emensely too! :D You should honestly be a person who writes reviews for books. I can never come up with anything interesting to say about them, but your comments are excellent!
*gasp* You want to steal my book?! ;) You're free to, any time. I'll try to remember to bring it home for Christmas if you'd like me to.