Jane Eyre has been one of my favorite books for more than ten years. I read it regularly as a teen, before I went to college. When I had to choose a book to read aloud from in my public speaking class, Jane Eyre was it, and nothing else quite matched it (until, of course, I read The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton, and I’ve never been able to choose between them since!).
But when I went to college, many of my reading habits lapsed. I had friends constantly around and, while I still read, for about three years I read considerably less than I do now and than I did in high school. Rereading was the first to go, and I hadn’t read Jane Eyre in about six years. I knew I wanted to read it again, but it was hard to persuade myself to do so, with other review books stacking up and, finally, feeling financially comfortable enough to buy new books and support the publishing industry on a regular basis. Rereading still falls by the wayside.
Luckily, I received just the impetus I needed to read Jane Eyre again in the form of a lovely publicist, who let me know about a new series of pocket classic editions from White’s Books. All of them have new, lovely art and introductions commissioned just for them. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to receive a gorgeous new edition of this book, especially when it’s so lovely. And the edition is nice; the front and back of the book have appropriate, evocative art and the book fit right in my hands for easy reading. There’s even a little ribbon to mark my page. The font did happen to be a bit small, but I expected that out of something called a “pocket” edition. The publisher also sells more expensive, normal size versions; here’s their website for more. Here are a few of the book covers for this edition:
Anyway, as the book itself went, I loved it just as much this time. Mostly, I adore Jane herself; she’s such a passionate person even when she’s determined to hide it in herself. She doesn’t let people push her around and sticks by her morals even when she would rather do otherwise, to the point of turning aside from her own love. She lives on her own terms even as she relies on others for employment, as a woman in her position at the time had to do, and she actively seeks people who appreciate her for who she is, the people who don’t dismiss her for being a governess, teacher, poor relation, or younger student.
I’d forgotten so much of the Gothic atmosphere as well, with creepy, dark Thornfield, Jane’s many dreams, and how much the book has to say about religion – what is true faith and what is twisting Christianity to suit one’s own goals. I’m not surprised, but reading it now after four years of English literature classes and lots of classics read on my own, it really sticks out as a Victorian novel. The new introduction by Jacqueline Wilson was also a pleasure to read and picked out many points about the book’s treatment of Jane that I wouldn’t have considered on my own – just right for someone who’d read the book multiple times before.
Have you read Jane Eyre? What did you think of it? I know not everyone agrees with me and I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I received this edition free from a publicist.
I was looking at a synopsis of Jane Eyre just last week and discovered that I’ve never read it. I’m not sure how I missed it. It sounds like a situation I need to correct.
I love the covers and the idea of pocket editions!
Stephanie´s last post …The Sunday Salon- 1-16-2011
Jane Eyre is one of my favorite books! I believe I’ve read it twice and it’s been several years since I’ve read it. The first thing that I think about is that Jane is not the beautiful main character that most authors write about, instead she is just Jane a normal enough looking girl although made to feel she is plain. Abuse is explored in the book, mental illness, and society standards. The story is dark and dramatic; yet not as dark as Wuthering Heights. I could go on and on, I do love the story of Jane Eyre.
Annette´s last post …Book Review- Historical Atlas of Britain- The End of the Middle Ages to the Georgian Era by Jeremy Black
I have been looking for a really nice copy of this book to read for my project of reading a classic a month. You would be surprised at how hard a vintage book like this is to come across, even when we have an antique bookstore in town! I ended up buying a Barnes and Noble Classics edition, but it’s not what I wanted, and I was disappointed. This one sounds like it would be perfect for me, and I am adding this particular edition on my list. Thanks, Meghan!
zibilee´s last post …We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver — 400 pgs
I read Jane Eyre for the first time for class about three years ago. I liked it – didn’t love it, but liked it.
I know that it is a book that I would like to re-read sometime, and I am sure that my appreciation of it will increase with each subsequent reading.
Molly´s last post …TSS – 11611
I always cite this as one of my favorite books, but I am in desperate need of a reread. I hope to do so soon! Glad to hear you still love it.
Amy @ My Friend Amy´s last post …Intimate Strangers
Aw. *jealous*
You know Jane Eyre is my absolute favorite book, but I’ve never reread it. I know, I know.
Have you read The Phantom of the Opera? That’s also a good one.
What beautiful covers! Can you believe I’ve never read Jane Eyre? However, I’m fixing that with my book club next month!
Amused´s last post …Mailbox Monday- Jan 10th – 15th- 2010
I have been meaning to re-read some of my favorite books for a couple of years now. I decided that this is the year I will make sure to do so. Jane Eyre is at the top of my list of books I want to re-read. I’ve always loved it but haen’t read it for a long time. I’m happy to know you found it to be as good as you believed it to be (sometimes our opinions change when we get older!) I love The Age of Innocence, too, and Wuthering Heights. I’m going to look up White’s Books, too. I love that they are publishing some of the classics with new covers! Pocket-sized are good for public transportation around the city too!
~ Amy
Amy´s last post …Monday Movies – Roles of Reverence
This is one I’ve always meant to read but haven’t really gotten around to. Maybe in 2011?
Oooh – what gorgeous editions!
I love Jane Eyre. I need to revisit it myself.
I love Jane! And the covers of these editions are beautiful. I’m curious about that introduction and so my look for this at the library.
Beth F´s last post …Todays Read- Pictures of You by Caroline Leavitt
I agree with you because I love Jane Eyre. I get upset when people don’t like it.
I love that edition! It’s beautiful.
Chris@bookarama´s last post …Wordless- Old Books
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