Next to Pride and Prejudice this would be a clear second for me! A true Cinderella. In the beginning Jane, a homely and plain girl, is treated as an outsider even though she is with family (mean-spirited Aunt), sent off to school and that turns out to be just as horrid. She decides to post as a Governess when she becomes of age and is hired by a broody, Mr Rochester with his dark family secret. Leaving Jane with a choice of stay for love or just leave.
The writing is very detailed, as most all Vi
Next to Pride and Prejudice this would be a clear second for me! A true Cinderella. In the beginning Jane, a homely and plain girl, is treated as an outsider even though she is with family (mean-spirited Aunt), sent off to school and that turns out to be just as horrid. She decides to post as a Governess when she becomes of age and is hired by a broody, Mr Rochester with his dark family secret. Leaving Jane with a choice of stay for love or just leave.
The writing is very detailed, as most all Victorian Classics seem to be. It is a given after 164 years this book is still captivating; with romance, mystery, suspense, a dangerously attractive man and Jane who I end up admiring and caring about.
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Out of the three books, this took me the longest to read, and was the one I liked the least. It was very violent, and the way they interacted wit each other kind of put me off. Heathcliff is so vengeful, I have no idea what Catherine saw in him.
Jane Eyre
I could not put this down, I loved it so much. I had read an abridged version, and a modern version,
Jane
, which was really good, and made me want to read the actual book. I liked Mr. Rochester, though he did seem a bit crazy, li
Wuthering Heights
Out of the three books, this took me the longest to read, and was the one I liked the least. It was very violent, and the way they interacted wit each other kind of put me off. Heathcliff is so vengeful, I have no idea what Catherine saw in him.
Jane Eyre
I could not put this down, I loved it so much. I had read an abridged version, and a modern version,
Jane
, which was really good, and made me want to read the actual book. I liked Mr. Rochester, though he did seem a bit crazy, like the time he pretended to be a gypsy.
Agnes Grey
This one kept my interest, maybe not as much as Jane Eyre, but certainly more so than Wuthering Heights. How spoiled the kids were, and how they treated her was awful, and made me pity her somewhat, thought she really is a strong woman. This wasn't so much a love story as a story about perseverance. No real romance came in until the last 2 or 3 chapters.
It took me 2 and a half months to read all three novels. It'll be some time before I pick up a classic again xD
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This novel continues to be one of my lifetime favorites. I have read it several times before, but this is the first time in the new century. Many people have commented on reading this novel; almost one hundred years ago Virginia Woolf wrote about an exhilaration she felt (a feeling which I share) of reading the opening scenes of the novel:
"There is nothing there more perishable than the moor itself, or more subject to the sway of fashion than the "long and lamentable blast." Nor is this exhilara
This novel continues to be one of my lifetime favorites. I have read it several times before, but this is the first time in the new century. Many people have commented on reading this novel; almost one hundred years ago Virginia Woolf wrote about an exhilaration she felt (a feeling which I share) of reading the opening scenes of the novel:
"There is nothing there more perishable than the moor itself, or more subject to the sway of fashion than the "long and lamentable blast." Nor is this exhilaration short-lived. It rushes us through the entire volume, without giving us time to think, without letting us lift our eyes from the page. So intense is our absorption that if some one moves in the room the movement seems to take place not there but up in Yorkshire. The writer has us by the hand, forces us along her road, makes us see what she sees, never leaves us for a moment or allows us to forget her. At the end we are steeped through and through with the genius, the vehemence, the indignation of Charlotte Bronte." (Virginia Woolf, The Common Reader, p 160)
Charlotte submitted Jane Eyre for publication in 1846. It was rejected five times, and then she sent it to Smith, Elder, and Co., her eventual publishers. She sent it with a note that said: "It is better in future to address Mr. Currer Bell, under cover to Miss Brontë, Haworth, Bradford, Yorkshire, as there is a risk of letters otherwise directed not reaching me at present." They agreed to publish it, and it became a huge success, and, a little more than a century later it became one of my earliest favorites, a novel that I would read and reread my whole life. I am not sure what my original fascination was although the mystery and sinister nature of the boarding school Jane attended was riveting, and later Thornfield Hall depicted a different world.
The story told by Jane begins as one of her suffering, first under Mrs. Reed who treats her poorly and then at Lowood the boarding school she is sent to. Yet, from the beginning Jane develops a strong character and excels in her studies. She develops friendships with her classmate Helen Burns and her teacher Miss Temple. Throughout the opening chapters I was impressed with Jane's strength of will, her love of reading, and her attention to her readers. For as she narrates the story she frequently pauses to share a thought with her dear readers.
This novel has all the aspects of the traditional bildungsroman and that is one of the reasons I enjoyed reading it. Jane eventually takes position as governess and it is at this point that the novel develops into a Romance for she finds a job working for Mr. Rochester teaching a young French girl, Adele Varens, at Thornfield Hall. As Jane teaches there a while, she falls in love with Mr. Rochester, and he falls in love with her. Needless to say there are several more changes in her life as she learns of secrets from Mr. Rochester's past and encounters aspects of her own past that impact her in unexpected way. The story seems to be one where Jane's fate is unfolding before her and her reader's eyes, but it never grows old as Charlotte Bronte's tale seems to inhabit my being more closely than most others. This reading impressed upon me the important use of symbols such as colors and the weather that underlined the emotional life of Jane. From the early example of the "red room" or the continuing motif of rain, these symbols enhance the vividness of the story. Perhaps it is the complexity of a story that starts out to be a simple romance and expands into a Gothic mystery; it is surely magical as Charlotte Bronte is able to combine this story of the growth of a young girl with a love story that has Gothic overtones. Ultimately it is a triumph for the individual will of our young governess-heroine, Jane Eyre.
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Since I had to buy this version of the book for class and it had all three novels packed in together I'm just going to give a short and sweet review for each.
Jane Eyre - Jane is everything! On my second reading I realized that Mr. Rochester isn't really that romantic, he shows signs of manipulation and his subterfuge with Bertha is the biggest red flag in all of literature. The weirdest part is that I still felt very drawn to Mr. Rochester and still considered him a dream boat and I was warring
Since I had to buy this version of the book for class and it had all three novels packed in together I'm just going to give a short and sweet review for each.
Jane Eyre - Jane is everything! On my second reading I realized that Mr. Rochester isn't really that romantic, he shows signs of manipulation and his subterfuge with Bertha is the biggest red flag in all of literature. The weirdest part is that I still felt very drawn to Mr. Rochester and still considered him a dream boat and I was warring with my feelings and my brain. The big reveal of Bertha still had my heart beating out of my chest even though I had read the book before and have seen countless versions. Just A++++ always for Jane Eyre.
Wuthering Heights - Also known as time to be depressed. If you ever have doubts about humanity and feel you are a pessimist then this is a book for you. I'm not a fan of Heathcliff, everyone's like oh look at all the things he's gone through you can't blame him. There's a choice you can make in this world to either see the wrong that's been done to you and vow to never do that to others or you can be Heathcliff and try and ruin everyone's life. This is a spooky book, but it's ultimately soul crushing when it comes to humanity and just how terrible everyone is to each other.
Agnes Grey- I wrote a separate review for this because this was the only book in the collection I was reading for the first time and I had a lot of feelings about it. I'm so on board with Agnes, I think that Anne Bronte might be my favorite Bronte now (don't tell Charlotte). In this book you get to analyze the weird role of governesses as more then household staff, but less then family. Also we get to see a bunch of horrible children. And it also brings up the importance of animal studies! How a person treats animals is a gateway into that person's psyche and how they treat others and view their place in the world. Great stuff! You get down with your bad self Agnes Grey! Also Mr. Weston yes please!
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I love Jane Eyre and as this was my second read-through of it, I still found it just as engaging and wonderful of a story (if not a little long-winded at times). However, I gave this book two stars because Jane Eyre is as far as my enjoyment went. Wuthering Heights, though interesting enough, has to be one of the most most dramatic books I've ever read. The few main characters are so dramatic over everything I couldn't help but be annoyed as I was reading it. I can't say I regret reading it but
I love Jane Eyre and as this was my second read-through of it, I still found it just as engaging and wonderful of a story (if not a little long-winded at times). However, I gave this book two stars because Jane Eyre is as far as my enjoyment went. Wuthering Heights, though interesting enough, has to be one of the most most dramatic books I've ever read. The few main characters are so dramatic over everything I couldn't help but be annoyed as I was reading it. I can't say I regret reading it but I definitely won't be reading it again! As for Agnes Grey, the entire book is rather rambling and ends so abruptly it left me feeling extremely unsatisfied. Have to say I do kind of regret reading that, though the style of writing is more pleasing to that Wuthering Heights. So, basically, I highly recommend Jane Eyre, advise you only read Wuthering heights if you want to be party to a ridiculous amount if drama, and can't really say much on the topic of Agnes Grey considering I have to go imagine a better ending to satisfy myself after reading it.
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AGNES GREY: Just finished reading and as a whole, it was ok. I thought Anne Brontë did an ok job of developing the characters. The love story unfolds very slowly throughout the book and then very rapidly in the last two chapters. I liked the subtleness of the love story (I thought it was more realistic to the characters personalities, instead of being rushed). However, I hated how introverted Agnes was. She let everyone with the exception of her family and Mr. Weston (they were generally nice pe
AGNES GREY: Just finished reading and as a whole, it was ok. I thought Anne Brontë did an ok job of developing the characters. The love story unfolds very slowly throughout the book and then very rapidly in the last two chapters. I liked the subtleness of the love story (I thought it was more realistic to the characters personalities, instead of being rushed). However, I hated how introverted Agnes was. She let everyone with the exception of her family and Mr. Weston (they were generally nice people anyway) walk all over her! More often than not I wanted to reach in and slap her and tell her to grow a pair!! I swear there are chapters dedicated to incessantly explaining and complaining about her employers and pupils faults. And at a couple of points in the book constant bible scripture that seemed to go on and on. Overall it was an ok read, definitely not my favorite.
WUTHERING HEIGHTS: This is probably in my top 5 favorite books ever read! But, this book is by no means perfect. With annoying narration by Mr. Lockwood, it def left something to be desired! I would've liked to have read about Cathy and Heathcliff interacting with each other without fear of people listening or looking in. Like their "rambles" on the moors and being locked away in their room. I hated reading Joseph's broken English! This is such a dark and twisted love story/tragedy with main characters that have zero redeeming qualities except for their love for each other. This story showcases all of human nature in its darkest forms: drama, narcissism, abuse, torture, neglect, revenge and hate. It is so real to me because these characters have no arc, they don't change and to me that is life sometimes. As weird as it sounds I do care for these evil people and sympathize with what's happened to them. I root for Heathcliff every time and think maybe if Cathy hadn't been so vain and selfish things would've turned out different but that's not the story and it still pulls me in every time! The last paragraph is my favorite!
"I lingered round them, under that benign sky; watched the moths fluttering among the heath, and hare-bells; listened to the soft wind breathing through the grass; and wondered how any one could ever imagine unquiet slumbers, for the sleepers in that quiet earth."
I've read Jane Eyre but not sure I'm going to re-read it anytime soon or do a review.
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Delightful, quick read. Agnes grew up with her father as a clergyman of the north of England and a mother who walked away from the wealth of a family to marry. After Agnes’ father lost their savings in a business adventure, Agnes is employed as a governess. The story relates her experience while being a governess for the Bloomfields' and then the Murray family.
This story is written first person, journal style. So it is full of musings, deliberations and dreams.
A few of my favorite passages:
“I h
Delightful, quick read. Agnes grew up with her father as a clergyman of the north of England and a mother who walked away from the wealth of a family to marry. After Agnes’ father lost their savings in a business adventure, Agnes is employed as a governess. The story relates her experience while being a governess for the Bloomfields' and then the Murray family.
This story is written first person, journal style. So it is full of musings, deliberations and dreams.
A few of my favorite passages:
“I have given myself up to the luxury of an unrestricted burst of weeping. But this was a weakness I did not often indulge: my employments were too numerous, my leisure moments were too precious, to admit of much time being given to fruitless lamentations.”
“When we hear a little good and no harm of a person, it is easy and pleasant to imagine more”
“We have had trials, and we know that we must have them again; but we bear them well together, and endeavor to fortify ourselves and each other against the final separation-that greatest of all afflictions to the survivor; but, if we keep in mind the glorious heaven beyond, where both may meet again, and sin and sorrow are unkown, surely that too may be borne; and meantime, we endeavor to live to the glory of Him who has scattered so many blessings in our path.”
"Our modest income is amply sufficient for our requirements; and by practicing the economy we learnt in harder times, and never attempting to imitate our richer neighbors, we manage not only to enjoy comfort and contentment ourselves, but to have every year something to lay by for our children, and something to give to those who need it.”
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So, you always hear the classics being referred to, but often when you sit down to read them, they are not always so great. Jane Eyre was the exception!!!! I absolutely loved it, got totally caught up in it. A little slow to start, but necessary character building in the beginning. Jane is a worthy heroine with strong moral principles, but still has her weaknesses to overcome. I couldn't put this one down and when I had to, I was thinking about it constantly. I also love the style of writing and
So, you always hear the classics being referred to, but often when you sit down to read them, they are not always so great. Jane Eyre was the exception!!!! I absolutely loved it, got totally caught up in it. A little slow to start, but necessary character building in the beginning. Jane is a worthy heroine with strong moral principles, but still has her weaknesses to overcome. I couldn't put this one down and when I had to, I was thinking about it constantly. I also love the style of writing and the conversations people had. So much more thoughtful than a lot of what we say and think about today. I totally recommend this book if you've never read it before. If you have, it's time to pick it up again!! Now I'm working my way through Wuthering Heights, oh my goodness, that's another review for another day!
Alright, I managed to slug my way through Wuthering Heights. Talk about depressing. I have never come in contact with more toxic characters in my reading. And there were so many awful characters in the book. Even the 'housekeeper' who ends up being the narrator is not spotless in my opinion. It ended on a happy note....sort of. Yes, the style was amazing, the characters are original and vibrant and jump off the page at you, the story was almost unbelievable it was so fantastic (and by fantastic, I mean way out there). So sure, it deserves it's place among the classics, it just isn't something I'll be re-reading anytime soon. Nutshell: worth the read, but be prepared.
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These past two days I have reviewed Jane Eyre and Agnes Grey, by Charlotte and Anne Bronte. I just wanted to take a moment to note the wonderful edition that I read them from. This large (but not too large) volume contains Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and Agnes Grey. This was definitely a good book for me, containing all three. Since I really enjoyed Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, I wanted to have my own copy of each book, and I was very happy when I discovered this volume from Penguin Classi
These past two days I have reviewed Jane Eyre and Agnes Grey, by Charlotte and Anne Bronte. I just wanted to take a moment to note the wonderful edition that I read them from. This large (but not too large) volume contains Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and Agnes Grey. This was definitely a good book for me, containing all three. Since I really enjoyed Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, I wanted to have my own copy of each book, and I was very happy when I discovered this volume from Penguin Classics, also including Agnes Grey, which I had never read before.
Now, about the formatting. The cover is really nice, kind of dark and moody, as befitting the novels enclosed. On the spine is a picture of another woman, and on the back, a different one, all with the black, bare tree over their faces. Presumably, one represents Jane Eyre, another Cathy, and the third Agnes Grey. The font is fairly small, but not miniscule, and the book is pretty easy to hold. I would definitely recommend this edition of all three novels, though not if you like to see the book spines lined up next to one another (which I normally do.) The Bronte Sisters is $22.00, but you can get it on amazon.com for $14.96.
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So Agnes Grey ended a bit abruptly and predictably, but it was a sweet story with insights into 19th century society, expectations of relationships, and what it means to live a life doing God's work. Anne Bronte's writing style in Agnes Grey most prominently showed that she was the daughter of a curate.
Overall, the three novels were a wonderful read. I remain quite vexed with the discordant and dysfunctional relationships of Wuthering Heights while admiring the writing. Perhaps I just need someo
So Agnes Grey ended a bit abruptly and predictably, but it was a sweet story with insights into 19th century society, expectations of relationships, and what it means to live a life doing God's work. Anne Bronte's writing style in Agnes Grey most prominently showed that she was the daughter of a curate.
Overall, the three novels were a wonderful read. I remain quite vexed with the discordant and dysfunctional relationships of Wuthering Heights while admiring the writing. Perhaps I just need someone in the tale to wholly relate to. . .there wasn't one other than perhaps the maid who was responsible for much of the narration. I would still love to find a group to discuss the novel. . .but then again, I might have to re-read it and that might cause further vexation!
Still hoping to catch the movie re-make of Jane Eyre; that is what started me on this literary adventure.
Jane Eyre was definitely worth five stars and I plan on rereading some day. I tried to like Wuthering Heights, but Heathcliff was such an over the top villian that I would give it only 3 stars though I felt like the ending was satisfying and redeemed the middle section. Agnes Grey was too simple and predictable, but fairly sweet and well written enough to earn three stars from me.
In recent time, The Bronte Sisters have become one of my favourite classic authors. The entire history and story behind the women themselves is what intrigued me to give first Wuthering Heights, then ane Eyre a chance and each time I am left amazed. Though I have yet to read Agnes Grey by the last Bronte sister I hope to one day. Though they were written around the same time, by sisters years apart then spent many times together Wuthering Heights and ane Eyre could not be more different. Both no
In recent time, The Bronte Sisters have become one of my favourite classic authors. The entire history and story behind the women themselves is what intrigued me to give first Wuthering Heights, then ane Eyre a chance and each time I am left amazed. Though I have yet to read Agnes Grey by the last Bronte sister I hope to one day. Though they were written around the same time, by sisters years apart then spent many times together Wuthering Heights and ane Eyre could not be more different. Both novels really give a glimpse into the personalities of each of the authors. But still both amazing books that survived the test of time and centuries later still remains two of the most praised book.
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Jane Eyre - not bad, but a bit too lengthy considering the fairly simple plot. That was what I thought at 14, and my opinion did not change upon re-reading this at 20.
Wuthering Heights - the best of the three. I'd give it 5 stars were it the only novel in the book. Heathcliffe is definitely the antihero one loves to hate!
Agnes Grey - 1 star from me. Laborious to read, and not as rewarding as Jane Eyre which, despite its tiresome length, does have its highlights.
A great collection to have. Paperback, lightweight, reasonable size, and three great stories.
I am especially glad of the order in which they placed the works. The emotional turmoil of
Wuthering Heights
followed by the heartbreak of
Jane Eyre
and the (somewhat) more subdued love story of
Agnes Grey
. It's nice, and none too jarring to move from one tale to the next, if read straight through.
It was delightful to have the Brontë Sisters' novels collected like this. It is amazing what difference there is between them, but they are all wonderful in their own way.
Jane Eyre was dramatic, romantic and overflowing with descriptions of nature. Withering Heights was dark, twisted, but still moving. Agnes Grey was quiet and sweet. Very different books, but still great, wonderful books.
Recommends it for:
Everyone, who wants to consider Anne Bronte a mere shadow in comparison with her sisters
Why did publishers put in this edition
Agnes Grey
instead of much more powerful
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
?! It only adds to Anne being considered as a "minor Bronte".
It all started when the teacher said in class: "each one of you chose a book to read in spring break" and i was the only one of 29 students in my class that chose this book (maybe because i am the only one in my class the actually reads!!). And i didn't regret not even a little tinny bit! truly epic!
I have read Jane Eyre and just finished Wuthering Heights. I am taking a hiatus from the 18th century and will read Agnes Grey at a later date. Hopefully the third Bronte sister will not have such a gloomy tale to unfold as did her preceding sisters.
It was fun to re-read Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, and I had never even heard of Agnes Grey--much less have read it. Interesting account of a much put-upon governess by the least-known of the Bronte sisters.
Jane Erye was my favorite and I would give it 5 stars. Wuthering Hights was my second favorite and I would give it 4 stars. Agnes Grey is ok but is very short and I would give it 3 stars.
I love Jane, am impressed with her author, less so with her book. Incredible character, masterful grasp of the interior life and the English language. Not so much plot or setting though.
After reading this book I longed for discussion concerning so many things that intrigued me. How is it possible I missed reading this in school? Reader, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Emily Jane Brontë was a British novelist and poet, now best remembered for her only novel Wuthering Heights, a classic of English literature. Emily was the second eldest of the three surviving Brontë sisters, being younger than
Charlotte Brontë
and older than
Anne Brontë
. She published under the masculine pen name Ellis Bell.
Emily was born in Thornton, near Bradford in Yorkshire to Patrick Brontë
Emily Jane Brontë was a British novelist and poet, now best remembered for her only novel Wuthering Heights, a classic of English literature. Emily was the second eldest of the three surviving Brontë sisters, being younger than
Charlotte Brontë
and older than
Anne Brontë
. She published under the masculine pen name Ellis Bell.
Emily was born in Thornton, near Bradford in Yorkshire to Patrick Brontë and Maria Branwell. She was the younger sister of Charlotte Brontë and the fifth of six children. In 1824, the family moved to Haworth, where Emily's father was perpetual curate, and it was in these surroundings that their literary oddities flourished. In childhood, after the death of their mother, the three sisters and their brother Patrick Branwell Brontë created imaginary lands (Angria, Gondal, Gaaldine, Oceania), which were featured in stories they wrote. Little of Emily's work from this period survived, except for poems spoken by characters (The Brontës' Web of Childhood, Fannie Ratchford, 1941).
In 1842, Emily commenced work as a governess at Miss Patchett's Ladies Academy at Law Hill School, near Halifax, leaving after about six months due to homesickness. Later, with her sister Charlotte, she attended a private school in Brussels. They later tried to open up a school at their home, but had no pupils.
It was the discovery of Emily's poetic talent by Charlotte that led her and her sisters, Charlotte and Anne, to publish a joint collection of their poetry in 1846, Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell. To evade contemporary prejudice against female writers, the Brontë sisters adopted androgynous first names. All three retained the first letter of their first names: Charlotte became Currer Bell, Anne became Acton Bell, and Emily became Ellis Bell. In 1847, she published her only novel, Wuthering Heights, as two volumes of a three volume set (the last volume being Agnes Grey by her sister Anne). Its innovative structure somewhat puzzled critics. Although it received mixed reviews when it first came out, the book subsequently became an English literary classic. In 1850, Charlotte edited and published Wuthering Heights as a stand-alone novel and under Emily's real name.
Like her sisters, Emily's health had been weakened by the harsh local climate at home and at school. She caught a chill during the funeral of her brother in September, and, having refused all medical help, died on December 19, 1848 of tuberculosis, possibly caught from nursing her brother. She was interred in the Church of St. Michael and All Angels family capsule, Haworth, West Yorkshire, England.
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“The clock strikes off the hollow half-hours of all the life that is left to you, one by one.”
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“Yes Mrs Reed, to you i owe some fearful pangs of mental suffering, but i ought to forgive you, for you knew not what you did while rendering my heart strings, you thought you were only uprooting your bad propensities.”
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