I Used to Confuse the Book Jane Eyre with the Author Jane Austen đ«Ł
my thoughts on Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre
Happy mid-summer! How has life been for you? Any fun trips or books read?
One of the books I read as a part of My 20 Books of Summer 2025 was Jane Eyre by Charlotte BrontĂ«. I talked with a lot of people before diving into this book, which gave me a very varied perspective on what to expect. đ I heard a lot of extremes, from guys who loved the book to girls who hated the book. And of course, there were those that were in the middle.
Where do I land after I finished Jane Eyre? Read on to find out. đ
Synopsis:
âCharlotte BrontĂ« tells the story of orphaned Jane Eyre, who 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 Byronic, 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? A novel of intense power and intrigue, Jane Eyre dazzled readers with its passionate depiction of a woman's search for equality and freedom.â
My thoughts (with some slight spoilers):
First off, I enjoyed a lot of things about this book. Janeâs character arc was amazing, the plot was amazing, the story well-written - BUT.
The guys in this book, yâall.
Nearly every one of them is a walking red flag. How is Mr. Rochester even a main male character that snags a girl like Jane?? That didnât make sense at all. Perhaps Jane is a little too forgiving? ProbablyâŠ
Other than the male characters being totally two thumbs down (oooh except Janeâs relative who gives her and her cousins an inheritance! Heâs pretty cool), I thoroughly and unexpectedly enjoyed reading Jane Eyre.
Content:
I think other than a couple uses of the d*** word and taking the Lordâs name in vain, the language (and everything else for that matter) is clean.
I was surprised at how well Brontë wove the Christian religion into her story. In my opinion, it was very well done!
Do I recommend?
Yes. Yes I do. Those who will especially enjoy it though are the ones who like their classics to be a little dark and a little longer than usual. Oh, and if you want something vastly different than Jane Austen. But, like a good different.
Have you read Jane Eyre? If youâre doing one, how is your summer reading challenge going? Did you like this post? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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Thanks for reading. đ„°
(see you on the 16th)
I did Jane Eyre for highschool one year (...I used to confuse that book with Jane Austen too, so you're not alone XD.) I remember thinking I might not like such a long book, but was so glad I was wrong! I ended up really liking it, though Rochester and St. John were not favorites of mine lol.
I love Jane Eyre! Thank you so much for the thoughtful review, Nicole!
I'm not doing the Summer Reading Challenge; I did, however, just list a few books for July and August. I'm reading A Tale of Two Cities and Devotions by Mary Oliver in July, and probably Persuasion and another book in August. That way, I have books to focus on reading--and I can add in others if I wish!
Lovely post! I very much enjoyed it. đ