This classic novel opens as ten-year-old Jane is fighting off her bullying cousin John Reed. Jane was orphaned at one year old, and is the ward of John's mother, Jane's aunt by marriage. Although Jane is bleeding and much smaller, her aunt opts to punish her by casting her into the "Red Room", where Jane's uncle had died ears earlier. The frightened Jane is made to stay till dark and is only released after suffering a panic attack. Her aunt resolves to put Jane away, on the advice of a hypocritical clergyman; Mr Brocklehurst is the headmaster of Lowood, a school for orphan girls. At Lowood, the girls' station in life is reinforced by homely uniforms, unheated wards, forced outdoor exercise in all weather, and meager rations. Corporal punishment and ridicule are rampant. The two bright spots are kindly Miss Temple, the superintendent, and Helen Byrnes, a student who befriends and encourages Jane. In Jane's first year, a tuberculosis epidemic spreads through Lowood, and about half the girls die, including Helen. The neighbors are aghast; they remove Mr Brocklehurst from his post and a new school is built. Healthier conditions ensue, and Jane thrives in her studies, excelling especially in French, drawing and painting. She spends 8 years total at Lowood, the last two as a teacher, before seeking employment outside the school. She is hired to tutor the French-speaking ward of a Mr Rochester at Thornfield Hall in the north of England. Jane and Adele are a good match, and the estate's housekeeper, Mrs Fairfax, welcomes Jane's company. Occasionally she hears odd noises at night, which she attributes to a crazy servant. When Jane finally meets Mr Rochester a few weeks into her tenure, she finds him cryptic and fascinating. He appears to be romantically involved with a beautiful high-born neighbor whom Jane finds to be shallow. But, unexpectedly, it appears to be Jane whom Mr Rochester grows to care for, and she reciprocates his affection. Yet there will be huge impediments to their future happiness, including another suitor for Jane.
While written 175 years ago, this story is still fresh and appealing. I could hardly put it down and eagerly raced through to the story's satisfying conclusion.
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