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melina333's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
trin's review against another edition
3.0
Mystery box book #22!
Charlotte Brontë: I can fix him.
Emily Brontë: I can make him worse.
Anne Brontë: I'm leaving.
Look, in real life, Anne is probably right, and I appreciate what she's trying to say about the perilous situation of women who, in marriage, essentially become the property of their terrible husbands. But this book is wheat bread. Jane Eyre is cake.
(Which would make Wuthering Heights...idk, black licorice or something. Not at all to my personal taste, but y'all do you.)
Charlotte Brontë: I can fix him.
Emily Brontë: I can make him worse.
Anne Brontë: I'm leaving.
Look, in real life, Anne is probably right, and I appreciate what she's trying to say about the perilous situation of women who, in marriage, essentially become the property of their terrible husbands. But this book is wheat bread. Jane Eyre is cake.
(Which would make Wuthering Heights...idk, black licorice or something. Not at all to my personal taste, but y'all do you.)
aleitch's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
moodiereads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.25
I like Gilbert’s character. He may be hot headed in his passion for Helen that caused him to strike his ‘rival’ but nevertheless his devotion to her is admirable even more so his humbleness. He never looked at the material gains that he will have once he was able to marry her. Instead, he was willing to silently go than to make Helen suffer the consequences of an unsuitable match cause by the difference in rank. This part in the story really touched me. On the other hand (Helen’s thoughts on this matter also has a point), Helen says that if he loves her as much as she does him, that wouldn’t matter. She would only regret her decision if he disappointed her which I doubt he will.
When I started reading, I didn’t expect this to be in Gilbert’s perspective which is like a breath of fresh air since this type of love story is usually told from the female perspective. It gives a unique taste that we see the sufferings of a man in love—his emotions, insecurities and thoughts about the woman he loves. Anne Bronte’s story telling of Helen was told in the form of her diary and through the letters that she sends to her brother.
Did this story excite me? It didn’t, but I appreciate the message and symbolism it tells the readers. The novel strongly focuses on the dark side of marriage and the woman’s standing in society during that time. It was rigid, strict and disadvantageous to the women in case of a marriage like Helen’s to Huntingdon. But on the other side, it shows the strength of will and moral foundations embodied in Helen that was able to guide her way to real happiness.
nealagrace's review
4.0
IM DONE. WOW THAT WAS A ROLLERCOASTER. THIS WAS THE BEGINNING OF THE PLEASE JUST COMMUNICATE AND EVERYTHING WOULD BE FINE TROPE.
ajmaxwell1's review
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mitskacir's review
4.0
Tldr: Even women in the 1800s had to deal with priveledged white frat boys. Don’t marry one.
This is very much in line with other romances I've read from the 1800s, in that it narrates the meeting, subsequent relationship, and inevitable marriage of the leading male and female characters. It is a bit plodding, with lots of references to "propriety", and not much actually happens. However, it contrasts greatly with the other books I've read from this era in that it also details the failure of a relationship. Relationships are entered into for love (although of course money and station are always considered), and fall apart due to failings on the man's part that are normally romanticized, considered acceptable, or considered the woman's fault in contemporary novels (i.e. general grouchiness, alcoholism, infidelity, abuse, neglect, gaslighting, etc.). I did generally enjoy this novel, and appreciate its commentary and characterizations, considering the time period (and especially in comparison to Emily's Wuthering Heights). However, it did lack some of the excitement of Charlotte's Jane Eyre, despite being less problematic.
This is very much in line with other romances I've read from the 1800s, in that it narrates the meeting, subsequent relationship, and inevitable marriage of the leading male and female characters. It is a bit plodding, with lots of references to "propriety", and not much actually happens. However, it contrasts greatly with the other books I've read from this era in that it also details the failure of a relationship. Relationships are entered into for love (although of course money and station are always considered), and fall apart due to failings on the man's part that are normally romanticized, considered acceptable, or considered the woman's fault in contemporary novels (i.e. general grouchiness, alcoholism, infidelity, abuse, neglect, gaslighting, etc.). I did generally enjoy this novel, and appreciate its commentary and characterizations, considering the time period (and especially in comparison to Emily's Wuthering Heights). However, it did lack some of the excitement of Charlotte's Jane Eyre, despite being less problematic.