24 December 2008

200-word review: 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte


I should have read ‘Jane Eyre’ years ago, when I performed a monologue based on an extract from the novel at two drama festivals, but I started halfway through to save time and soon gave up. I wish now that I’d stuck at it, because this is a brilliant novel, deserving of its status as a classic work of English literature.

A plot summary wouldn’t do the story justice. It takes place over at least a decade, covering the childhood and early adulthood of the eponymous heroine, and incorporates several different storylines, the most famous being that of her relationship with Mr Rochester. I already knew the story, having seen a couple of screen adaptations, but this didn’t dampen my enjoyment of the novel. The use of language is bewitching, particularly the distinctive Bronte touch of incorporating landscape, weather and superstition into the narrative as if they are all inextricably linked.

The only bit I didn’t like was the section about Jane’s time in Morton, which, while not superfluous, seemed to drag and detract from the far more interesting love story. Other than that, I loved the novel and will almost certainly read it many time in years to come.

22 December 2008

This Week I will mostly be ...

... still knitting that cardigan! (Actually, reknitting part that I'd knitted far too big last time - it ain't gonna be done for Boxing Day as planned)
... reading 'Jane Eyre'
... watching Christmas TV and maybe 'Prince Caspian'
... overeating
... seeing my wonderful family (and hopefully hearing from big bro in South Korea)
... wishing all her friends, family and readers a very merry Christmas!

15 December 2008

This Week I will mostly be ...

... not rehearsing! Yay!
... partying at various Christmassy do's
... reading 'Jane Eyre'
... trying to finish the cardigan, although it would appear I don't have enough wool :S
... watching something, I can't remember what Lovefilm sent us
... basking in the glory of having done all my Christmas presents (and worrying that I've missed someone!)

09 December 2008

This Week I will mostly be ...

... reading past copies of 'Big Issue in the North' (had to return 'Jane Eyre' to the library so am reading odds and ends until I can get it back and finish it!)
... knitting the last bit of the cardigan when I have time
... either rehearsing or performing, tonight is my only night off until Sunday
... maybe watching 'Donnie Darko' if I get time
... wearing a nun costume
... very, very tired

01 December 2008

This Week I will mostly be ...

... rehearsing, rehearsing and rehearsing
... reading 'Jane Eyre'
... watching 'The Colour of Magic'
... hopefully finishing that blasted sleeve
... cold
... trying to build up flexitime so I can have Christmas Eve off (my train pass runs out on 23rd!)