Reader, this book was published in 1847. Back then, writers liked to describe every bird and leaf and brooklet. Dialogue often consisted of elaborate monologues. Many of the ideas and values of the time are outdated and even offensive today. Still, I couldn’t help but love it. I read an advanced copy, beautifully illustrated by Marjolein Bastin. This would be the perfect edition to own, with gorgeous watercolor paintings that Jane herself would aspire to create. What satisfied me about Jane Eyre was her spirit and character – she was unapologetically herself. She reminded me a little bit of Anne Shirley (except that Anne was more “apologetically” herself.) Jane just wants to be accepted for who she is, but she is unloved for most of her early life. The story follows Jane Eyre through several stages. Her childhood as an orphan living with cruel relatives is heartbreaking. She endures hardship at a poorly run boarding school. She is comfortable, but unfulfilled as a governess at Thor
Circe by Madeline Miller is a retelling of Greek myths from the point of view of Circe, daughter of the god Helios. I loved the title character, and I loved that she was reimagined as a relatable and complex character, rather than simply a villain. Circe is a misfit. She doesn’t get along with her family, she has a hard time following godly protocol. Zeus banishes her to an island, where she spends a lot of time with her own thoughts. But she also has some adventures. She evens the score with Zeus by having a fling with his son. She falls in love, has a child, makes some interesting friends and remarkable enemies. She turns some men into pigs (they deserved it). Circe may have been a goddess, but the best part about this character is her humanity, her compassion, and her longing to be accepted for herself. She is one of the best characters I have encountered in a while. I felt all the emotions through Circe’s loneliness, struggles and joys. I loved the deliciously descriptive wri