Jane Eyre a book and movie review

When I was a sophomore in high school one of the books required for my English class was Jane Eyre. I started it, but didn't make it past Lowood school. I read the cliff notes, and watched a movie I found at the library and did my best to pass the test. As a junior in college I started realizing that I really wanted to read the classics. I hate to admit it but I had never even read a book by Jane Austen at that time. So I started to compile a list of the books I should read. I am still working on that list.

But I started out with Persuasion, then Pride and Prejudice, and fell in love. The summer I graduated I picked up Jane Eyre again. Only this time I could hardly put it down. I read it in a few days and enjoyed every single page. Over the years, Jane has become one of those characters that no longer exists in my mind as fiction, but seems like a friend, a real person who I value and who has made a lasting impression in my life.

A month ago I again picked up my now favorite book. I finished reading on April 15th, just in time to go see the new Jane Eyre movie out in theaters, with my sisters. I love the book Jane Eyre for many reasons, most of all because Jane is a strong woman of Great character.

I love as Mr. Rochester describes what he reads in Jane's face..." I can live alone, if self respect and circumstances require me so to do. I need not sell my soul to by bliss. I have an inward treasure born with me, which can keep me alive if all extraneous delights should be withheld, or offered only a price I cannot afford to give. Reason sits firm and holds the reins, and she will not let the feelings burst away and hurry her to wild chasms. The passions may rage furiously, like true heathens, as they are; and the desire may imagine all sorts of vain things: but judgement shall still have the last word in every argument, and the casting vote in every decision. Strong wind, earthquake-shock, and fire may pass by: but I shall follow the guiding of that still small voice which interprets the dictates of conscience."

I have to say I enjoyed this new movie. It was well cast and although they skipped and abbreviated several sections, to fit it into a movie time length, I thought it was well done. I thought it captured the essence of Jane Eyre and beautifully portrayed this timeless story.

My favorite version remains the Masterpiece Theater version of Jane Eyre (below). However I think it is definitely a close second. If you haven't seen either of these movies they are worth making the time to go see them. If you are in the Salt Lake City area, Jane Eyre is showing at the Broadway Theater.
Most of all if you haven't read Jane Eyre or haven't read it in awhile. I highly recommend adding this beautiful book to your list of "To Reads" Jane is who I strive to be like. Strong, kind, determined and most of all true to herself and the beliefs she holds dear. She is able to see real and true beauty and to understand love at a deep and intimate level. I could go on forever about Charlotte Bronte's masterpiece. I hope you get a chance to let this story into your heart.

Dickens & David Copperfield...Movie Review

So I have a very dear friend and her favorite book is David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. We give each other book suggestions. I have read quite a few of her favorites and she mine. However I have a tread for Dickens. It might have been that my first introduction to him was with Great Expectations in my Sophomore English Class in High School. I struggled through several chapters...eventually watched the movie and read the Cliff Notes. I have continued to find the task of reading Dickens Daunting.

My friend suggested I watch the 1999 Masterpiece Theater version of David Copperfield starring a young Daniel Radcliffe. For months the book and movie have sat at my home, and this past week I finally watched the movie. It has a wonderful storyline with typical Dicken's twists and turns. It shows characters that are like able and yet flawed. And others who are despicably evil. And others that you truly want to like, can see their potential for goodness and yet they choose poorly and sacrifice happiness. It is said to be a bit autobiographical of Dicken's life which was not always joyful.

It introduces wonderful characters and takes the viewer on a journey of understanding. So I have added David Copperfield to my list of TO READ's for 2011 and I am actually looking forward to reading Dickens.

My sister and I were talking today and we started talking about how as children we disliked certain foods, but now as adults with a different perspective many of our dislikes have been dispelled and now have become more bearable. Maybe like my sisters dislike and now tolerance for cucumbers I too will find a tolerance for the classics of Dickens. I certainly enjoyed the movie.

What are some of your new found book loves...or movies? I would love to hear.

Enjoy!

Em