Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

This classic is a fictional autobigraphy of Jane Eyre; starting from her childhood when she resides at Gateshead with her Aunt Reed and her despicable children, all of which who either bully her or mistreat her because she's a dependent and a toublesome burden in her Aunt's view. Following this, she is transfered to Lowood, an institute for educating orphans owned by the incredibly stingy and hypocrytical Mr.Brocklehurst where Jane thrives and absorbs knowledge for several years both as a student and then as a teacher until she securs the job of governess at Thornfield Hall. It is here that Mr.Rochester, the master of the estate, eventually forms a fondness for Jane and vice versa because of her worthy personality and wit. Despite the fact that they are socially unequal (governesses had low social status), Edward Rochester and Jane are "mentally" equal and are passionately in love with one another. Jane finally feels a sense of belonging somewhere, something she has been missing for a long time. However, there is an obstruction that blocks their path to the idyllic marriage they want in the form of a wild, malicious and aggressive being living on the mysterious third floor of Thornfield Hall. What or who is it?

I found this classic a lot more interesting and touching than "Pride and Prejudice" which compared to Jane Eyre, is relatively boring. This novel has very deep meanings as it conveys the gulf between the rich(aristocratic) and poor at that time, the typical atittudes of different classes and the main character of the story, Jane Eyre, is a woman of true intergrity and spirit. She's independent and is capable of making her own choices unlike most women back then who had limited roles and were often considered inferior. Unfortunately, the text in the novel is rather small but you get used to it and the version I read has helpful, hand-written annotations as well as a glossary.