"Reader, I married him."

As promised, here is my "book report" on Jane Eyre.  It was more lovely and amazing than I anticipated!  Since I still have quite a bit of English major left in me, I fully expected to write a thoughtful essay pointing out fresh various connections and references.  Obviously, that didn't happen.  I was so overwhelmed by the beauty and unique quality of Charlotte Bronte's prose that I felt it was best to let her (and Jane) speak.  I marked my favorite quotes and paired them with fabulous items on Etsy that were inspired by Jane Eyre.  (And yes, my purse is one of them.  If I can't shamelessly promote my work on my blog, where can I?)

Jane Eyre art print by LeighsArt on Etsy

" . . . I like rudeness a great deal better than flattery.  I had rather be a thing than an angel."

Jane Eyre Book Dock for iPhone/iPod by CANTERWICK on Etsy

"[Rochester:] Who in the world cares for you?  or who will be injured by what you do?'

[Jane:] 'I care for myself.  The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will respect myself.  I will keep the law given by God; sanctioned by man.  I will hold tot he principles received by me when I was sane, and not mad--as I am now.  Laws and principles are not for the times when there is no temptation.'"

Jane, a Primitive Rag Doll Inspired by Jane Eyre by laurelaidesigns on Etsy

"And reader, you think I feared him in his blind ferocity?--if you do, you little know me.  A soft hope blent with my sorrow that soon I should dare to drop a kiss on that brow of rock, and on those lips so sternly sealed beneath it . . ."

Jane Eyre Crocheted Collar (Small) by primroseparasol on Etsy

"[Rochester] 'Am I hideous, Jane?'

[Jane:] 'Very sir: you always were, you know.'"

Jane Eyre art print by Leighsart on Etsy

"'I am no better than the old lightning-struck chestnut-tree in Thornfield orchard,' he remarked, ere long.  'And what right that ruin have to big a budding woodbine cover its decay with freshness?'"

Jane Eyre Altered Book Purse by bibliobags on Etsy

"'To be privileged to put my arms round what I value--to press my lips to what I love--to repose on what I trust: is that to make a sacrifice?  If so, then certainly I delight in sacrifice.'"

I also heartily recommend the 2011 film adaptation.  I know a few Jane fans who disliked the movie but I watched it a second time after I read the book and it made me love the movie even more.  Mia Wasikowska is perfect as Jane--quiet and small but with a powerful, honest gaze.  And Michael Fassbender as Mr. Rochester?  All I have to say is that I'm not sure I'd make the right choice in leaving him . . . I think I might just have to stick around and practice some bigamy if you know what I'm sayin'.