Brontë Books

Those of us who admire the Brontes and their works owe a considerable debt to Juliet Barker. The letters provide a window into the lives of this talented family - in their own voices.

Ms Barker has provided just enough information around the letters to enable the reader to understand the context. For those readers who want more information, I recommend Ms Barkers biography 'The Brontes'.

Highly recommended.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

I recommend this book to anyone who is a Bronte fan. Because the letters were written mostly by Charlotte, they are very eloquent and narrative in their descriptions. In her letters, the reader can relate to her feelings of loss and loneliness when Branwell, Emily, and finally Anne passed away. It is truly sad that these 3 sisters were not able to live long lives, and that Emily and Anne did not receive the accolade they deserved while they were alive.

This is the one that, no matter how many other books you've read about the Brontes, is the best ever. The writer of this book doesn't hoard her knowledge, but shares it in such a way that the reader will be amazed that so much information has never before been made available to us common-folk. This book allows the reader to interpret, rather than tangle through spider webs.

Having purchased this book on a whim, I was delighted to find it so captivating. Barker lets the letters speak for themselves, only occasionally jumping in to clue the reader in on the context of the letters.

The book is broken into chapters by groups of years or phases of happenings with the Brontes. The first part of the book is filled with the letters about the happenings and dreams of the Brontes. In the latter half of the book you get a strong sense of Charlotte's growing isolation as her family vanishes around her in a very brief period of time.

The tragedy of this volume is that there aren't more letters from Emily, Anne, and Branwell. However, through Charlotte's letters you get a strong sense of what her siblings were like (or at least Charlotte's perception of them).

I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is researching the Brontes, or anyone who is just curious, as I was. It has made me want to go back and read Barker's first book on the Brontes, as well as others.

It is one thing to read a biographical account of the terribly short lives of the Brontes, it is quite another to read Charlotte's first-hand account of losing the people dearest to her. As I read her letters, I could sense the solitude at Haworth, feel the miserable weather, and hear the hollow ticking of the clock following each passing. The book is not all somber though. I am a new fan, and this book has left an indellible impression on me.

For all you out there who aren't very big fans of classical literature, I assure you that this book will not disappoint. This is a beautiful love story that isn't too hard to understand as far as classic books go, and is well worth the effort.

This is a beautiful love story about not so beautiful people. Which makes it even better. I really think it's one of the best books around in this genre. Some of the lines are priceless and the interaction between the two main characters is charming and yet painful at the same time. It's young love at it's very best. Bittersweet and oh so good.

Talk about a beautifully written book ! Written in the first person, the excellent writing of the author Charlotte Bronte is both beautiful to read and gripping in its story telling power.

What I found of particular interest was the moral character of Ms Eyre. There is a sense of absolute honesty about her, an honesty both to herself and in her sense towards other people that makes her truly stand out. For instance, Jane went through extreme hardships to do what she thought was morally a right thing to do, including relinquishing her lover. And then, when she has barely come out of extreme poverty, she finds out that her rich Uncle has left her a lot of money. She shows her character here by willingly sharing her inheritance with her newly discovered cousins.

And the way that she loves Rochester is simply too beautiful for me to describe here in words. Read the book, and let Charlotte Bronte describe it to you in her eloquent and heart rendering prose.

Haven't had a chance to read the book yet. But, it looks like it will be a great read. The book came as promised. It appears to be a high quality printing. If you are looking for this classic, I do recommend this printing.

Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre" has been one of my favorite novels since I first read it in high school. It is one of those special books which can be read and savored over and over, and seems to improve with each reading. The tale is narrated by Miss Eyre, herself, inviting a special and intimate relationship with the reader. It is through Jane that we meet and grow to care about, or hate, so many of the memorable characters one becomes acquainted with on these pages. And it is through her narrative, first as a little girl, then as a young woman, that Jane's complex persona is revealed. From an early age her morality, wit, determination, sheer grit and romanticism are evident.

Published in 1847, the novel, at first glance, appears to be another well written gothic romance, of the kind so popular in the Victorian Age, with its mystery, horror, brooding hero, touch of the melodramatic, and dark castle-like setting. The rise of poor orphaned Jane, who against all odds, redeems her tormented hero through her steadfast love, is really not unique at all. Charlotte Bronte did not, however, write a mere romance, no matter how riveting the read. Throughout, the author makes some serious statements about women's equality, the treatment of children, and of women forced into a dependent state during the Victorian epoch, religious hypocrisy, romantic relationships between men and women, the nature of true love, and the development of self. This is a beautifully written work of fiction which combines a riveting storyline, compelling characters, vivid descriptions along with a powerful testimony about the period in which the book was written.

Young Jane, orphaned at an early age, is grudgingly taken-in by her Aunt, Mrs. Reed, who seems to despise the child. The Reed children are spoiled rotten, and the eldest son is somewhat of a sadist who abuses his young cousin terribly. Aunt Reed always finds a reason to blame Jane for the household's ills. When the boy takes his torture too far and Jane attempts to defend herself, her aunt has her locked in the room where her uncle died, terrifying the poor girl into hysteria. Unwilling to care for the girl any longer, Mrs. Reed packs her off to the harsh Lowood School, a miserable charitable institution which is more like a prison than a place of education. Lowood's despicable headmaster, Rev. Brockelhurst, does everything in his power to break Jane's spirit. At one point, when he asks Jane how to avoid going to hell, she defiantly responds, "I must stay well and not die."

A particularly compassionate teacher recognizes Jane's intelligence and sensitivity and befriends the girl. When Jane graduates she stays to teach at Lowood until her mentor leaves to marry. Jane then decides it is time for a change, and applies for a position as a governess. She is offered a job at the distant Thornfield Manor. Mrs. Fairfax, Thornfield's housekeeper, welcomes her warmly and introduces her to the staff and to little girl who will be her pupil, the precocious Adele. She is not, however, introduced to all the household's inhabitants - especially not to one who inhabits the uppermost floor. Thornfield's owner, Mr. Rochester, (one of my favorite literary heroes), is away when our protagonist arrives, yet it is he who will have a most profound effect on her life - and she on his.

If you have not read "Jane Eyre" yet, why wait any longer? If you have not reread it for a few years, now's the time! My highest recommendations!

The Barnes and Noble Classic Edition provides an excellent Introduction and Notes by Susan Ostrov Weisser, a Professor of English at Adelphi University where she specializes in nineteenth-century literature and women's studies. Her research centers on women and romantic love in nineteenth-century literature, as well as on contemporary popular culture. This is a hardcover book. Highly recommended!
JANA

Contemporaries of Bronte's have called Jane Eyre an "anti-christian" novel. The novel, however, is full of biblical imagery. It is a story of God's influence on man's behavior I read this book as a requirement for an English Composition class. The story is enjoyable and tremendously uplifting. I would recommend it to any adult.

You have been under the watch of your cruel aunt, Mrs. Reed, as an orphan for quite some time. And the only person that gives you a finite amount of kindness when she can is their servant Bessie. But then, a certain incident can change your life forever. A certain fight with your malevolent cousin, John Reed. After this fight, her aunt sent her to stay locked in the red room where her uncle died. While isolated there with no one else she claims to have heard uncanny groans. Before you know it your wake up in the house of Mr. Lloyd, who advices Mrs. Reed to send you to school. Happily, you are sent away from your aunt and off to school, not knowing what the future holds.
This is your life living as Jane, in the book Jane Eyre, beautifully written by Charlotte Bronte. In this book, Jane goes through numerous ways of living her life, from a student, into becoming a teacher, to accepting a job as a governess of a little girl by the name of Adèle, which leads her to make a decision which can impact her life forever.
While Jane is teaching Adèle, she starts developing a secret love for Adèle's father Mr. Rochester. After spending some time with her, he in return begins to fall admire Jane. Mr. Rochester proposes to Jane, and Jane accepts puzzle-minded. But, a man by the name of Mr. Mason interrupts eagerly. Panting, he told the people gathered around that attend the wedding and the groom and bride themselves, that Mr. Rochester has a secret which now was revealed. He admits that the truth of this secret and shows them all.
Shocked, Jane has two decisions to chose from. Her decision leads her to meet three siblings. She is taken in to stay with the three siblings Diana, Mary, and St. John, she finds a shocking truth. Which gives her two different choices, which can lead her in two different paths. The question is which one is she going to choose.
Throughout this book, the suspense builds up as shocking secrets are revealed, hearts are attached, but then broken, leaving these characters broken hearted. The forgiveness of certain secrets that were kept a secret and should have been revealed. Also the forgiveness of minor fights between characters. This classical book, Jane Eyre, is an interesting read for everyone.

Jane Eyre is a timeless classic. This book combines great literature with the ever gripping universal theme of love. Bronte outdoes herself, as she passionately throws the reader into the life of a Victorian governess. The reader enters a world of heartbreak. The reader almost becomes Jane as she is neglected and mistreated by her aunt. One feels Jane's agony and desire for her master. We feel the pain as she leaves him upon discovering his wife. We feel her heart ripped open when she discovers the burnt down house. We rejoice when she and her now mamed lover are reunited. Whether male or female, whether in love or scorched by it, Jane Eyre captures the very essence of being human and experiencing love. Bronte does not speak of love, the reader does not merely read about it. Bronte immerses the reader into the experience of true love and all of the pains which come with it. Vicariously, through Jane, we delve into the matters of the heart--the only theme that truly makes a difference, and definitely composes great literature. Jane Eyre is a timeless classic.

Jane Eyre Book Review By Deborah Friedell Jane Eyre is the story of a "plain, small, and Quaker-like" governess who breaks through class barriers to win equal stature with the man she loves. She is a heroine not because she is beautiful and rich but because she has raw intelligence and compassion. In this classic piece of fiction, Charlotte Brontë showed a great command of the English language and proved to be a master storyteller. In Jane, Brontë created a character that is as multifaceted and as real as any living person I have ever known. Perhaps Jane seems real because she is -- her experiences mirror the author's. When the book begins, the ten-year-old orphaned Jane is in conflict with her aunt and cousins that raised her. After ten years of suffering at their hands she strikes back at them. Jane's aunt is unwilling to deal with her, and sends her to a charity school, the Lowood Institution. There, among great suffering, Jane becomes strong and learns about faith. After eight years at Lowood, she becomes the governess of Adéle, the French ward of Mr. Rochester a man cloaked in mystery and despair. Despite their twenty years age difference and their different castes they fall in love and plan to marry. At the marriage ceremony it is revealed that Rochester is already married to a Creole woman named Bertha, who Mr. Rochester keeps locked up in his home because she suffers from (what I believe to be) atypical general paresis, the consequence of a syphilitic infection. Jane runs away in despair, and for a time is homeless and starving. She is taken in by a clergyman and his two sisters. The clergyman, St. John Rivers, has a cold and insensitive nature that provides a stark contrast to Rochester's passion. Coincidentally (too coincidentally for this reader) when Jane inherits a legacy from an uncle it is discovered that the clergyman is Jane's cousin. This does not stop St. John from asking for Jane's hand in marriage and demanding that she accompany him as a missionary to India. Jane prays for guidance and hears Rochester calling her name. She travels back to him, and finds him blind and crippled due to a fire that Bertha had set, causing her death. All is forgiven; they marry and have one son. Jane receives a letter from St. John in India, saying that he is looking forward to his death and the rewards that come in heaven. In Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë created a timeless work of fiction. I am only a high school student, and have never been in love. However, I have trouble seeing anyone in love with Rochester. He is a proud man, bold, vindictive, impatient, eccentric, and untruthful. When he tries to seduce Jane he emanates a false sympathy for her, "You- poor and obscure, and small plain as you are- I entreat you to accept me for a husband." Charlotte Brontë is a good writer because she makes Jane's love seem logical, even if the reader does not like her choice. Jane Eyre is a great book because the author wrote about a subject she knew about-- herself. Like Jane, Brontë grew up without a mother and in her aunt's household. Brontë's two sisters died as a result of ill treatment at the Cowan Bridge School and subsequent tuberculosis, similar to the way Jane's friends died at Lowood. It has been rumored that Brontë fell in love with the husband of the woman who operated the school where she taught. This suffering may be the inspiration for Jane's despair over Rochester. Charlotte Brontë is rich in symbolism. The horse chestnut "struck by lightening in the night, and half of it split away" serves to foreshadow tragedy and fire. The fire that destroys Thornfield, cripples Rochester, and kills Bertha seems to be a work of God, similar to the lightening that befalls the tree. Jane's friend at Lowood, Helen Burns, supports Christian beliefs and seems closer to God than any of her biblical teachers, especially Mr. Brocklehurst. Helen's death of consumption can be viewed as a sacrifice because it teaches Jane a valuable lesson in faith that according to Christian doctrine may be enough to save her. Helen's tombstone reads "Resurgam" or "I shall rise again" making her into a Christ-like figure. Jane is able to endure homelessness and near starvation because of the faith that Helen gave her. Jane Eyre is a story about passion. Too much of it, and you end up like Bertha Mason. Too little, and you end up like St. John Rivers. In St. John's letter to Jane at the end of the book he says that he is looking forward to death and the rewards that come in heaven. However, those who have love, and just the right amount of passion, have no need for the gift of death, and can reap their rewards on Earth.

This book is exciting! Even though I'm a small-town girl and found some of the big-city realism (violence, bigotry, and rough language) a bit daunting, I nevertheless was mesmerized by the plot. I suppose that's because I could see myself being in the same situation as the main character, Carmen Madrid. Carmen is a nice guy, who is just trying to do his job. Along the way, he discovers things he wishes he didn't know -- a situation we all fear!

The plot moves quickly, and I always was eager to read the next chapter to find out what would happen next. The characters are vivid and the setting well described. I could see this being a movie because the author did a great job of continually revealing just enough information to make it intriguing, but not so much as to enable you to guess the ending. A perfect action-adventure-mystery plot in my opinion!

Addendum: You may find yourself pondering whether or not what is described in the book actually happens at any real-life dealership. I figure the answer is either irrelevant (because it's a novel not a documentary) or disturbing (because there may be more truths in it than you would ever like to have confirmed).

One thing is for sure: You'll never look at buying a car in quite the same way again!

The realism of this book is great... it is so real that you feel you are in the midst of the group having the discussions.... Trying to sell that car...making those crazy deals....raking in the bucks!
The Dealership is a fast paced - a mixture of mafia and gangs, drugs and sex.
Be ready for good reading!

This was a great book that was fun to read. It is an extremely fast read because you don't want to put it down.

Action, sex, drama and more - all in this story about a young salesman who gets pulled into new age organized crime and works with some really wild characters. I always wondered why it took so long to buy a car or settle the price, now I know. I could hardly put this down. You just can't predict what is going to happen next. Some of the people in here may seem like people you have met or worked with! It takes place in NY but it could be anywhere in the surburbs of a big city. Take a copy on vacation with you. If you are traveling, you won't look up until you are there.

I could see this book made into a movie, there is so much going on and such interesting type people that I can really picture walking past them on the street. Yet, what happened to Carmen Madrid is amazing. Read it and see for yourself.

I dedicated one of the poems in my recently published book of poems to Emily Bronte, and did so after falling in love with her own poetry. What divine spark burned within her bosom? What muses inspired her? Although we may never know, we can see their impact. Her poems are stunning, powerful, curious, entrancing.

This book is spellbinding and captivating. I couldn't put it down once I started it.

I dedicated one of the poems in my recently published book of poems to Emily Bronte, and did so after falling in love with her own poetry. What divine spark burned within her bosom? What muses inspired her? Although we may never know, we can see their impact. Her poems are stunning, powerful, curious, entancing.

Have you ever been at wits' end? Perhaps you believe in God but are shaking your fist at the sky and asking 'What are You thinking? How could you do this to me?' Then add for a bit more drama rejection, rejection and more rejection from those who don't understand one's unique artistic point of view. Last, add a dash of difficulty - yourself - you're not easy to deal with and bottomline the conventional is not your style. Then, you'll adore this book of poems by Emily Bronte. Most known for "Wuthering Heights" (which when repeatedly rejected by publishers - she would pack it up in the same wrapping and send it on again); some do not know what a great poet she was. Every facet of the human condition is explored in this little book - so readable, accessible, poignant and brilliant. For me, I never tire of reading it. And it's lovely to know that...she is still here.

While I am more familiar with Stevie's non-fiction works, including the indispensible Emily Bronte: Heretic, I found this novel to be absolutely delightful.

Even though I found the style to be a little narrative-heavy in places, Four Dreamers manages to entertain at every level. Anyone who has attended Bronte conferences or even joined Bronte listgroups on the Net, will recognize the spectrum of zany zealots that Stevie presents here. Incredibly, while the wackiness of the competing 'definitive theories' may seem laughably far-fetched, it is in fact, frighteningly representative of the reality.

Very strong characters, and a beautifully woven story, although I found the ending, though evocative, to be somewhat anti-climactic.

Two thumbs up... (Gorgeous photo of Stevie on the back cover flap.)

In the vein of "Moo", this book sends up several academic types, each in their own search for Emily Bronte at a conference dedicated to her in England. The writer manages to be touching, as well as funny, in her portrayal of the characters' relationships.

I enjoyed this book tremendously. The plot revolves around four people from varied backgrounds who are all interested, to some extent, in Emily Bronte. Their lives become intetwined and changed by each other, mostly through surprising effects of simple often unintentional acts of kindness.

While many social issues are referenced there is nothing strident or pedantic about this book, humor abounds throughout! To top it off the writing is exquisite and I will be lining up to read her next, should she be kind enough to write another!

This is a beautiful novel; funny, tender, poignant.Over it all is the spirit of Emily Bronte herself; but it is also a story of four lives touched by Emily's greatness, each flawed in their own way yet most sympathetic.The novel is compulsively readable, with a light touch yet a pervasive sense of tragedy.It is also in the tradition of spoof academia, a la AS Byatt or David Lodge, and the description of the Bronte conference is hilarious.Highly recommended

I recommend this volume of poetry to any Emily Bronte fan. I own a copy of this collection of poetry. I can certainly see traces of Wuthering Heights in these poems. My favorite poem (besides the Gondal poems) is a chilling account of a dark young man coming to a family's home for dinner. I'm not sure if the young man is human, ghost, or demon, but if you read this poem in this amazing collection you can judge for yourself. Also at the begining is an informative essay on the Gondal poems. I suggest that one should read that before beginning the poems because it is most helpful. Again this is a must-read book.

Emily Bronte's poetry is wild and beautiful. Ranging between gentle melancholy to fierce pride, her poems successfully capture human emotion. Many of her poems are about, or written from the viewpoint of the inhabitants of, the fictional kingdom of Gondal. Although these are set in an imaginary land, the Gondal poems stand well alongside the more personal verse. This particular volume is valuable because it includes a description and history of the Gondal saga Emily and her sister Anne created. It is often hard, in other collections, to tell which is personal and which is fictional, but here the Gondal poems are listed. This is very useful to those who wish to study this creation of the Bronte imagination. Also useful is the the chronological order of the poems (as far as can be determined), which makes it easy to follow her development as a poet. I recommend it highly.

Few who read Emily Bronte's poems and magnificent novel, Wuthering Heights, can fail to be moved by the sheer power of her language and insight. Though her tragic early death robbed the world of countless literary treasures, EJB's poetry here provides plenty of beautiful poetry (some of it foreshadowing WH) for those who love her to enjoy and study. Read it and savor it.

This book (and all in the portable poets collection from Everyman's Library) is wonderfully presented, bound, printed and the size is truly perfect for carrying around day to day or packing for a trip. The selection of Tennyson's work is broad - as such it is has something for everyone and every occasion, though if you have or desire a complete collection your money would be best spent elsewhere, unless you don't mind duplicates. As with all Everyman's Library publications it is hardcover with a nice cloth page marker, making it all the more portable.

This is one of the best collections of Tennyson's poems I have ever read. Tennyson's wonderful poems are artfully compiled into this book. I would recommend it to anyone who loves Tennyson's poetry or just wants to see what its all about.

According to Wikipedia , Tennyson is the second most quoted author in the English language, after Shakespeare. This collection provides a surprisingly broad survey of a poetic career spanning more than sixty years. The book is portable , attractively packaged and needing you, to take it on a trip to mountain or beach.( Or a mid-winter's read by the fireside.) The selections are often stirring and profound and there is an over-arching ambience of melancholia...." Come down , o maid , from yonder mountain height "...It's all high drama I tell ye.

This book rox! I don't know why most people don't know about it...it's so good! The whole plot is so twisted and intertwined with each other! The characters are cool! The conflict -- well, that's what the story's about! Not only that, it's full of suspense that once you start reading it, you just can't put it down! It keeps your knees bouncing and you bite your nails as you read through, wishing that you could read a bit faster. You think -- "I just want to know what happens to MArtina!" and when you find out you go "I just want to find out about GuS!" and so on till you're finished. And when you finish with the book, you'll have a nice, warm tingly feeling running through your veins.

I loved this book! I read it in one day, because I could not put it down! The twisted plot really keeps one rivited right until the end. Really good read, and it is a real shame that this little known book is out of print. I would love to see a pubishing house pick it up for a reissue.

Charlotte Bronte wrote a very short beginning to a novel, entitled 'Emma', which she never finished. Another author has picked it up and, based on various clues and the pieces's introduced characters, has continued the piece. The plot is gothic in the Bronte style, and the prose is very good and true to Bronte's style. The characters, as developed by the author, are engaging, and Emma herself is an impressive creation. One doesn't know how Bronte herself might have continued this piece, but the continuation/completion by this author make up for a satisfying, well-written story. I found it in a library and can't find it since- I am only sorry no one knows about it, and thus it's so hard to find! Bronte fans everywhere should have been treated to this well-done sequel.

Amanda Root does an excellent job of bringing the story to life. She seems to truly understand the message Charlotte Bronte communicates in her superb dialogue. This is my favorite audio CD. Amanda Root's telling of the story does not sound like someone reading from a book, but rather like someone living a life. I highly recommend this audio book.

I've never been an audiobook-ophile, but during a recent trial subscription to xm radio I've had the chance to hear books in the car and have become a fan.

I was enjoying this particular book in their "Classic" timeslot, but kept missing episodes, so I indulged in the purchase. This is a great reading; the actress gives vivid and nuanced performances of all the characters, bringing out much that I missed in my visual read of the book.

Amanda Root's rendition of Charlotte Bronte's classic comes to life in unabridged audio format, and is a highly recommended pick for two distinct audiences: adults who wish to recall Bronte's talents and pick up new nuances from a well-done audio reading by a real pro, and young adults who are reluctant readers but avid listeners, who will find this complete classic on cd provides unparalleled opportunity to find meaning in Bronte's words. Amanda Root has many TV and film credits to her name, including parts in many Shakespearean dramas: this background lends to a professional, dramatic production which makes for one of the best audio versions available.