Readable Classics gently edits the great works of literature, retaining their essence and spirit, and making them more enjoyable and less frustrating to the modern reader. Jane Eyre, a novel of stunning power, romance and suspense, was an instant bestseller in 1847. It follows the spellbinding journey of a poor orphan girl who overcomes cruelty, loneliness, starvation and heartbreak on her quest for independence. Her passionate romance with rich, brooding Mr. Rochester, and her discovery of his devastating secret, forces her to choose between love and self-respect. Jane Eyre is the story of every woman who struggles for equality and dignity in a society that wants to deny her that right--as true in Victorian England as it is today.
Jane Eyre (Readable Classics)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By R. Kemp
Format:Paperback
Less than two pages into this "gentle" adaptation of my favorite romance, I knew it wasn't going to work for me. I continued to read, but not for long. It is virtually impossible to simplify to this extent without losing, or worse, changing the author's meaning. Compare the following quotations:
From the original: "...dreadful to me was the coming home in the raw twilight, with nipped fingers and toes, and a heart saddened by the chidings of Bessie, the nurse and humbled by the consciousness of my physical inferiority to Eliza, John, and Georgiana Reed..."
With help from Mr. Josephson: "It was dreadful coming home to Gateshead Hall in the raw twilight, with nipped fingers and toes, to be humiliated by my cousins -- Eliza, John, and Georgiana Reed."
Being humbled is not the same as being humiliated. Here Jane speaks of her internal world, her own comparison of her plain little person to the worldly beauty and fashionable attire of her cousins. In fact, much of what makes this book classic is the depth of Jane's internal world, and that is what is so lacking in this "improved" version.
Like another reviewer, I also read "Jane Eyre" when I was eleven, and I adored every bit of it, but I started to read "Pride and Prejudice" the same year and tossed it after fifty pages. I tried it again in high school and loved it. When I was nine, I read every Nancy Drew I could get my hands on; at ten, it was horse books. During the years of heavy required reading, my pleasure was science fiction; now, with a little time to spare I'm visiting some of the Dickens I missed along the way. My point is, people change. Classic literature shouldn't.
From the original: "...dreadful to me was the coming home in the raw twilight, with nipped fingers and toes, and a heart saddened by the chidings of Bessie, the nurse and humbled by the consciousness of my physical inferiority to Eliza, John, and Georgiana Reed..."
With help from Mr. Josephson: "It was dreadful coming home to Gateshead Hall in the raw twilight, with nipped fingers and toes, to be humiliated by my cousins -- Eliza, John, and Georgiana Reed."
Being humbled is not the same as being humiliated. Here Jane speaks of her internal world, her own comparison of her plain little person to the worldly beauty and fashionable attire of her cousins. In fact, much of what makes this book classic is the depth of Jane's internal world, and that is what is so lacking in this "improved" version.
Like another reviewer, I also read "Jane Eyre" when I was eleven, and I adored every bit of it, but I started to read "Pride and Prejudice" the same year and tossed it after fifty pages. I tried it again in high school and loved it. When I was nine, I read every Nancy Drew I could get my hands on; at ten, it was horse books. During the years of heavy required reading, my pleasure was science fiction; now, with a little time to spare I'm visiting some of the Dickens I missed along the way. My point is, people change. Classic literature shouldn't.
8 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Deb
Format:Paperback
Really? A classic novel edited to make it "more enjoyable"? This is ridiculous. If you want to read a novel, you ought to read THE novel--the FULL novel, no edits to make your life easier--and if you decide you just can't, for some reason, wrap your mind around the words the ORIGINAL author has written, then go read something else! Clearly, if you're having trouble understanding, then this book was not meant for you. Read it when you're older, or when you've begun to grasp the concept of the English language as it was spoken and written 200 years ago.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Subtlety, Wayne Josephson's revisiting of JANE EYRE breathes new life
November 26, 2009
Format:Paperback
There are two camps of readers when it comes to the classics - those who consider the original sacred and not to be bruised and those who long for a less ponderous version to concentrate on the story rather than becoming confused with syntax and stylistic problems. Wayne Josephson has managed to probably satisfy both camps in his re-working of Charlotte Bronte's JANE EYRE. Perhaps the many filmed versions of this great old story have aided both Josephson and us in returning to the classic novel: the story itself is well known to just about everyone now. But place your library copy next to Josephson's 're-working' and you will find that none of the grace and gentility of Bronte's writing is missing, but instead the characters emerge more clearly and the story is propelled more convincingly when the little Bronte dalliances with embroidered thoughts are revised/condensed/distilled. What Josephson has accomplished is making the original novel simply more accessible to the modern reader and for that reason those 'Protectors of the Great Literature Clan' should be happy. Their commitment to perpetuating the longevity of the great books is even more assured. Excellent work - from Bronte of course, and yes, from Wayne Josephson! Grady Harp, November 09
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Most people already know the plot of this Victorian classic, so I won't go into unnecessary details. For those of you who want a "readable" version of this novel to give to people who either don't read a great deal of classics or are starting out with their reading, or perhaps you're thinking of giving the book to a child or teen, then this version is a great find.
I had trepidations about this book. What if the wonderful narrative and dialogue are stripped away? But that does not happen. Yes, the narrative is a little less wordy than the original, but the essence of Jane Eyre remains. Truth is, I did not miss the original, because it didn't feel different to me. It still contains the dialogue that I love, especially the ones between Jane and Mr. Rochester, and the story flows as wonderfully as ever. So, yes, I suggest you give this edition to a beginner. I am sure he or she will fall in love with this memorable classic.
I had trepidations about this book. What if the wonderful narrative and dialogue are stripped away? But that does not happen. Yes, the narrative is a little less wordy than the original, but the essence of Jane Eyre remains. Truth is, I did not miss the original, because it didn't feel different to me. It still contains the dialogue that I love, especially the ones between Jane and Mr. Rochester, and the story flows as wonderfully as ever. So, yes, I suggest you give this edition to a beginner. I am sure he or she will fall in love with this memorable classic.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
My first experience with the original version of this book was not a happy one. No, dear reader, it was not, and although I can sense your outrage at my dreadful confession, I must persevere to tell you that it was required reading for Literature class, and that at the tender age of twelve, there were things far more palatable, and more interesting than the dusty pages of the school's copy of Jane Eyre.
Fortuitously, I managed to scrape through the final exam, a feat accomplished largely through a copy of the illustrated classic version purchased at a local bookstore in the comic book section.
As the decades passed, the urge to acquaint myself with the classics waxed and waned, and now, having seized the opportunity from Readable Classics, I can say that I finally understand the brilliance of this novel.
Interpreted in a style that retains the original suspense, romance, drama, heartbreak and intensity, this version can be easily read in two sittings, or one, if you have the time. This is a story of a woman way ahead of her time - outspoken, honest, passionate and resolute - who goes through a series of life-altering trials and tribulations in her pursuit of happiness.
If only this were available when I was still in high school!
Highly recommended for students, or to anyone who has been neglecting the classics in favor of modern best sellers.
Amanda Richards, December 26, 2009
Fortuitously, I managed to scrape through the final exam, a feat accomplished largely through a copy of the illustrated classic version purchased at a local bookstore in the comic book section.
As the decades passed, the urge to acquaint myself with the classics waxed and waned, and now, having seized the opportunity from Readable Classics, I can say that I finally understand the brilliance of this novel.
Interpreted in a style that retains the original suspense, romance, drama, heartbreak and intensity, this version can be easily read in two sittings, or one, if you have the time. This is a story of a woman way ahead of her time - outspoken, honest, passionate and resolute - who goes through a series of life-altering trials and tribulations in her pursuit of happiness.
If only this were available when I was still in high school!
Highly recommended for students, or to anyone who has been neglecting the classics in favor of modern best sellers.
Amanda Richards, December 26, 2009
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Jane Eyre
This book is written different than most. Sometimes it writes as though it is talking to you, I liked it. Her discriptions of things were great without over doing it.
Published 3 months ago by Patricia Hyde
1.0 out of 5 stars
This is Horrible!!!!!!
Ok, I bought this book because my English class requires me to buy it and read it.
First, I order this book on Jan 26th but it comes on Feb 11th, which my class has... Read more
First, I order this book on Jan 26th but it comes on Feb 11th, which my class has... Read more
Published 4 months ago by RITA
5.0 out of 5 stars
Easy reading of a much loved classic.
Read it many years ago and found this much easier reading. The classic story is always enjoyable and the price is unbelievable!
Published 4 months ago by Dianne W. Sanders
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love reading the classics on Kindle!!!
I am enjoying reading it, especially on my Kindle. My eyesight is getting worse and changing the font size is an enormous help. Is David Copperfield on Kindle? Read more
Published 6 months ago by Martha E. Chandler
4.0 out of 5 stars
It's a classic for a reason, it's a good book!
Jane Eyre is one of those novels that every educated person ought to read. It is a classic because it is a well written, timeless piece of art. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Student
4.0 out of 5 stars
"Uncovering an old car, dusting it off and finding a Glorious...
There are not many novels out there that can capture a glimpse of life itself. The narrative of Jane Eyre is just like "uncovering an old car, dusting it off and finding a Glorious... Read more
Published 19 months ago by Rovert
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of my favorite books of all time!
I have read Jane Eyre four times. I find it wonderful. Yes, I know, it is rather sexist, okay, a lot sexist; but it is delightful and romantic. Read more
Published on June 9, 2011 by Sonia
5.0 out of 5 stars
Much better than when I was 11 years old!
I first read "Jane Eyre" at age 11, and my recollection was that it was very dark and very hard for me to read, even though I was considered "gifted" and had skipped two full... Read more
Published on December 5, 2010 by S. Tully
5.0 out of 5 stars
A good read
"Readable Classics gently edits the great works of literature, retaining their essence and spirit, and making them more enjoyable and less frustrating to the modern reader. Read more
Published on June 7, 2010 by Walt
5.0 out of 5 stars
I was not let down!
Jane Eyre in all of its original splendor has been brought to readable classics. The original version has been adapted only to update the language to make it easier for the modern... Read more
Published on May 15, 2010 by CozyReadersCorner
