Shirley

Rating:
Summary: A Delightful Read
Review: The reason for the four stars is that I think it is not as good as Charlotte Bronte's best, the incomparable Jane Eyre. But it is, compared with most novels of today, very good indeed. The character of Shirley is wonderful. It is clear that Caroline is the protagonist, and that she is based on Charlotte herself and is therefore given the lion's share of attention. I consider this one of the book's few faults. The character of Robert Moore is beautifully drawn and I disagree with the editors that Louis is not. Although the device of the diary is a bit clumsy, the dialogue between Louis and Shirley is enthralling. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Don't be put off by the first chapters
Review: While I loved this book, there were some things I didn't like, but none that mean it doesn't deserve five stars. This is my favourite Charlotte Bronte book. i believe there is too much focus on Jane Eyre, or perhaps even Villette. There are a few coincidences in this story, especially one, which I can't mention without giving away part of the story. However these are common in CB, Villette being overun with them, and Jane Eyre ending up on the doorstep of her long lost cousins. Shirley is more believable. Another comment it the long speeches the characters often make. Apart from these though, this is one of my most loved books. It has been neglected, I feel, by the fact that the first 50 pages are very difficult to read, after that though, the story becomes apparent, and it's worth it. Something strange is that the heroine of the title doesn't appear, and is not mentioned until page 200, although she fairly dominates the rest of the book. Perhaps 'Shirley and Caroline' would have been a more appropriate title

Rating:
Summary: An unjustly overlooked classic.
Review: While not as romantic as _Jane Eyre_ or as perfectly-realized as _Villette_, _Shirley_ is in some ways Charlotte Bronte's most interesting novel for the modern reader. It grapples convincingly with feminist issues like female independence and freedom of action, dramatized by the title character (modeled on Charlotte's sister Emily) and her best friend Catherine. Also, in writing a historical novel of the Luddite rebellions, Bronte took on class issues boldly and quite successfully: any writer including Dickens would have to envy her artful, evocative rendering of conflict between early 19th century English merchants and laborers. The romantic ending is rather contrived, as she tried to reassure herself and her readers that hope is possible despite life's tragedies (her sisters Emily and Anne died while Charlotte was writing _Shirley_). My personal favorite of Bronte's work; a good bet for anyone who's willing to try a 19th century novel