This Wish - Nicholas Sparks

The Wish by Nicholas Sparks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book tackles many sensitive topics in a tender and understanding way. Was it predictable? Sure. Did I mind? No.

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Wide Sargasso Sea - Jean Rhys

Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This isn't really a true retelling, but I wasn't sure what else to label it. It's the background story of "Bertha" from Jane Eyre. And I was interested in reading it and was disappointed to not really enjoy it.
I think part of the issue was the writing style and the fact I was confused through a good part of it (although reading SparkNotes definitely helped). I felt compassion for Antionette but also for Rochester, and those things conflicted.
I'm glad I read it. I'm also glad it was short. I will be donating my copy to the library as I don't plan to reread it.

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Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Okay, first of all I just have to say that I think I've spent my whole reading life confusing the Bronte sisters and their tales. I knew the plot of Jane Eyre before reading it. But I always ascribed said plot to Wuthering Heights thinking I had read the latter (and own it) but not the former. But upon reading this book, I've found that I was wrong. And now I find myself trying to sort out if I've ever even read Wuthering Heights. I really enjoyed this story. I appreciated Jane's character and her depth of integrity. I did not like any of her male cousins and am glad the book ended happily. Jane is a very spiritual, do the right thing girl. Temptation is there to lash out, to give in to her passions, etc. But at Lowood she learned to control those emotions and to act rationally and rightly. A part of me wondered if she lost a bit of herself in doing that, but in reflection I really don't think so. She became a truer version of herself. I think that Jane Eyre can give us all a deeper spiritual message and truth: I care for myself. I will respect myself. I will keep the laws given by God; sanctioned by man. I will hold to the principles received by me when I was sane, and not mad as I am now. Laws and principles are not for times when there is no temptation: they are for such moments as this, when body and soul rise in mutiny against their rigour; stringent are they; inviolate they shall be. If at my individual convenience I might break them, what would be their worth?
I pray I can remember well remember her words the next time I face temptation. And to plant my foot in what I know to be true and right and good.

January 2022
Reread (partially by audiobook) and liked it even more. Bumped it from 3 to 4 stars.

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