This book was devided into three parts, and I decided to write a review at the end of each "Volume", so here it goes:


"Volume I"

I almost hated Lucy! She's a hateful soul who sees herself better than everyone and yet dares to wish for love and company. She wants people's love and kindness when she offers none. She "bears with them" but never truly care or repect anyone. Then she fancies herself misunderstood and mistreated on those basis. I do believe her smart and observant, but it is not lack of physical beauty that makes her a mere shadow to others, it's her begrudging soul and indifference to almost everything enjoyable in life.


Here's the difference between Jane Eyre and Lucy Snowe: Jane was positively and indisputably good: heart and soul. Full of compassion and patience and charity to others which allowed them in many chancs to stomp all over her, and in other to be absolutely adored. While Lucy likes to dwell on her misfortunes and deem herself unlucky while she actually is the opposite! She had a home, a job somewhat easily found and almost not as much experience in life as Jane had, and therefore was a sharply cynical and acutely pessimistic creature and only at the age of 23!


I am not fond of Lucy Snowe so far. But I am in love with this book nonetheless.



"Volume II"

It felt so much like I was reading "Mansfield Park". I don't find myself attracted to the idea that the heroine is merely the story teller of a more interesting fates than her own! It felt at times that I was reading "Ellen" narrating in "Wuthering Heights" than a true Protagonist telling her story. That being said, I had a deep perspective and a better conviction that she would not suite the role of the Heroine's love interest because although they think alike it is not enough because her personality contradicts his and not in a good way. She shunns constant communication and prefers her chosen serious silence, while he seeks comfort in being a light soul, if he was to be with her he'd wilt and wither slowly. Theirs is the kind of relationship better not to be meddled with, but she isn't understanding it yet.


In this part of the book I believe it reached the climax of the story. Regardless of the many coincidences, the emotions are so real and the outcome of these wild chances are not entirely fiction!


Something bothered me a little in this book: The lack of conversations. Mostly it was refelctions even when the events are happening there isn't much said. I would have liked more verbal interaction.


It's funny why I'm almost always attracted to the vulgar characters! I find myself waiting for the mention of M. Paul much more than I'm anticipating Dr. John. I believe many who read this book would agree with me.


To end this volume properly I have to admit that despite of Lucy's faults I'm beginning to like her juuuuust a little bit!



"Volume III"

What CAN I say! to make a long story short, this part of the book captured and moved me the most, it felt as if I were waiting to read it since page 1. How had she changed! How things advanced, how she took hold of my attention and emotions in an incredible way that brought tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat.


I still hold to the believe that this is not my favorite book of hers, I have yet to find a match for Jane Eyre. But I dare say I was VERY moved by this story and could hardly wait patiently to get a hold of the book and read the next page with-an almost-desperate manner!


I do so recommend this book to any reader with a true taste for quality.

Now that I have a pang of regret upon finishing it too quickly, I must resign myself to another good book... Or maybe I'll wait for a day, this being the sort of read you need a recovery time after.