I knew absolutely nothing about this book when I started reading it a few days ago. I knew that it was written by Charlotte Bronte, it was a favorite book for many, it was seen as a classic, and it was very long. But I knew nothing of the story or the characters (except for the obvious one, Jane Eyre). I avoided reviews so that I wouldn't get spoiled, and I started reading it with zero expectations.

And I was floored.

Jane Eyre as a character alone is plenty reason to love this book. Her narrative, her voice, was a complete surprise to me. I found her brave, sensible, independent, generous, and intelligent. She was a perfect character in my eyes but she herself had imperfections and weaknesses, and she freely commented on them in the book. I was completely infatuated with her storytelling. Jane's conscience became my own. Her struggles, her strange relationship with Mr. Rochester, her childhood and early womanhood--I felt a part of it all. Her narrative was so personal, uninhibited, and descriptive, that I truly felt I was the Reader she referred to on occasion, an invisible passenger accompanying her on her journey. Throughout the book I rooted for her, I grieved with her, and I wanted her to succeed and find peace. Other reviewers have commented on the fact that this is a dark novel, and I agree. Jane's childhood was painful to read almost. Some passages were so grave and bleak, I was as depressed as Jane felt. It just worked. Bronte writes in such a way that I could picture the darkness, the clouded skies, the creepy hallways, etc. I loved the scenery and didn't tire of Jane talking about it.

While the other characters in the story played significant roles in Jane's life, to me they were always in the background. It's not that I didn't care about them or their relationships with Jane, I just wanted to solely concentrate on her and what was going to happen to her. There were a few twists in this book that took me for a loop and had me at the edge of my seat almost. I couldn't put the book down. When I did, I thought of Jane and what would happen next. Would she be happy? Would she marry St. John and submit to his repeated requests? Would she ever find Mr. Rochester? Would he ever find her? Was he even alive?

Speaking of Mr. Rochester, what a strange man! What a difficult character to write. Bronte clearly didn't want Jane to have a knight in shining armor or an attractive stud. It was hard for me to appreciate Mr. Rochester at first. After reading so many YA novels I've gotten used to the usual love interests to these young female protagonists. They're either gorgeous or rich, mysterious and/or immortal, and perfect in every way. Mr. Rochester was a nice change from all of that, and so was Jane. When Mr. Rochester proposed to Jane the first time, I wanted her to be happy (like I said, I was very invested in the novel), morality and common sense be damned. I wanted her to rebel, take an opportunity and just be with the man. But when Jane held her ground I came to admire her all the more. Here's a woman with actual conviction and integrity. Who holds her values close and is willing to do the right thing, even if it costs her. And no stalking! Honestly it was a shock to the system.

To me, Jane is a true inspiration. Her generosity, her ability to see past people's faults and overall looks, and her determination to do the right thing even if it left her alone and without an "upstanding" position is nothing short of admirable. So yes, count me into the ever-growing Jane Eyre fanclub! I'm so glad I finally took the time to read this amazing piece of literature. Bronte is a literary genius, and I'm all the better for it.