Danielle The Book Huntress ’s Comments (group member since Jan 22, 2011)

Danielle The Book Huntress ’s comments from the Classics for Beginners group.

34.The Haunted Hotel by Wilkie Collins (Novella)

I finished The Haunted Hotel by Wilkie Collins yesterday and I found it very enjoyable.

Welcome to all new members!

Cool! I'll pull out my copy.

Great advice, Zadignose.

I think Hitchhiker's Guide belongs on the list because it is a seminal work in science fiction.

I think that Rochester was just keeping up appearances and playing the society game with Blanche. He knew he couldn't marry her because he already was married. I think that he was also used to being a selfish and callous person by nature, and his relationship with Jane changed him over time. I do believed he loved her, but he lacks the conviction that Jane has. In his mind, it was okay to keep Jane as his bigamous wife/mistress because he loved her and she loved him. But Jane knew better, and that's why she left.

So while I don't consider Rochester to be a very moral man, I don't consider him evil, either. He's just a flawed person. I think that Jane was good for him and helped to see that there was something better for him.

Diana wrote: "One reason why I didn't like St. John was that he thought everyone had to have the same opinions as him or they had no character and/or should be banished to hell. He was quite droll and judgmenta..."

Exactly!

Layla, I am having that with Great Expectations. I put it down actually, and having felt a burning desire to start reading it again. I will do. I think it goes back to the whole idea of not being in a rush to read a classic book. It's not going anywhere, so I imagine one day I'll finish it.

Welcome, Mandy!

I agree with Pamela, word for word.

Welcome, Beckie and Regina.

I might have missed them, but I'd recommend The Call of the Wild and White Fang by Jack London.

Also Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson off the top of my head. I'll think of others when I get a chance.

Pamela, this is why I love this book so much. I don't think I've ever read a book where I was able to truly know and understand a character to the degree of Jane Eyre.

I think Rochester is the archetype for the damaged hero who needs saving by love. I don't think he's supposed to be a particularly good or decent guy. Honestly, with Jane Eyre's journey, it would not have made sense for her to end up with a Prince Charming. What I love about this story is that Jane always stays true to herself and doesn't compromise, and she is rewarded in the end. I don't think this novel is about Rochester. It's about Jane, from beginning to end.

Welcome, Kyle.

That's funny, Melissa!

I do see a strong romance in this story, but more importantly, it's about Jane Eyre, and that's why I love the book.

I agree with Pamela. I truly believe having Helen's unconditional love and acceptance helped her to realize that she was okay and she could love and believe in herself. From that point, she didn't need to mean, selfish and fearful.

I haven't watched William Hurt. I can't get my mind around him as Rochester. Maybe one day.

I don't think life married to Rochester will be without issues, but Jane is strong enough to handle them, and Rochester has learned what it feels like to live without her. I don't think he'll take her for granted. I think part of the message of this book is redemption, and I think Rochester is redeemed in the end.