Villette in Pop Sugar's Annual Ultimate Reading Challenge

Sep 24, 2014 Celestem rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Lucy Snowe is a character I did not like. Charlotte Bronte places the reader firmly in the mind of Lucy, a woman who is always judging and constantly delivering her observations of people, situations, and her commentaries, or rather her ideas, on life. This is a fictional story that begins in the 1800’s in England, moves onto London, then France. We follow the life of a destitute teen, dependent on family, who ultimately finds some form of happiness through independence and allowing her true sel Lucy Snowe is a character I did not like. Charlotte Bronte places the reader firmly in the mind of Lucy, a woman who is always judging and constantly delivering her observations of people, situations, and her commentaries, or rather her ideas, on life. This is a fictional story that begins in the 1800’s in England, moves onto London, then France. We follow the life of a destitute teen, dependent on family, who ultimately finds some form of happiness through independence and allowing her true self to be seen.
Bronte’s writing is hard to follow at first, partly because of her poetic ramblings and vocabulary not often used today. I found that if you keep up with it, then you get into the swing and tempo of the writing so that her words become more understanding. French is used often throughout, all of which I didn’t understand. I don’t think it was meant for the reader to understand, to be honest. One gets the sense that Lucy does not approve of French culture or people, even though she ends up in France.
I began to love Lucy about half way through, but I really can’t pinpoint when or why. I just know that she becomes more accessible at some point and one can’t help but feel for her. In the end, I was rooting for her and would have liked nothing more than to have seen Lucy fixed, happy, and on her way. Unfortunately, Bronte doesn’t give the closure I was hoping for, but rather leaves the ending up to the reader. I read somewhere that her father didn’t like her ending, so she made it open ended. Of course, the reader can clearly see the author’s direction, but if she’s leaving it open then I choose what I want!
Did I mention that this is a true work of art? Please know that patience will be needed, but the payoff is immense. This book should be given a huge prize! It is complex and complete in every aspect. I cannot begin to describe how perfect it is because it is so subtle. Bronte’s language is pure beauty and she is able to translate Lucy’s thoughts onto paper in such an eloquent and intimate way. I truly felt that Lucy was confiding in me and that I knew her. She will be missed! ...more

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