This book is startlingly deep and profound on many levels that it makes me wonder that Jane Eyre receives most of the attention / accolades. Bronte gives us what is probably the most truthful and accurate look at life of a lower class citizen of this era. Knowing Bronte's biography fairly well, you can feel the author's deliberate attempt to be truthful to her readers as well as herself. Financial desperation, jealousy, frivolous love, true unblinded love, deep depression and human nature are the focus.

I've read many reviews from all time periods on this book and one thing stands out in this book I feel is missed. The cold and unfeeling way people of wealth view and interact with the world and how it deeply and sometimes devastatingly affects those of the lower class. For example, the lead character has no friends but for a Dr. and his mother, they know this, but for months go without even writing her a letter. Upon meeting up with her again they merely say, "Oh, I'm sure you've been fine and didn't think of us at all." Yet these are considered to be the people who have treated Lucy Snowe the kindest of most of her life.

The beginning is ambiguous as to who the main character is and the ending has some critics crying foul, but for this reader they worked its charm of mystery and pulled you into this woman's life.

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