In this sense: superbly well written, a strong wholesome romance, theological, hilarious, and uplifting.
Disclaimers: I know some people don’t think Jane and Mr Rochester’s relationship is wholesome. Noted! Maybe I’m twisted but I loved every second of it 😆
Some describe Jane Eyre as dark, spooky, gothic, etc. To me, Charlotte Brontë’s wit is what shined brightest. So I’m not especially looking for a gothic tale, more one of Victorian style wit. (I’ve read all of Jane Austen’s work as well as the other Brontës.)
I really loved the theme of theology throughout Jane Eyre. From the extreme (though correct) practice of Helen Burns to the horribly cold and incorrect, though effective practice of St John, with Jane right there in the middle by being wholly reverent yet also able to enjoy life’s pleasures: I appreciated the gamut. The more I read classics the more I’m finding those with no theme of God tend to be dark and depressing, those with a God theme tend to uplift the soul. I’m going for uplifting!
I’m currently reading Tess of the D’Urbervilles and Thomas Hardy certainly checks the box of superb writing but I’m worried he won’t check any others.
Does anything else like Jane Eyre exist?
by terraformingSARS
2 Comments
If you have not given Charlotte Bronte’s sisters a shot, you can always do that. I suggest *The Tenant of Wildfell Hall* to start, and then *Wuthering Heights.* You are not going to find “wholesome romances” in either of them, but I am among those who do not feel that Jane and Rochester’s romance was particularly wholesome either. I’m willing to believe that Rochester improved over time, but in the period covered by the book, his behavior is deeply, deeply troubling. He’s not a good guy.
Jane Eyre is my favorite book. I feel like it is underrated how hilarious and witty it is. My second favorite and the one that gives me a somewhat similar vibe is Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. Now it doesn’t really have the flirty romance that Jane and Rochester have but it is a similar gothic creepy vibe with very good writing. I can’t remember the level of theologicalness or moral teachings so I can’t speak to that, but I enjoyed Rebecca a lot even though it is different than Jane Eyre. It might not check all the boxes you’ve listed here but i’d say it’s worth a shot if you liked Austen and all the Bronte’s other works.