Probably my favorite novel of the Victorian era. I had never finished it before but had long attempted to read it as a child. Now, at 26, this novel has so much depth and meaning for me. Jane’s struggle to balance faith and virtue with the longings of her heart feel real. Jane’s struggle to be seen as authentically and independently herself equally feel authentic, even now. Plus, this book is genuinely sexy in a way I don’t think any other Victorian era novel (or Regency era novel, as this far surpasses anything Austen wrote) I’ve read has fully accomplished.