I read Jane Eyre for the first time as a young teenager and it impressed me deeply being a dramatic yet relatable story with romance, mystery and suspense. It led to the discovery of many other classics by proving that they aren’t necessarily dry and outdated.

But that was years ago, and it was time for a reread. I listened to the book in audio format, which worked perfectly, and experiencing it in the original language (I had only read the Finnish translation before) made the powerful lines feel even stronger and more expressive. In addition, I found completely new meanings in the details of the story having recently read Claire Harman’s biography of Charlotte Bronte.

I did detect some causes for criticism. However, the unlikely coincidences moving the plot forward, overdramatic dialogues and the occasional feeling that the story was unnecessarily prolonged weren’t enough to change my opinion of Jane Eyre in any significant way. I don’t find it at all surprising or exaggerated that this is one of the most beloved stories there is.