Shirley

By Charlotte Brontë, 1849

It was strange, it was unsual. What was strange must be wrong; what was unusual must be improper. Shirley was judged.

The novel is set in England at war, leading to depression and divisions in society. Such hurdles must the main characters overcome, especially as they belong from rival families.

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The book was published soon after several losses in the Brontë family, including Emily Brontë who imagined the universe of « Wuthering Heights ». Yet the story is deeply positive even if it spans difficult times. I also truly enjoyed the acurate style in which the author writes, both in English and in French. I just felt that the plot lacked of dynamics sometimes, and was somehow too extensive, conversly to « Jane Eyre ». All in all, a « coup de coeur » (a favorite)!

1. Let's start with the negative points. I felt that the character of Shirley came very late: I was confused of being acquainted with some Caroline all over the story! Furthermore I was initially lost as too many characters are introduced, along with their subplots (but I believe it was on purpose). I also missed someone like « Adèle » in Jane Eyre.
   

2. Nonetheless this book was wonderful. I loved the precision used by C. Brontë, for example refering to precise events in the Napoleonic Wars, and describing with great acuteness the psychology of her characters. In addition her French is quite good, better than mine indeed.
   

3. This novel was particularly moving. For example I remember when Robert missed Caroline and said he had felt her everywhere, as she had borne the famous « ring of Gyges ». This loss might refer to the losses of the siblings of the author... One among many moving scenes!

There are so many topics I could talk about, related to this novel. I must wind up this post however!

Medicis