Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Jane Eyre

   An Autobiography

   

   The novel follows the life of Jane Eyre, an orphan who is mistreated by her relatives and sent to a charity school. As she grows up, Jane becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she falls in love with the brooding and mysterious Mr. Rochester. However, she soon learns of a dark secret in his past that threatens their future together. The story is a profound exploration of a woman's self-discovery and her struggle for independence and love in a rigid Victorian society.

   The 24th Greatest Book of All Time

2. 2. Villette

   

   The novel follows the life of Lucy Snowe, a young Englishwoman with no family or prospects, who moves to the fictional French town of Villette to teach at a girls' school. As she navigates her new life, she becomes entangled in a love triangle with a fiery professor and a charismatic doctor. The story explores themes of isolation, independence, and the constraints of societal expectations for women.

   The 1376th Greatest Book of All Time

3. 3. Shirley

   A Tale

   

   Set in the industrializing England of the Napoleonic wars and Luddite revolts against mechanization, this novel centers on the contrasting lives of two women: the strong-willed Shirley Keeldar, who inherits her uncle's estate and assumes a traditionally masculine role as its manager, and the more timid Caroline Helstone, who lives with her uncle, a local clergyman. The narrative explores themes of gender, social class, and industrialization, as it follows the personal and romantic trials of these women. Their stories intertwine with the local mill owner, Robert Moore, who seeks to modernize his mill despite worker unrest, and the impact of these changes on the broader community. The novel examines the role of women in society and the ways in which they navigate the challenges of love, friendship, and societal expectations during a time of cultural and economic upheaval.

   The 3581st Greatest Book of All Time

4. 4. Jane Eyre An Authoritative Text, Backgrounds, Criticism A Norton Critical Edition

   An Authoritative Text, Backgrounds, Criticism

   

   This edition of the classic novel presents the life and struggles of an orphaned girl who overcomes a harsh upbringing to become a governess and eventually finds love and independence. Set in 19th-century England, the story explores themes of social class, morality, and gender roles, as the protagonist navigates complex relationships and personal challenges. The Norton Critical Edition includes authoritative text, historical and cultural contexts, and a selection of critical essays that provide deeper insights into the novel's enduring significance and literary impact.