From an artistic point of view, the most perfect of Charlotte Brontė's stories. Practically an autobiography, it abounds with rich humour and keen analysis of character.
Bretton's side; a mug of milk stood before her, a morsel of bread filled her hand, which lay passive on the table-cloth: she was not eating.
"How we shall conciliate this little creature," said Mrs. Bretton to me, "I don't know: she tastes nothing, and by her looks, she has not slept."
I expressed my confidence in the effects of time and kindness.
"If she were to take a fancy to anybody in the house, she would soon settle; but not till then," replied Mrs. Bretton.
PAULINA.
Some days elapsed, and it appeared she was not likely to take much of a fancy to anybody in the house. She was not exactly naughty or wilful: she was far from disobedient; but an object less conducive to comfort--to tranquillity even--than she presented, it was scarcely possible to have before one's eyes. She moped: no grown person could have performed that uncheering business better; no furrowed face of adult exile, longing
Almost as brilliant as Jane Eyre and far more engaging at the beginning. The plot is brilliant, but nothing when compared to the complex characters.
The story of Lucy Snowe and her life. Another one of Charlotte Bronte's literary gems.
