From The Dublin University Magazine.
"A novel of remarkable power and beauty, impressing us with the belief that many of the scenes, as well as the feelings described, are real. The story is one of woman's trials; a long and terrible struggle; and at last, the final triumph of principle over passion."
From The Examiner.
"'Jane Eyre' is a book of decided power. The thoughts are true, sound, and original; and the style, though rude and uncultivated here and there, is resolute, straightforward, and to the purpose. There are faults, which we may advert to presently; but there are also many beauties, and the object and moral of the work is excellent. Without being professedly didactic, the writer's intention (amongst other things) seems to be, to show how intellect and unswerving integrity may win their way, although oppressed by that predominating influence in society which is a mere consequence of the accidents of birth or fortune. There are, it is true, in this autobiography (which though relating to a woman, we do not believe to have been written by a woman), struggles, and throes, and misgivings, such as must necessarily occur in a contest where the advantages are all on one side; but in the end, the honesty, kindness of heart, and perseverance of the heroine, are seen triumphant over every obstacle. Altogether we can consistently recommend the reader to consult the three volumes which comprise the autobiography of 'Jane Eyre' at his earliest leisure, and to place them among his choicest favourites."
From The Atlas.
"This is not merely a work of great promise; it is one of absolute performance. It is one of the most powerful domestic romances which have been published for many years. It has little or nothing of the old conventional stamp upon it; none of the jaded, exhausted attributes of a worn-out vein of imagination, reproducing old incidents and old characters in new combinations; but is full of youthful vigour, of freshness and originality, of nervous diction and concentrated interest. The incidents, though striking, are subordinate to the main purpose of the piece, which depends not upon incident, but on the development of character; it is a tale of passion, not of action; and the passion rises at times to a height of tragic intensity which is almost sublime. It is a book to make the pulses gallop and the heart beat, and to fill the eyes with tears."
From The Weekly Chronicle.
"What we have to say about this work, may be summed up in a very few words—it is the most extraordinary production that has issued from the press for years. We know no author, who possesses such power as is exhibited in these three volumes—no writer, who can sustain such a calm, mental tone, and so deeply interest without having recourse to any startling expedients or blue-fire colouring, so prominent in modern literature. We do not know who 'Currer Bell' might be, but his name will stand very high in literature."
