Jane Eyre

Tonight, the last pages of a book started 6 years ago, were read.
Although it took a long time, tonight an accomplishment was made.

Jane Eyre
2011 this book was opened and the first words read.
(Although having seen the movie, in many adaptations thanks to my aunt who was a fan)

Not truly understanding what was to come in the months that followed the starting of this novel, the book was already speaking into the wounds of my heart of the loss of friends. The words on the pages scolding the anger, and bitterness that was trying so desperately to take up residence in my heart.

Jane's friend Helen at boarding school, who was still a young girl, spoke to Jane saying,
"Life appears to me too short to be spent in nursing animosity or registering wrongs."
As I read those words upon the beach of Lake Huron in the company of a good friend

(who left me soon after with a lovely journal so I would remember always the words I read)

it moved me and started something inside I couldn't understand, preparing and strengthening me as I pondered those lines for weeks to come. A challenge, a grief for what I had allowed life to become and what I had lost sight of.
And a few short months later, life would offer me a new opportunity that changed the path I was on

Jane and I have grown together since that first day.
She has taught me a great deal.
And I have found deep truths, both biblical and personal, to encourage and challenge me in my journey of discovery and maturity

To be honest, I hesitated in reading this book, thinking I was not smart or capable enough to be able to read, or understand the old English words and fully grasp the originality, poetic beauty, deeply tragic and profound, classic story...

And here I find myself on the other side of the cover. 
Passages, lines, thoughts, and conversations highlighted to remember the incredible ability
Charlotte had to draw beautiful truths with words, that pierced my soul and found my eyes filling with tears, my heart swelling with both admiration and hope for this young character, Jane Eyre.

Some say Jane Eyre is too dark.
Too sad.
But perhaps there is more than meets the eye.
Hidden underneath the text, seen only with the heart.
Not just about a naive girl loving a man, too old, or too undeserving of her, but of someone whose heart soften and matured with wisdom.
From a young girl who held tightly to pain and anger who journeyed to become someone who learned to freely forgive, respect and love both herself and others deeply and purely.

Have you read Jane Eyre? Or seen an adaptation?
What are your thoughts on my 'new' literary friend...