Book Review - Villette

Villette by Charlotte Brontë
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A truly heartbreaking feat. A novel that left me numb with tears long after the final page. This is Charlotte Brontë at her absolute best! A novel inspired by her teaching career in Brussels, it is filled with vivid descriptions of the town of Villette, its tenants and the man that eventually won over her heart. I have read this novel countless times, and yet, I am still brought to the state of tears by the final chapter. Villette is a historical romance like none other, it deals with the harsh realities of life, a world where a young woman must make her own way in the world and chooses to put bread and butter on her table, rather than surrender to a life where she is forcibly dependent on others. As an educator, I can sympathize with young Lucy Snowe's experiences as she teaching in a polished boarding school for young girl's. She is eventually taken under the wing of an astute and rather temperamental head master where they frequently clash over religion, manner of dress, and way of life, but slowly and surely their friction is dissolved and they become the deepest of friends. I fell in love with this story (countless times) and found the plot of this story, aye, even the characters similar to my own life experiences. I will cherish this novel for all eternity. It will sit upon my bookshelf with pride. I hope to return to it annually as per tradition, and perhaps one day the sting of a romance that was never meant to be will cease to bring me to a state of tears, though it isn't likely. I recommend this read to anyone that enjoys historical romance, a good cry, and a love of the Brontë sister's works. It is a truly memorable read.

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