tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post1958132981560457833..comments2024-02-29T02:54:19.767-05:00Comments on Babbling Books: Villette by Charlotte Brontë Brian Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-8581097672569093872018-04-15T10:26:57.140-04:002018-04-15T10:26:57.140-04:00I really enjoyed your thoughts and analysis of thi...I really enjoyed your thoughts and analysis of this one. I'd love to get around to reading it one day, I am such an admirer of the Brontë sisters and I love Jane Eyre.Lindsayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08731930823596505781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-13865319764999371162018-04-12T19:41:09.379-04:002018-04-12T19:41:09.379-04:00Hi Richard - Parts if this were a little slow. Wit...Hi Richard - Parts if this were a little slow. With that, I ended up liking this a lot. It may be that I just esteem Jane Eyre so much. I think that it is one of the most profound books ever written. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-52510286290943530132018-04-12T18:18:18.181-04:002018-04-12T18:18:18.181-04:00I too have heard that Villette has more to offer i...I too have heard that <em>Villette</em> has more to offer in some regards than <em>Jane Eyre</em> (perhaps at Tom from <em>Wuthering Expectations</em>'s blog), so it was interesting to observe your disagreement with that view. Started this earlier in the year and then set it aside for later--partially on account of its sluggish pace. Hope to return to it later especially since that art criticism passage you excerpted is so rich in humorous goodies!Richardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01746599416342846897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-82527260947727081592018-04-08T16:33:47.627-04:002018-04-08T16:33:47.627-04:00Hi Maria - That is a really nice edition. I am rea...Hi Maria - That is a really nice edition. I am really curious as to what you will think of this book. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-23412295739732895222018-04-08T15:24:56.600-04:002018-04-08T15:24:56.600-04:00(I deleted the previous comment because of typos. ...(I deleted the previous comment because of typos. Lol.)<br /><br />P.P.S. Your review intrigued me so much, I went ahead and ordered this book from eBay. This hardcover edition has a GORGEOUS cover, designed by the award-winning Coralie Bickford-Smith. Check it out at the link below. <br /><br />https://www.ebay.com/itm/Villette-by-Charlotte-Bronte-English-Hardcover-Book-Free-Shipping/391482167826?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649<br />Maria Beharhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13635809880830316283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-66624938465904261562018-04-08T15:20:38.387-04:002018-04-08T15:20:38.387-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Maria Beharhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13635809880830316283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-58818147291824760332018-04-08T11:00:53.755-04:002018-04-08T11:00:53.755-04:00Hi Naida - This was a really good book with comple...Hi Naida - This was a really good book with complex and well crafted characters. But I thought that Jane Eyre was one of the best novels that I ever read. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-69637061362110619552018-04-08T09:13:53.185-04:002018-04-08T09:13:53.185-04:00I have heard of Villette but have not read it. It ...I have heard of Villette but have not read it. It sounds good. Lucy sounds like an interesting character and I like her take on the picture in the art museum.<br />I need to read Jane Eyre one day.The Bookwormhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10217390642323530030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-16882631634549167782018-04-05T07:04:39.313-04:002018-04-05T07:04:39.313-04:00Hi Sheree - As much as I did like this, I thought...Hi Sheree - As much as I did like this, I thought that Jane Eyre was superior. However, many people think differently. The only book that I have read by another Bronte was Wuthering Heights. Once again I like Jane Eyre better. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-66394071875669591712018-04-05T00:07:48.213-04:002018-04-05T00:07:48.213-04:00Yes! I've been looking forward to this one eve...Yes! I've been looking forward to this one ever since I read Jane Eyre and fell in love, but I was a little apprehensive that nothing could possibly live up to it. From your review, though, it sounds like it's going to be right up my alley. Charlotte was undoubtedly the superior Bronte! Thanks Brian :)Sheree @ Keeping Up With The Penguinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09387035714160789080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-34618434703357041972018-04-03T22:56:59.966-04:002018-04-03T22:56:59.966-04:00Hi Jane - I think that Lucy was a great character....Hi Jane - I think that Lucy was a great character.<br /><br />One reason I think that a lot folks liked this better then Jane Eyre is that they do not esteem Jane Eyre as much as some of us do. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-28296579590415671302018-04-03T18:20:09.814-04:002018-04-03T18:20:09.814-04:00So interesting to read your thoughts on Villette, ...So interesting to read your thoughts on Villette, since I recently finished it as well. Time has softened by view of Lucy somewhat, and I agree that she is a powerful, realistic character, flawed but striving. I do love how she won't let herself be talked down to. I also agree that it is not the masterpiece that is Jane Eyre--I'm not sure why some consider it superior.JaneGShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11094501834387622997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-28171738684033805702018-04-03T09:59:34.373-04:002018-04-03T09:59:34.373-04:00Hi Carol - The only other Charlotte Brontë that I’...Hi Carol - The only other Charlotte Brontë that I’ve read is Jane Eyre. I must give those others a try. <br /><br />If you read this. I would love to know what you think. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-26570328984996376462018-04-03T07:35:29.650-04:002018-04-03T07:35:29.650-04:00I picked up a secondhand copy of this book about 2...I picked up a secondhand copy of this book about 2 weeks ago. I thought I'd read it previously but after reading your review I realised I hadn't. I think I may have got mixed up with 'Shirley' or 'The Professor.'Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06820925595506920754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-19205297260696110362018-03-31T20:42:04.900-04:002018-03-31T20:42:04.900-04:00Thanks Maria.
I was hesitant to read more Charlo...Thanks Maria. <br /><br />I was hesitant to read more Charlotte Brontë myself for similar reasons. Jane Eyre seemed, and still does, unbeatable. I esteem Jane Eyre for all the reasons that you mention. In addition, I think that it dug into some elemental things about humanity particularly the masculine and the feminine. I thought that this book, while great character studies filled with positive things to recommend it, does not reach the stature of Jane Eyre. <br /><br />Lucy is great character like Jane. I found her to be bit more relaxed and humorous then Jane. I did not find much French bias in this book but I might have missed it. Some of the message of his book is critical of the Catholic Church and Catholic theology. However, Lucy goes out of her way to indicate that it would be wrong to have bias against people who are Catholic. Oddly, this is how a lot of modern humanist thinkers advocate as the most ethical and rational way to criticize various religions. <br /><br />Paul Emanuel was at times very overbearing and overcritical. Lucy was completely unintimidated by him however. Despite his flaws, he is very decent. <br /><br />Lucy is a bit snobbish. I tend to find snobbish people entertaining, at least in fiction. <br /><br />Have a great Easter!<br />Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-33685675537125342072018-03-31T18:58:37.969-04:002018-03-31T18:58:37.969-04:00P.S. Having read a couple of the comments above, I...P.S. Having read a couple of the comments above, I realize I neglected to say that I did find Lucy to be a bit snobbish. This is very clear from her analysis of that painting, even though that analysis is still funny. :)Maria Beharhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13635809880830316283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-21531723022542990882018-03-31T18:52:30.109-04:002018-03-31T18:52:30.109-04:00EXCELLENT commentary as usual, Brian!! :) :)
You...EXCELLENT commentary as usual, Brian!! :) :) <br /><br />You know, for years now, I have failed to make an effort to read Brontë's other novels. I've been so enamored of, and obsessed with, her masterpiece, "Jane Eyre", that I just haven't bothered with her other books. My (rather close-minded) opinion has always been that none of her other novels could possibly reach the stature of "Jane Eyre". Well, that might be the case, or it could simply be that the story contained in her most famous book is SO compelling, moving, and passionate, not to mention romantic, that I simply find it easier to ignore her other works. I am a bit ashamed of admitting this..... Her other novels might very well prove to be of the same lofty status as "Jane Eyre", but have not received the same level of acclaim precisely because of the turbulent emotional events in the latter. I would have to read those other novels in order to find out, though. And now I'm thinking that I really should.<br /><br />The female protagonist in "Villette" sure sounds interesting! Like Jane, she's a very dynamic, assertive person. I like that she stands firm on her own religious convictions, totally refusing to be swayed. <br /><br />Speaking of Lucy's religious convictions, the fact that, in this novel, Protestantism and Catholicism are contrasted is very interesting indeed, as I myself have felt torn between the two. Having been influenced to some extent by Protestant theology, I no longer hold to all of the Catholic dogmas I was brought up with. So I guess I'm kind of caught in the middle, lol. I sure would like to see how Lucy handles this conflict. <br /><br />I do think that, unfortunately, Charlotte Brontë (and perhaps Emily, as well) is somewhat bisaed against not only Catholicism, but the French, as well. I saw evidence of this in "Jane Eyre". But heck, EVERYONE has their flaws! I STILL ADORE this novel and its brilliant author!!<br /><br />Paul Emanuel sounds like a nice guy, without any of Rochester's darker side. Of course, it was this darker side that made that character so fascinating, lol.<br /><br />As for the prose, I was happy to see that it's of the same sublime quality as that of "Jane Eyre". I would have expected no less from this author. Her descriptions and thought processes are beautifully penned. And I thought that Lucy's "critical analysis" of the painting of "Cleopatra" was too funny! Thanks to all the detail, I got a pretty good idea of who the artist probably was -- Rubens. It sounds as if the model for the painting was very voluptuous, lol. <br /><br />I must make it a point to start reading Brontë's other novels. And, thanks to your very thorough, interesting review, I might very well start off with "villette"!<br /><br />Thanks for your wonderfully insightful commentary!! <3 : )<br /><br />Maria Beharhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13635809880830316283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-26722923494518429592018-03-29T04:47:37.107-04:002018-03-29T04:47:37.107-04:00Hi Evelina - The ending was hard to take. I do thi...Hi Evelina - The ending was hard to take. I do think that art needs to convey some of life’s sadness. But it was still hard to take. Jane Eyre is also one of my all time favorites. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-34904111410887972742018-03-29T04:39:12.641-04:002018-03-29T04:39:12.641-04:00This is one of my favorites, EXCEPT for that endin...This is one of my favorites, EXCEPT for that ending. Broke my heart :( I also wouldn't venture as far as saying that it's better than Jane Eyre - that's my favorite book OF EVER - but I believe it's like a reformed Jane Eyre, through more disappointed eyes. Because of the ending, mostly. It's like Jane Eyre, but gone haywire. And at the same time, that also gives the protagonist more freedom to live our her own potential, not just romance. But still... That ending :(Evelina @ AvalinahsBookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09564183695294142501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-6278925347286448932018-03-27T03:40:56.869-04:002018-03-27T03:40:56.869-04:00Thanks Baili - Lucy is a great character. In many ...Thanks Baili - Lucy is a great character. In many ways she was ahead of her time. Her refusal to buckle, in everyday situations is was not typical of the literature of the time. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-73338246628112739962018-03-26T08:02:24.490-04:002018-03-26T08:02:24.490-04:00I think this book is remarkably brilliant Brain!
...I think this book is remarkably brilliant Brain!<br /><br />Lucy sound like a POWERFUL personality who like wild flower groomed herself in uncertain and uncommon circumstances so amazingly!<br /><br />she sounds like an ideal woman and authentic character .<br /><br /><br /><br />i loved the way you reviewed this story in short summery my friend which is quite an achievement bailihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06498012175058870980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-23938647956277598822018-03-25T15:34:09.375-04:002018-03-25T15:34:09.375-04:00Hi Hila - The characters as well as so many passag...Hi Hila - The characters as well as so many passages in this book were so well done. The part in the art gallery was so good for the reasons that you mentioned as well as for Lucy’s art criticism. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-84606395907357609712018-03-25T15:31:07.242-04:002018-03-25T15:31:07.242-04:00Hi Jillian - I thought that Some passages in this ...Hi Jillian - I thought that Some passages in this book were haunting in a mystical way. Particularly those that took place during the Carnival and during the storm. <br /><br />Though I thought that Jane Eyrie was a far superior book. It is striking how many people disagree. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-88294723636429957452018-03-25T14:00:25.009-04:002018-03-25T14:00:25.009-04:00Lucy Snowe became one of my favorite narrators (an...Lucy Snowe became one of my favorite narrators (and characters) since I read Villette. I loved the narrative voice in this book and the complexities of the character - including the things Lucy held back and didn't share about herself. <br /><br />And yes, the scene in the gallery was wonderful, including M. Paul's making her sit in the corner and her amusement at his attempts to screen the world from her view. Their relationship is also interesting - contentious and yet full of fellowship and respect.HKatzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17653570160517335758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-23629487367593405602018-03-25T12:21:25.369-04:002018-03-25T12:21:25.369-04:00I really want to reread this one. I read it back i...I really want to reread this one. I read it back in 2012 (if I recall) & hardly wrote anything about it. I remember thinking that (I) considered it superior to Jane Eyre. I lacked the literary knowledge & experience to say why, but if I recall, it had a haunting quality. A strength combined with sadness, and this sense that Lucy was there and strong, and yet nearly invisible. A something that I found compelling.*ೃ༄ Jillianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14139487177036647728noreply@blogger.com