Among the books I have read Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte is a very interesting book. The novel begins with a ten-year-old orphan named Jane Eyre who is sent to live with her uncle’s family, the Reeds at Gateshead Hall. Mrs. Reed and her children take every opportunity to neglect and abuse her and remind her of her inferior status. Jane’s only salvation from daily humiliations is Bessie, the kindly servant who tells her stories and sings songs. One day Jane confronts her bullying cousin John, and Mrs. Reed punishes her by locking her up in the Red room where Mr. Reed died. Jane thinks she sees her uncle’s ghost, screams and faints. When she awakes, she is being cared for by Dr. Lloyd who suggests that she be sent to school. Mrs. Reed is happy to be rid of her troublesome charge and immediately sends Jane to the Lowood school. At Lowood which is run by the cruel and hypocritical Mr. Brocklehurst, the students never have enough to eat or warm clothes. Jane finds a pious friend Helen Burns and a sympathetic teacher Miss Temple under whose influence she becomes an excellent student. Unfortunately an epidemic of typhus fever breaks out at the school and Helen dies of consumption. I like this book because it teaches us to never give up.
Ruwani Sewwandi,
Grade 7,
Louvre College,
Pannipitiya.