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"The autobiography of 'Jane Eyre' is simply the development of a human mind: the growth, the strength, the restraint, direction, and subduing; the education and guidance, under formation, of a powerful intellect prompted by a strong will. The story invites the reader into the recesses of the human heart, and by its force detains him there until he has unravelled all the mystery of that most miraculous organ. The thread of the story is strung with pearls—pearls of thought and sentiment, and it winds round the reason and the affections. The reading of such a book as this is a healthful exercise, and we sincerely hope may prove as attractive as it must be profitable."

"Of all the novels we have read for years this is the most striking, and, we may add, the most interesting. Its style as well as its characters are unhackneyed, perfectly fresh and life-like. It is thoroughly English. The story is artistically managed, the characters boldly and vigorously drawn, and the whole calculated to interest and enchain the reader."

"The matter and moral of the book are good, and the style is also forcible and impressive: it may well be termed an extraordinary book of its kind, and as truly of a most noble purpose, considerable originality, and high promise. It will be read by most people with pleasure, and laid down by all with regret."

"The fiction belongs to that school where minute anatomy of the mind predominates over incidents; the last being made subordinate to description or the display of character. The book displays considerable skill in the plan, and great power, but rather shown in the writing than in the matter; and this vigour sustains a species of interest to the last."

"We have rarely met with a more deeply interesting story; the descriptions are vivid and striking, placing persons and things before one with rare reality; the characters, every one of them, are clearly and admirably drawn; the dialogue is natural, easy, and unflagging, and the mystery such as would baffle the keenest-scented reader."

"One of the best works of its class that has appeared for years. The style is fresh and vigorous, and the whole tone of the work is earnest. The knowledge of human nature displayed throughout, shows that the author's powers of observation and analysis of character are at once minute, close, discriminating, and comprehensive. In power of individualization, as well as in dramatic constructiveness of plot, the author excels. Altogether, the work is one of surpassing merit, and full of interest."