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Original poster

Jane Eyre for an 11-year-old

20 replies

Themumsnot · 17/03/2011 21:27

DD2 told me today she really wants to read Jane Eyre. I'm not sure whether I should give her my copy, or find an abridged version for her. Although I love the book myself, I think it might be a bit much for her to cope with, not so much in terms of the plot but of the complexity of the writing. DD1 (13) has read it recently, but says she found the second half a bit boring - and DD2 is in no way as advanced in terms of what she reads as DD1.
Anyone know of any good abridged versions out there? Or would it be better for her to wait until she can fully understand the original text?

OP posts:
MarionCole · 17/03/2011 21:28

I would let her try the proper version, an abridged version seems sacrilege! If she can't cope with it she can always leave it. I don't think it's a particularly complex book if you just take it at face value.

Chaotica · 17/03/2011 21:32

I read it when I was about 10 (parents encouraged me) and it put me off all classical English literature well into adult life. I now really like the Brontes, but I really did not understand it at that age. (Might have been me though.)

LoopyLoopsChupaChups · 17/03/2011 21:34

I read it at 12 and loved it.

Original poster
Themumsnot · 17/03/2011 21:36

I guess I could give her my copy and see how she gets on. Isn't there a new film of it coming out soon, or have I imagined that?

OP posts:
Original poster
Themumsnot · 17/03/2011 21:37

Chaotica - that's what I am worried about!

OP posts:
wildstrawberryplace · 17/03/2011 21:38

I read it at about 11 and enjoyed it immensely. I don't think the language is difficult, in fact I think it's one of the most easily accessible of the classics of that type.

Just see how she gets on with your copy. Don't go for an abridged version.

I think kids should read anything they like and just skim the bits they can't get on with, rather than being discouraged from trying (not saying you are discouraging her, just that instead of getting discouraged, kids should be encouraged to try what they like and skim what they can't get on with).

IWillNotNeverEatATomato · 17/03/2011 21:43

I don't think I was much older when we studied it at school

Chaotica · 17/03/2011 21:45

I think you should just emphasize that she can always come back to these things later if it doesn't appeal. I didn't really get it at that age.

If she wants to read it, it would be mean to stop her. (I second those on here who say don't go for an abridged version.)

Original poster
Themumsnot · 17/03/2011 21:53

I will give it to her - maybe it's because I have studied it at university level myself that I am seeing complexity in it that she will probably not even notice.

OP posts:
DandyDan · 18/03/2011 23:47

Let her have a go if she fancies taking a look. I am reading it to my 12 yr old, and she is prefering that to reading it herself. Some of the elliptical conversations that Rochester has with Jane, and then that St John has with her, are quite difficult to understand at all unless you are a little older/

Grumpla · 18/03/2011 23:52

I'd offer her Wuthering Heights first.

Rebeccaruby · 19/03/2011 00:14

Give her the original version. I have never read the abridged version of anything, and I'm intrigued to know what sort of rubbish she would be offered.

Agree with Grumpla, though, I prefer Wuthering Heights too!

But well done for raising a daughter who wants to read that sort of literature Smile. Give her the proper version, and be proud of her.

CointreauVersial · 19/03/2011 00:40

It was our set book when I was in Year 7 (i.e. 11-12 yo). Go for it.

ViolaTricolor · 19/03/2011 01:25

I read it at that age or younger and loved it. Then when I reread it as an adult it seemed to be a different book. That's the great thing -- it means different things to you at different points in your life. She should go for it Smile.

thinkingkindly · 26/03/2011 21:57

I read it at that age and loved it.

laInfanta · 26/03/2011 21:59

I read it at 10, but only really enjoyed up until half way through

It's one of my favourites now though!

You should let her read the full version, she might enjoy all of it but if she doesn't at least it'll be stretching

02 · 26/03/2011 22:01

I had to read it in class at age 11. Go for the real undiluted version. Even if she only reads the first few chapters (which I think are easier for a young girl to relate to as they describe the younger Jane) she'll have dipped her toe into some cracking English literature.

PersonalClown · 26/03/2011 22:02

I read it at that age and it remains one of my favourite books ever.

If she wants to watch it, the latest BBC adaptation with Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens is , in my opinion, one of the best versions out there.

Himalaya · 26/03/2011 22:04

I read it at 11. I think young girls tend to be quite gripped with the first part of the book, where Jane is young, but then get a bit lost with the Jane-Rotchester relationship. At least that was my experience.

smartyparts · 26/03/2011 22:05

I was given it as a year 6 leaving present, along with Little Women. I read it then (aged 11) and loved it.

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