Villette? Is it any good?

[AntonioGramsci]

I am in 2 minds about starting it...

Hard work IMO. Never been big on the Brontes though.

I loved Villette; to me, it's the best of the Brontes' books. Give it a go!

I enjoyed it and it does give you a side light on the influences that went into Jane Eyre.

Yes

Another vote for tedious. I too find the Brontes hard work. Sorry.

Loved it though found it emotionally draining. Read it when I was single in my 20s and found it abit traumatic though can't remember why. I would give it a go if you are in the mood.

I found it totally absorbing. More so than Wuthering Heights, but then I enjoy all the Bronte books.

if you like gallic broodiness adn english victimy ladies go for it. i seem to remember there were some classic anti french comments re. morality and compared to the fine upstanding english.

Better than Jane Eyre IMHO but, like all the Bronte books, hard going at times. Worth a read though.

actually i always mix up villette and the professor. but worth reading the two and comparing

Yes. One of those books where it is a little too real - based very much on episode in CB's life. She was a very dark but very modern writer in this book. I thought about it for a long time afterwards. Victorian sick heroine meme, but unbelievably well done. REcommended. But its dark I think so be in a good place if when you read it seriously. Don't miss it!

Thank you, I will give it a go and let you know.

Villette is a fantastic book, IMO. As good and then some as Jane Eyre though perhaps not as easy a read. Charlotte Bronte is a fabster.

another yes vote here - read it at uni. Works on various level - can either read it as simple story or insight into CB's life and other themes running through.
Make sure you're up to speed with your french though!

do it

be warned, she is utterly mad though, do not expect it to make sense

and do not read it in bed, tis a daylight-only one IMO

i seem to remember lots of confusion in teh garden.

LOVE IT! It breaks your heart thoroughly and very, very, very slowly. Sigh.

Bloody hell. Gramsci on mumsnet.
Do you fancy doing a webchat?

Villette is fab by the way.

I thought it was rubbish really, but can't have hated it too much as I did finish. Not a great Bronte fan (except for the obvious). Loathed Wittering Fights too.

Yes, I would recommend it. Made me want to read the Lives of the Saints too - tho' I never have! How are you getting on with it?