A gorgeous masterpiece and a joy to read!
I had to read this short novel on an English course. But back then, it felt like a duty, and I didn't enjoy it much. I paid more attention to the analysis than the beauty of the language and conciseness of the dialogue and actions. I have gone back and read it slowly and found the whole experience entirely different.
Jean Rhys offers a great perspective of Antoinette's life and her marriage to Mr Rochester, whom I grew to loathe, something Jane Eyre had made me think was impossible. I love books where the setting comes alive and is as much a part of the story as any other character, where the author's knowledge of the place and its culture is crucial. I felt like I was back to my childhood in the Caribbean.
The use of symbols that crop back up at just the exact right moments is nothing short of masterful. The incisive dialogue is enchanting. There is no word or image wasted, everything has meaning... It's just absolutely lovely!