Shirley by Charlotte Bronte Review | Book Chats

I've read Shirley by Charlotte Bronte recently, and I think it might be one of my favourite novels now. I definitely liked it more than I thought I would. So in my review of this less-known novel by Charlotte Bronte (compared to Jane Eyre or Villette), I talk about the reading experience, what I liked about Shirley, how it compares (or contrasts?) with other novels from Charlotte Bronte, and other bookish things.

I am sorry about the terrible quality. The making of this video could not have gone any worse, from not having the right camera settings, hence the grainy footage, to the unchecked chatter, hence the long video. But hey, that last one was only because I loved Shirley so very much and had a lot to talk about!

Timestamps:
Intro 00:00
Industrial depression 01:28
The women question 04:43
A different novel 09:39
Rating and Recommendation 15:39
Outro 21:40

[Boylit]

What do you think of Shirley? Do you agree with what I said in my review? Is there anything you would add? Let me know.
Timestamps:
1- Intro 00:02
2- a. Industrial depression 01:28
b. The women question 04:43
3- A different novel 09:39
4- Rating and Recommendation 15:39
5 Outro 21:40

[huckleberry]

Yes, that's the point. The difference between Shirley and Caroline is that the former is the owner of her own life due to her position and wealth, but that is not the case of the latter.

[huckleberry]

I totally agree, Shirley is one of a kind and a very cleverly written novel . It's a long novel but I really enjoy it.

[huckleberry]

Very good review !!.I also found some of the dialogues absolutly brilliant. I remember that of Shirley and Mr Sympson, for instance.

[shoaka]

Thank you for the comprehensive review! I especially appreciated the examples given and the comparisons with other Charlotte Bronte's novels. The background music is definitely a plus! Keep it up 👍

[didierolvera]

I just found your channel. Loved the review! 🙂👍

[janetsmith]

Best book review I've heard for a long time. Very articulate. Now reading Shirley. But how will I spend my life afterwards? 🤣

[lubnah]

Social class was very important in 1811 or 1812. Shirley was in charge of her own establishment and money. She also was a benfactress to the community. This gives her a lot of power. Also, this was not quite the Victorian era. It was close to the 18th century and in the 18th century liberal life styles were more accepted than post 1850. Finally, I think we over stereotype women and over simplify gender roles from a century or two ago. There were always strong women every where in the world, and there were even governing queens at the time.

[milfredcummings]

I’m nearing the end of the novel, and I just wanted to hear, since I’m not an English speaker, whether I pronounce the names of the characters correctly. However, I was surprised by the quality of your analysis of the novel. I was expecting a retelling of content and similar things that mostly annoy me with videos like this about books. I was wondering have you read Coriolanus, given that this Shakespeare's play helps to better understand the character of one of the novel’s protagonists. I’m glad to hear that you think Villette is an even better novel considering I haven’t read it yet. I can’t compare Jane Eyre to this novel because it was the second novel I’ve read in my life and I can barely remember anything about Jane Eyre. I would have to reread it again.

[SandrineDamfino]

I might have to re-read Shirley in the future, to see if I like it better, because on my first read I didn't really enjoy it. I thought it felt dragged out, dry and hard to get through. I wasn't happy with the ending either. It's my least favourite Charlotte Brontë book (Villette is my favourite and Jane Eyre my second favourite)

[bighardbooks]

I'm reading _Shirley_ currently for this year's #Victober and enjoying it, very much!