Pride & Prejudice was a seminal reading experience for me. It, in many ways, guided me to where I am now in that it set me on the path of studying English literature. I devoured all of Jane Austen's books and the Brontës were next on my list. Jane Eyre was a revelation, as it continues to be for many readers, in how it broke with tradition and gave the reader an insight into a fascinating mind. I have ended up re-reading these books countless of times and I have discovered new ideas and themes each time. So naturally I find myself poring over various editions, always looking for those new angles. The Marjolein Bastin Classics Series was the latest. I will be reviewing these two together, since this review will mainly focus on design and layout, rather than the texts themselves. Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and Netgalley for the copies of the books in exchange for an honest review.

There is something about both Pride & Prejudice and Jane Eyre that provided something of a roadmap for me. Neither Elizabeth or Jane are considered particularly beautiful or accomplished, but they're both determined, proud and stubborn. They have their own ideas about the world and society they find themselves in. Where Elizabeth is very free with her opinions, Jane often keeps her opinions to herself and the reader, unless provoked. They are what I imagine "strong female characters" to be, strong in themselves, aware of their strengths and limitations, and not cowed by the powers that be. As such, I find the key imagery of "things that grow" quite fitting. Just like nature, both Elizabeth and Jane continue to grow, to develop and to flower and bloom in their own way. They are also both extraordinarily fond of nature, of the freedom it offers them as otherwise rather sheltered women. The purple tones for the cover of Pride & Prejudice struck me particularly, the perfect balance between warmth and cold, the passionate back and forth between hate and love. I was less enamoured with the soft tones on the Jane Eyre cover, but I can't deny it is very eye-catching.

The font and text size of both Pride & Prejudice and Jane Eyre are supremely readable. There is a nice, gentle slope to the font that I found very pleasing. There are also watercolour illustrations throughout both editions which are charming but occasionally felt a bit out-of-place. Perhaps I am biased by other illustrated editions, but I think I would have preferred more topical illustrations myself. At times these editions almost felt twee, a little too cutesy for their topics. However, the illustrations are undeniably beautiful and well-placed. I'm not quite sure whether it was due to my own copy, but I wasn't able to read or view the ephemera mentioned in the blurb. However, it sounds delightful. As such, these Marjolein Bastin Classics Series' editions would make stunning gifts for any Austen or Brontë fan! I myself know many reades who I would gladly gift this too.

The Marjolein Bastin Classics Series' editions of Pride & Prejudice and Jane Eyre are beautifully illustrated and very well designed. They are very readable and as long as the watercolour flower imagery works for you, you will find the reading experience very satisfying.

I have had this book on my TBR for years as I have been attempting to work my way through the classics. Sadly I ended up DNFing the book at 45 pages. The over all tone felt way too depressing and was just so wordy and overly descriptive. The only thing that I liked about this one was the gorgeous illustrations.

My thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing for a temporary digital edition via NetGalley of ‘Jane Eyre’ by Charlotte Brontë with Illustrations by Marjolein Bastin in exchange for an honest review.

‘Jane Eyre’ by Charlotte Brontë is not only considered a classic of nineteenth-century literature but subsequently has become a template for Gothic romance that continues to inform fiction written today.

This beautifully presented volume is part of the Marjolein Bastin Classics Series recently published by Andrews McMeel Publishing. Marjolein Bastin is a celebrated nature artist and her exquisitely detailed full colour illustrations of flora and fauna are found scattered throughout this novel.

Undoubtedly this would make a lovely gift or be a beautiful addition to any home library.

I first read this classic in high school. It has always been a favorite. I have re read it many times. Orphan Jane making her way through life and finding love.

Of course I LOVE Jane Eyre, so I wanted to get my hands on this one. The illustrations are beautiful and are very fitting.

Reader, this book was published in 1847. Back then, writers liked to describe every bird and leaf and brooklet. Dialogue often consisted of elaborate monologues. Many of the ideas and values of the time are outdated and even offensive today. Still, I couldn’t help but love it. I read an advanced copy, beautifully illustrated by Marjolein Bastin. This would be the perfect edition to own, with gorgeous watercolor paintings that Jane herself would aspire to create.
What satisfied me about Jane Eyre was her spirit and character – she was unapologetically herself. She reminded me a little bit of Anne Shirley (except that Anne was more “apologetically” herself.) Jane just wants to be accepted for who she is, but she is unloved for most of her early life.
The story follows Jane Eyre through several stages. Her childhood as an orphan living with cruel relatives is heartbreaking. She endures hardship at a poorly run boarding school. She is comfortable, but unfulfilled as a governess at Thornfield manor - but she is captivated by her master, Edward Rochester, with whom she develops a kindred bond. There is a mystery at Thornfield, and once Jane learns the truth she struggles to do what she thinks is right.
The novel has shortcomings. The love story is old-fashioned. I hated the way the insane (Creole) woman was portrayed as a hideous monster. I would love to read a more updated version of the story.

Marjolein Bastin has beautifully illustrated this all time classic with gorgeous flowers, the cover filled with beautiful pinks, oranges and yellows. Poppies and carnations abound inside the pages, bringing a floral effervescence to the story of Jane Eyre. The simplicity of the birds and petals scattered throughout also follow the seasons present in the book: when we're reading of January, birds on snow laden branches delight us and as spring reemerges, so do the blooms. Another beautifully illustrated edition!

The floral illustrations were lovely. They reflected the story nicely, starting off a bit bleak and bland, whereas as the story progressed and as Jane began becoming a woman, the artwork became more vibrant. I wish there were more illustrations. I was a bit disappointed because I had thought since Jane Eyre was already heavily embedded with botanical symbolism that those images and symbols would be included in the novel.

There is so much to love about this version of Jane Eyre. The little floral pieces throughout are a gorgeous addition to a classic book. Would be a beautiful addition to add to any bookshelf.

This beautifully illustrated edition of this beloved classic is a great addition to any library for fans of the Brontë sisters or classic literature in general. They'd make a great gift as well!

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Jane Eyre-A classic and one of my favourite books of all time. This edition is beautiful and would make someone a perfect gift. So very special.

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my personal opinion and others may disagree with me.

I love Jane Eyre. It's my favourite classic. The illustrations just add to the story, making it much more beautiful than it already is.

This book was sent to me as an ARC on NetGalley. However all opinions are of my own.
This, Jane Eyre was the first classic I have read. All of the illustrations throughout were beautiful and definitely made the book more captivating. I enjoyed the story, however, I struggled much with the writing style. Could this be because it is my first classic.

"I care for myself. The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will respect myself.”

Why does an atheist, privileged, latinx child from a two parent home relate to Jane Eyre on a visceral level? Your guess is as good as mine but here we are. I’ve read this approximately 5163637x times and it only gets better. At this point reading this book is like coming home.

Imagine being able to write this fluidly, in a way that seems both elaborate yet so incredibly accessible.

Jane is one of the most iconic heroines in literature.
Mr. Rochester - you eithe love him with a burning passion or absolutely loathe him - there is no in between, and that is by deliberate design.

What I didn't expect, was the atmosphere created by the lovely illustrations featured in this edition.
Minimal yet memorable. Elegant and sophisticated, this is a lovely addition to any shelf.
Whether this is the first time you're meeting Jane, or the 10th, this adventure is bound to be a pleasant one.

Jane Eyre is a classic.
Elements of the Gothic with Victorian principles during nineteenth century standards.

The theme of the lunatic in the attic started with Charlotte Bronte. Twists and turns just magnificent.

Jane Eyre has long been a favorite book of mine. I have read and reread it several times as watched many adaptations of it. Each time, I feel as if I am there with Jane. Experiencing her heartaches and sorrow and loneliness and desires and joy and determination. I love her resilience. Her strength. Her goodness. Her desire to be noticed and recognized. Her ability to bring light and joy to those around her just by being herself.

My review right now is more for this stunning edition. I saw it available to review and aside from it being Jane Eyre (no brainer in reading it again), the cover caught my eye with the striking beauty of it. I couldn't pass it up. This edition has been illustrated by Marjolein Bastin. If you love Jane and her story as much as I do and don't yet have a physical copy, this is one I would highly recommend for your personal library. The pages throughout the book are detailed with simplistic yet beautiful drawings. Flowers, plants, birds, etc. I loved diving back into Jane's story and world but it was an added joy to turn each page and have one of these illustrations there to greet me. I have a beautiful leather bound collection of the Bronte sisters' works, including Jane Eyre but I think I need to add this one to my collection. I had a digital review copy and can only image how much more stunning the physical copy is.

I loved joining Jane in her world again in this beautiful copy!

I received a copy from the publisher, Andrews McMeel Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

I love Jane Eyre so was excited to see this edition. The artwork is so beautiful. This will definitely be a great edition to own of a great classic.

This edition of Jane Eyre is beautiful and whimsical and places you right into Thornfield manor.

Jane Eyre is the story of an orphan finding her place in the world. She is unwanted in the home she grows up in and moves on to an all girl's school where she learns the importance of following rules and prayer. As an adult, she takes up a job as a governess in the home of one Mr. Rochester.

Jane falls in love and makes difficult choices advocating for herself in a time when women were to obey and remain silent.

Jane tells the story ten years later as a reflection of her life in a charming and endearing sort of way. You can't help but root for her and you can't help but get swept away in the imagery of Bronte's tale.

This edition of Jane Eyre is certainly aesthetically pleasing! The floral artwork throughout the book makes it perfect for a gift or as a collectors item. My only complaint is that the artwork doesn't progress the story at all. It certainly is beautiful but could go in any book and have the same effect.

Though Jane Eyre is a classic, I've always found it a little strange. Jane's life is tragically sad but it is a story that sucks you in. I love how so many have based works off of Bronte's famous tale. Overall, I would recommend this edition, I just wish the illustrations were more pertinent to the story.

A very prettily illustrated copy of Jane Eyre. It will no doubt decorate wonderfully any book shelf with all its little flowers and realistic birds in the margins and its beautiful bound. The text doesn’t need any introduction, it is as enthralling as ever and I am sure it will enchant many more readers.