Orphaned Jane Eyre grows up in the home of her heartless aunt, where she endures loneliness and cruelty, and at a charity school with a harsh regime.

This troubled childhood strengthens Jane's natural independence and spirit - which prove necessary when she finds a position as governess at Thornfield Hall.

But when she finds love with her sardonic employer, Rochester, the discovery of his terrible secret forces her to make a choice.

Should she stay with him and live with the consequences, or follow her convictions, even if it means leaving the man she loves?

A novel of intense power and intrigue, "Jane Eyre" (1847) dazzled and shocked readers with its passionate depiction of a woman's search for equality and freedom.