When is was first published in 1847, Jane Eyre was described by one reviewer as a "book to make the pulses gallop and the heart beat". It is a novel of unique intensity and narrative suspense. Charlotte Brontë's novel was greeted as utterly original, not only for its suspense-driven plot – it had readers perched on the edge of their seats wondering what was in the attic – but for its psychological depth and the characterization of its heroine. The fact that Jane retains her inner strength and self-belief, despite her poverty, obscurity and plainness, makes her an irresistibly appealing character, though many of Brontë's Victorian readers found her unladylike and even immoral in her assertiveness. When it was written Jane Eyre was considered a radical, even rebellious, book for a woman to have written. A century and a half later, it still feels fresh and has lost none of its original power.

Gateshead Hall
The orphaned Jane Lives at Gateshead Hall, with her aunt Mrs Reed, until she is sent away to board at Lowood School.

Ferndean Manor
Following the fire at Thornfield Hall, Jane finds the blind and maimed Rochester at Ferndean Manor.

Haworth Parsonage
Charlotte Brontë lived at the parsonage in Haworth, where her father was the rector of the local church.

Thornfield Hall
Jane goes to work as a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she meets and falls in love with Mr Rochester.