Charlotte Brontë

“ There is a vividness and distinctness of conception in it quite marvellous. The power of graphic delineation and expression is intense. There are scenes which, for strength and delicacy of emotion, are not transcended in the range of English fiction."—Examiner.
"'Shirley' is an admirable book; totally free from cant, affectation, or conventional tinsel of any kind; genuine English in the independence and uprightness of the tone of thought, in the purity of heart and feeling which pervade it; genuine English in the masculine vigour or rough originality of its conception of character ”

“ Another reflection springing from the narrative is—that temper is often spoiled in the years of childhood. 'The child is father to the man.' The pains and crosses of its youthful years are engrafted in its blood, and form a sullen and a violent disposition."—Britannia. ”

“ The execution of the painting is as perfect as the conception. It is a book for the enjoyment of a feeling heart and vigorous understanding."—Blackwood's Magazine.
"For many years there has been no work of such power, piquancy, and originality. Its very faults are on the side of vigour, and its beauties are all original. From out the depths of a sorrowing experience here is a voice speaking to the experience of thousands. It is a book of singular fascination."—Edinburgh Review.
"Almost all that we require in a novelist the writer has; perception of character and power of delineating it ”

“ He must not fancy himself in a London mansion, but in an old north-country manor-house, situated in the 'dreary, dreamy moorland,' far from the haunts of civilised men. There is, at all events, keeping in the book: the groups of figures and the scenery are in harmony with each other. There is a touch of Salvator Rosa in all."—Atlas.
"'Wuthering Heights' bears the stamp of a profoundly individual, strong, and passionate mind. ”

“ There is something in it of kin to Jane Austen's books, or Maria Edgeworth's, or Walter Scott's. There is human life as it is in England, in the thoughtful and toiling, the employing and labouring classes, with the women and clergy thereto appurtenant."—Globe. ”

“ Currer Bell's powers of description are displayed to greater advantage in this novel than in its predecessor."—Morning Post.
"'Shirley' is the anatomy of the female heart. It is a book which indicates exquisite feeling, and very great power of mind in the writer. The women are all divine."—Daily News. ”

“ It strongly shows the brutalising influence of unchecked passion. His characters are a commentary on the truth that there is no tyranny in the world like that which thoughts of evil exercise in the daring and reckless breast. ”