So, without further ado, the first.
As I'm just in the starting point of my experiment, I honestly am terrified. I haven't written anything even remotely non-academic in English, I guess, since 2016-ish. I won't let it stop me, though.
I thought it'd be quite symbolic to begin with a book about a teacher that I have finished reading in January, 2025. Well, no time like the present:
#Review of The Professor by Charlotte Brontë.
Genre: #romance_novel
Although the official name was «The Professor, A Tale».
Book story: it was written in 1846, a bit before the famous Jane Eyre, however it was declined by several publishers, which led to the book only seeing the light of day in 1857, after Charlotte's death. The story is rumored to be based on the author's experiences in Brussels, where she was first a pupil, then a teacher at a school for girls. Later the plot was used in Villette, with a few transformations. Also, fun fact: Brontë sisters hated being teachers and were their happiest when a bit of inheritance gave them a chance to quit.
Why I chose this book: it was a suggestion for our Teacher's Book Club and it was the only Charlotte's book that I wasn't familiar with.

Initial impression: when I read The Professor, I had a strong feeling of the book being more like a draft than the final product. Some of the characters felt unfinished, some over-the-top and some were plain unnecessary. I definitely saw why the book was declined at first.
What I loved: her absolutely beautiful language. There is something about Brontë's sisters' writing that I find undeniably compelling. Comedic relief in some of the lines during arguments. Seriously, it's gold.
What I didn't like: lack of consistency. Some characters were so damn omittable. They affected nothing and had no purpose, no it's no surprise they were forgotten quite easily (Likely even by the author).

Final thoughts: I realise that it's Charlotte's first big work after poems, I really do. However, I can't help but think it was for the best that she abandoned the story and focused on other ideas. If you want to check out raw Charlotte Brontë in her most maximalist-ish era — The Professor is for you. If you seek the story it should have been, better opt out for Villette.

My rating: #Ok