20 supremely cozy books and movies for hibernation season

17. Jane Eyre

Sometimes, “classics” become known as such for a reason. And, while some works of art can’t quite live up to their reputation, Jane Eyre is about as monumental as you might think. Sure, Jane herself might think she is “poor, obscure, plain, and little”, but she could really stand to give herself more credit.

This 1847 novel by Charlotte Brontë was practically revolutionary for its strong, principled heroine, spooky setting and moody romanticism. Even if you’ve read it 20 times already, its familiarity and strong characters are more than enough for another deeply cozy go-around.

Wait, are you actually one of those rare people who doesn’t know the plot of Jane Eyre? There’s no shame in that, as long as you promise to give the book a good try. It starts on, of course, young Jane Eyre. She’s your standard neglected orphan, first living with uncaring relatives and then in the cold squalor of a rural boarding school, Lowood Institution.

Jane eventually escapes the disease and gloom of Lowood by taking a position as a governess at Thornfield Hall. She’s to teach young Adele Varens, a ward of the mysterious Mr. Rochester, who owns Thornfield. Little does Jane know that the surly horse rider she encounters near the hall is Rochester himself.

Jane is initially unimpressed with him, though there’s a twinge of intrigue when she examines his moody manner. They soon become companions, and thus launched a literary trope of the moody loser getting the strong, female lead (can you tell I have equally strong Opinions about Rochester?).

That’s not all, however, for Thornfield seems to be haunted by a mysterious figure. Rochester himself has a haunting past, one which Jane may not be able to stomach no matter how much she’s swept up by Victorian romanticism. Darkness abounds, but there’s plenty of satisfying resolution and meaty subtext that will keep you satisfied for many cozy evenings.