"A work of astonishing power and passion. In it we read the actual thoughts and feelings of a strong, struggling soul." Westminster Review.
"'Villette' is not only a very able but a very pleasant book. It is a tale which, though here and there it is dashed with wonder and melancholy, is as a whole cheerful and piquant; abundant in clear, clean-cut, strongly drawn etchings, presenting so pleasant and effective a transcript of manners. English and Continental, that its success cannot fail to be remarkable."—Morning Chronicle.
"Everything written by Currer Bell is remarkable. She can touch nothing without leaving on it the stamp of originality. Of her three novels this is perhaps the strangest, the most astonishing, though not the best. The sustained ability is perhaps greater in 'Villette' than in its two predecessors. It is crowded with beauties, with good things, for which we look to the clear sight, deep feeling, and singular though not extensive experience of life, which we associate with the name of Currer Bell."—Daily News.
"'Villette' is entitled to take a very high place in the literature of fiction. The reader will find character nicely conceived and powerfully depicted; he will discover much quiet humour, a lively wit, brilliant dialogue, vivid descriptions, reflections both new and true, sentiment free from cant and conventionality, and bursts of eloquence and poetry, flashing here and there."—Critic.
"The fascination of genius dwells in this book, which is, in our judgment, superior to any of Currer Bell's previous efforts. For originality of conception, grasp of character, elaboration and consistency of detail, and picturesque force of expression, few works in the English language can stand the test of comparison with it."—Morning Post.
"A fiction of extraordinary literary power, and of singular fascination; it is one of the most absorbing of books, one of the most interesting of stories."—Globe.
"'Villette' may claim the unhesitating commendations of readers and critics. The autobiography of the heroine is at once natural, interesting, cheerful, piquant, and thoughtful."—Britannia.
