I hereby call the first meeting of the RLA (Rochester Lovers Anonymous) Meeting to order. I'd like to thank one of our charter members, Heather, for suggesting the organization.

Please state your name and why you love the man.

I'm Linda1, and he's just so darn masculine and romantic that I just can't help myself. He puts on a tough exterior, but you know there's a tender, sweet giant within him. When all his pride and "bluff" are taken away, he has a heart that makes me melt. He's not good looking at all. In fact, great pains are taken to make sure that you are not left with the impression that he is a handsome man. Yet, he is handsome in his own way. He has a vulnerability that makes you want to hug him.

My name is Heather and I'm a, sigh, Rochester lover...

I think it was when I saw George C. Scott play him...heaven only knows, the actor isn't exactly Mel Gibson, but the film version was so vivid in my mind that I still recall it!
I'm just not sure what is was that triggered my reaction either...those little pleasantries that he exchanged with her?
It's not just another governess and master of the house thing, there's something about this guy I can't figure out!
I recently saw the Charlotte Gainsbourg version and it still left me breathless.
It could be that for once, the ordinary looking woman wins out...she's loved for herself..

Even though she could have gone for the safe bet, the kind of priggish moralistic preacher guy, well she didn't!

So join us one and all...

Linda...please...you're making me blush!

I suggest we all stand outside the school in the rain like Jane if this keeps up, and LA you're the first one!

Ohhhh, THAT Rochester! First one that came to mind was Rochester on the Jack Benny Show...... and why was it in the book corner? Oh my!

Who is Rochester?

small town in Kent?

I think the Rochester being referred to is a character in Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights. Took a few minutes to ring a bell while reading the first post!

Rochester is from Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre."

Oh well, I knew he came from Emily!

He isn't from Emily's novel. He's from her sister's (Charlotte) novel. Although related, they really aren't the same person.

Linda, guess we're alone on this one, perhaps no one else wants to admit it!

Who? Okay, okay, we found him again. Sounds like Rochester has lost his way -- maybe he'll find a route to France!

I'll admit it Linda and Bruyere -- he's all yours! And my deepest apologies Linda -- must have had Emily on my mind, not Charlotte. I'm outta here!

Nonono Bruyere and Linda, you're not alone! I am making a brief appearance here even though my colleague is breathing down my neck because I have to say hi and tell you that Jane and Mr. Rochester completely warped my ideas of how human relationships were supposed to work. I read the book first when I was about 12 and then about 3,479 times since. It convinced me that one day I would meet this unbelievably powerful and sexy man who would see right into my soul. We would relate on a completely different plane.

This has not happened. Hmmmm... What a great character, what an amazing book, what a terrible thing to happen to a 12-year old.

Hey didn't it spoil you for reality forever?

Can you imagine Rochester worrying about how many loads of wash you'd done? Or why you hadn't ironed his shirts?
He wouldn't be nodding off when you played your best piano pieces either, no way.
He'd be listening in rapt attention to your every note...
Just a walk around those moors would be enough to invigorate things and start over...thrilling passionate intellectual conversations.

Now all I need is a plumber who looks like Mel Gibson, I'd gladly bring him all the beer he needs.