In Can Jane Eyre Be Happy? John Sutherland poses a further 32 literary puzzles in a sequel to his cult classic Is Heathcliff a Murderer?  He explores the questions readers often ask but critics rarely discuss: Who gets what in Heathcliff's will? (Wuthering Heights), Who will Angel marry next? (Tess), How vulgar is Mrs. Elton? (Emma), Can Jane Eyre be happy? and many more.

This book examines the representation of female desire in a broad range of fiction from the late sixteenth century to the early nineteenth century, discussing key texts such as Jane Eyre, Pamela, Pride and Prejudice and Arcadia. It focuses on the emerging tensions between moral, social, and generic constraints on female behavior.