THE SECRET DIARIES OF CHARLOTTE BRONTË

Author: Syrie James ISBN: 9780061648373 6/2009 HISTORICAL FICTION Publisher: AVON
Time Period: 19th century Britain

"I have written about the joys of love. I have, in my secret heart, long dreamt of an intimate connection with a man; every Jane, I believe, deserves her Rochester." Though poor, plain, and unconnected, Charlotte Bronte possesses a deeply passionate side which she reveals only in her writings—creating Jane Eyre and other novels that stand among literature's most beloved works. Living a secluded life in the wilds of Yorkshire with her sisters Emily and Anne, their drug-addicted brother, and an eccentric father who is going blind, Charlotte Bronte dreams of a real love story as fiery as the ones she creates. But it is in the pages of her diary where Charlotte exposes her deepest feelings and desires—and the truth about her life, its triumphs and shattering disappointments, her family, the inspiration behind her work, her scandalous secret passion for the man she can never have . . . and her intense, dramatic relationship with the man she comes to love, the enigmatic Arthur Bell Nicholls. "Who is this man who has dared to ask for my hand? Why is my father so dead set against him? Why are half the residents of Haworth determined to lynch him—or shoot him?" From Syrie James, the acclaimed, bestselling author of The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, comes a powerfully compelling, intensely researched literary feat that blends historical fact and fiction to explore the passionate heart and unquiet soul of Charlotte Bronte. It is Charlotte's story, just as she might have written it herself.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I found THE SECRET DIARIES OF CHARLOTTE BRONTË to be as thrilling as any excellent novel, despite well-known material. James did a lovely job inhabiting her heroine’s mind and giving breath to a life. According to the author’s notes, most of what is fictionalized here is the information about Charlotte’s future husband because that is where the record is scantiest.

Charlotte and Anne come off best here. Branwell’s degeneracy and Emily’s untamed nature are displayed to chilling effect. I was left wanting to know more about their father. Frequently there are mentions of large numbers of unmarried daughters in the book. I can’t remember if there was a reason that the male population of Britain was decimated at that time, but I wondered why none of the bright Brontë daughters married except Charlotte.

As a writer who had a pregnancy-gone-wrong in my late thirties, I’ve identified with Charlotte’s end. That isn’t included in the diary, which ends on a happier note, but the author has including material at the back to round out the story.

I particularly enjoyed parts that showed the source materials for the novels. There is a great deal here for discussion, and I would highly recommend this for book groups and even classes.

Anyone who is a fan of the Brontë family will enjoy this book immensely. For myself, I’m going to read James' Austen book next, even if Charlotte didn’t appreciate the Austen novels!

Heather Hiestand