Do you enjoy a good gothic novel? Do you wonder what it would have been like to be a part of a trio of three gifted sisters living a lonely existence in the moors? Then you will enjoy the All About the Brontes Challenge!
I have greatly enjoyed being a part of Stephanie's Written Word Everything Austen Challenge. Over the past few months, I have been inspired by her challenge to host my own challenge aimed at the exploring the Bronte sisters; their works, their lives, and the spin-off novels of today.
I have greatly enjoyed being a part of Stephanie's Written Word Everything Austen Challenge. Over the past few months, I have been inspired by her challenge to host my own challenge aimed at the exploring the Bronte sisters; their works, their lives, and the spin-off novels of today.
I have loved the Bronte sisters since I first became obsessed with them in high school. I read all of their novels in short order, have watched every movie version I can get my hands on, read countless biographies, and also enjoy reading any spin-off novels I can find. It's interesting that most Bronte based spin-off novels use the sisters themselves as main characters rather than their fictional creations. 
Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Bronte were three very talented sisters who lived in England during the Victorian age.
Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Bronte were three very talented sisters who lived in England during the Victorian age.
Charlotte Bronte was my first Bronte obssession. Her first novel, Jane Eyre, was a masterpiece. Bronte was able to take many of her real life experiences as a poor girl in a terrible school and later as a governess and bring them to life in this magnificent novel. The novel transcends just a tale of her personal trials by being a novel about a strong, independent, woman of the Victorian era who will not sacrifice her personal ideals for an easier road through life. 
Of course the gothic elements such as a Byronic hero in Edward Rochester and a mad woman in the attic make this a riveting tale. Her later novels (Shirley, Villette, and The Professor) are also good reads, although I must confess that Jane Eyre remains to me the best of the bunch.
Of course the gothic elements such as a Byronic hero in Edward Rochester and a mad woman in the attic make this a riveting tale. Her later novels (Shirley, Villette, and The Professor) are also good reads, although I must confess that Jane Eyre remains to me the best of the bunch. I then discovered Emily Bronte. Emily only lived a short, brief live, but she was able to 
produce one fantastic novel of immense passion, Wuthering Heights. Poor Anne Bronte is often forgotten as the youngest sister, but I must admit that I love her novel The Tenant of Wildfell Hall as well as Agnes Grey. I rate The Tenant of Wildfell Hall up there as a masterpiece with Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights.
produce one fantastic novel of immense passion, Wuthering Heights. Poor Anne Bronte is often forgotten as the youngest sister, but I must admit that I love her novel The Tenant of Wildfell Hall as well as Agnes Grey. I rate The Tenant of Wildfell Hall up there as a masterpiece with Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights.Challenge Details
1. The All About the Brontes challenge will run from January 1st to June 30, 2010. You can post a review before this date if you wish.
2. You can read a book, watch a movie, listen to an audiobook, anything Bronte related that you would like. Reading, watching, or listening to a favorite Bronte related item again for the second, third, or more time is also allowed.
3. The goal will be to read, watch, listen, to 3 to 6 (or beyond) anything Bronte items.
4. Please sign-up by posting your blog entry on the number of items and what items you would like to do for this challenge below in Mr. Linky (Don't just post your blog's URL). Don't worry, you can do different things than you have listed. I myself am not always good at sticking to lists!
5. On January 1st (or slightly before), I will have a post on this blog where reviews of each Bronte item can be linked in.
6. Enjoy!
What Bronte items can you read/watch/listen to? There are plenty! Here are a few suggestions.
The Original Works
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte*
Villette by Charlotte Bronte*
Shirley by Charlotte Bronte*
The Professor by Charlotte Bronte*
Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte*
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte*
Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell
Juvenilia by Charlotte Bronte
-The Secret
-Mina Laury
-Orgins of Angria
-Marian vs. Zenobia
-Mary
-Mina Laury
-Elizabeth
Biographical Works/Literary Criticism
The Life of Charlotte Bronte by Elizabeth Gaskell*
Charlotte Bronte: A Passionate Life by Lyndall Gordon*
The Art of the Brontes by Christine Alexander and Jane Sellars
Selected Letters of Charlotte Bronte edited by Margaret Smith
Charlotte Bronte: A Writer's Life by Rebecca Fraser
Charlotte Bronte: A Writer's Life by Rebecca Fraser
Charlotte Bronte: Unquiet Soul by Margot Peters
Bronte by Glyn Hughes
The Three Brontes by May Sinclair
The Brontes by Juliet Barker
The Brontes: A Beginner's Guide by Steve Eddy*
The Oxford Companion to the Brontes by Christine Alexander
The Bronte Myth by Lucasta Miller
In the Footsteps of the Brontes by Ellis Chadwick
Spin-offs/Modern Reworkings/Brontes as Fictional Characters/Etc.
Emma Brown: A Novel from the Unfinished Manuscript by Charlotte Bronte by Clare Boylan*
The Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys
The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fford*
Here on Earth by Alice Hoffman*
Emily's Ghost: A Novel of the Bronte Sisters by Denise Giardina
Jane Eyre's Daughter by Elizabeth Newark
Jane Airhead by Kay Woodward
Jillian Dare by Melanie M. Jeschke
The Taste of Sorrow by Jude Morgan
The Heights by Brian James
Becoming Jane Eyre by Sheila Kohler
The Infernal World of Branwell Bronte by Daphne Du Maurier
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier (an original work inspired by Jane Eyre)*
Jamaica Inn by Daphne Du Maurier (an original work inspired by Wuthering Heights)*
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield (definitely a gothic tale in the vein of Jane Eyre)*
The Brontes went to Woolworths by Rachel Ferguson
Coldwater by Mardi Mcconnochie*
Being Emily by Anne Donovan
The Crimes of Charlotte Bronte by James Tully*
Heathcliff: The Return to Wuthering Heights by Lin Haire-Sargeant
Thornfield Hall: Jane Eyre's Hidden Story by Emma Tennant
Return to Wuthering Heights by Anna L'Estrange*
Jenna Starborn by Sharon Shinn
Movies/Mini-series
Wuthering Heights (1939 - starring Laurence Oliver)*
Wuthering Heights (1939 - starring Laurence Oliver)*
Wuthering Heights (1970 - starring Timothy Dalton)
Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights (1992 - starring Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes)*
Wuthering Heights (Masterpiece Theatre 1998)
Wuthering Heights (2003 for MTV)
Wuthering Heights (Masterpiece Theatre 2009)*
Jane Eyre (1934)
Jane Eyre (1944)*
Jane Eyre (BBC - 1970)
Jane Eyre (1983 miniseries starring Timothy Dalton)*
Jane Eyre (1996)*
Jane Eyre (1997 A&E movie)*
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1996 - Masterpiece Theatre starring Tara Fitzgerald and Toby Stephens)*
Villette (1970 BBC mini-series also adapted in 1999 as a BBC Radio production)
Rebecca (1940)*
Rebecca (2003 DVD - Masterpiece Theatre)*
Jamaica Inn (1939)*
Jamaica Inn (1983 TV Movie)
Devotion (1946 - highly fictionalized account of the Bronte sisters lives)
*Feel free to ask me questions. I have read or watched these items.
A couple of great blogs to check out for more information about the Brontes and related works are:
Any more suggesions? Please comment below and I'll add to the list! Please don't feel limited by the list, think of it as a starting point.
Thank-you to Gricel for the wonderful new challenge logo!
Please sign-up by posting your blog entry on the number of items and what items you would like to do for this challenge below in Mr. Linky. Please do not just post your blog URL.
41 comments:
This looks like fun. I've read all the novels except Agnes Grey. Jane Eyre is one of my favorite books. Also, just thought I'd let you know that there is a Masterpiece Classic version of Rebecca as well. I loved the 2009 MC adaptation of Wuthering Heights!!!
I'll add on the Masterpiece Version of Rebecca . . . although I try to forget about that version as I hated it:-) It was totally miscast. It would be fun to discuss though with others!!
This is THE COOLEST!!!! I am sooo joining up!!! Jane Eyre is my favorite novel ever! Can't wait to begin January! It'll be fun just like Jane Austen challenge has been, thanks so much for hosting this...it'll give me a reason to read the rest of the bronte sisters!
I loved the version with Laurence Olivier...the newer one was different...but I haven't as yet read the novel so I will have to judge better then!
I guess my problem with the Masterpiece Theatre Rebecca was I hated the two leads in their parts. Charles Dance was way too old to be Maxim, and Emilia Fox (while good in the 1995 P&P) appeared way too young to be Mrs. DeWinter. It ended up looking like a romance between a grandpa and his grandaughter and it grossed me out. I think my other problem was that I love the 1940's version with Laurence Oliver so much it's hard to see other actors take on their iconic rolls.
I really like how the last few WH movies have included both generations. I also love the Masterpiece Theatre Jane Eyre. While it strayed from the novel by adding some passion, it kept the Rivers cousins and the second half of the novel unlike previous version which cut it all out. I loved Timothy Dalton as Mr. Rochester, but the 80's version was pretty dry.
What are your favorite Bronte movies?
Also - I should note that I read a lot of biographies in the past, but I can't remember which ones in particular:-)
I haven't seen the MC Rebecca in a long time (probably since it originally came out in 03), but in the book she is very young, and he is in his forties. I just recently bought the Hitchcock version and having just reread the book was disappointed. I'm going to try the MC version and see if it's any closer to the book.
Was there a Jane Eyre where Emily Watson played Jane? I think I've seen the A&E, but I can't remember. I've watched the latest one (2007), and liked it, but kept thinking there was another version l liked better. I need to research that!
What fun! (My poor husband will be tortured with all this romantic movie viewing! He's a good guy and will insist that it's fine, but I know better than that.)
I need to look this up, but can't help but think Jamaica Inn had to have been inspired by Wuthering Heights. There is a very Heathcliff like character in it as well as the importance of the wildness of the moors to the story line.
I looked it up. Emily Watson did not play Jane. I think the version I really liked was the A&E version.
Wonderful idea! I'm definitely signing up, it'll give me a chance to finally get around to reading Wuthering Heights and Villette.
I know - there are so many versions of Jane Eyre, it is hard to keep track of them all. Samantha Morton was in 1997 version. I liked that version too, but need to watch it again as it has been awhile.
It's been awhile since I've read and watched Jamaica Inn. I'd be interested to know if it was inspired by Wuthering Heights or not. If anyone knows for sure - let me know and I'll add it to the list!
I think I've watched the Laurence Oliver Rebecca so much that that is how I always picture Maxim. I've read the book several times including twice with two different book clubs in the past five years. The movie does leave a lot out, but I really like the actors in their roles, especially Maxim and Mrs. Danvers. In the newer version Charles Dance appeared to be in his 60's and Emilia Fox looked like a teenager. I know there should be an age difference, but it was way too much of one in appearance for my comfort level! :-) Did anyone else feel this way or was it just me?
Cool! Thanks so much for hosting!
Oh, no! I've sworn off new challenges for the time being, as I am already behind in my reading. It does sound wonderful but I'll probably limit myself to reading others' posts, rather than participating in this challenge.
Hi Laura! What a great idea for a challenge! I would love to participate. There are so many wonderful books to read by and about the Brontes, who were all brilliant women and exceptional writers.
Thank you for listing my novel, "The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë," as one of the choices to consider for this challenge. I am thrilled to announce that it has just received the honor of being named a Great Group Read of 2009 by the Women's National Book Association.
"The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë" is a work of my heart. It's the dramatic, true story of Charlotte Brontë’s journey to becoming the famous author of "Jane Eyre," and her turbulent relationship with the man she comes to love and marry. I'd love to hear your participants' thoughts and comments about the book. To learn more, please visit my website, www.syriejames.com, where you will find all kinds of fun stuff about the Brontes.
Meanwhile, I will try to find something new to read or view (I have an entire library of Bronte novels and biographies that I read as I researched my book, and I think I have seen all of the movies!) Three books that aren't on your list which I highly recommend are: "The Art of the Brontes" by Christine Alexander and Jane Sellars, "Selected Letters of Charlotte Bronte," edited by Margaret Smith, and "Poems" by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell.
All best!
Syrie James
Lets saw I'm a big fan of the sisters' Bronte and I've already read and watch near all their works could I re-read or would that be cheating?
Your blog is so great.
Thanks for sharing.
YES YES YES! Except it's too hard for me to figure out what I want to read. Oh dear, I will have to think about it.
Syrie James - Thanks for the suggestions! I added them to the list! I plan on reading your novel "The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte" for this challenge and I am very excited that you'll be joining us!
The romantic query letter and the happy-ever-after - you are more than welcome to re-read some of your favorites. I plan on doing that myself! I updated the challenge details to enclude this.
Ash - I'm having a hard time myself trying to not select too many things to read/watch/listen to! :-)
Everyone - sorry for the spacing issues. It seems that every time I edit the original post the spacing gets a little crazy.
you forgot this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Hesperus-Classics-Charlotte-Bronte/dp/1843911256/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258068960&sr=1-1
Thanks JT - That looks like one of the Juvenilia, which I didn't break out into specific stories. I'll start breaking that out. Please make other suggestions for Juvenilia!
Hi Laura,
Is it possible to make the listing of my book's title (under Brontes as Fictional Characters) a URL link to my website, http://www.syriejames.com ?
I tried to do it using Mr. Linky, but all I succeeded in doing was to inadvertently list it several times on your sign-in list! (Please fix my error! Thanks.)
Syrie James
Syrie - I updated and have your link posted. I just looked up Mr. Linky and it looks like I have to upgrade my membership and pay a fee if I want to edit the links. I'm going to wait and see if it's really needed before I go to that level:-)
hey Laura,
Did you let A Novel Challenge about this? You might also want to e-mail Stephanie so all of the Everything Austen participants can hear about it.
I'm signing up for this - I love Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre, but haven't read any of the others yet. Thanks for the great challenge Laura!
Hi there, I discovered your blog through J.Kaye. This sounds like a wonderful challenge.
J.T. - Thanks for the Tips! I had never visited A Novel Challenge before and it was great to discover a fantastic new blog. I sent the information with them so hopefully it will be posted. I also sent Stephanie an email.
Helen - I'm glad you could join us!
Michelle - I'm glad you like it - I hope you can join!
Fantastic idea for a challenge! Thanks for hosting.
I'm in and this will be my first blog reading challenge and I guess it may be a little weird that it is a Bronte Challenge and not a Jane Austen Challenge! LOL! But I do love a lot of Bronte works and it was my experience reading "Jane Eyre" in high school that led me to "Pride and Prejudice."
I look forward to participating in this wonderful challenge and I wanted to thank you Laura for putting it all together! I have spent some time checking out all the books you compiled in your list (I had no idea so many existed!) I have added some to my wishlist and I can't wait to read everyones' reviews about them!
I've just signed up and I'm very excited. I've got an award for you at http://litandlife.blogspot.com
I'm so in for this one! All the books on my list are ones I've been meaning to read for ages. This is a good excuse to get on that.
I had to join this challenge and I did it. I love the Brontes and their works. Though, now, I've got a problem...It's difficult to choose six tasks! I have already posted so much on my blog in the last months: reviews of Anne's Agnes Grey and The Tenant as well as one of Charlotte's Shirley, I also wrote about the several adaptations of Wuthering Heights... Anyhow, I'm going to choose 6 new tasks and to post about this challenge in the next few days. Promised. THANK YOU for this great opportunity!
I haven't read nearly enough Bronte in my life, so this is great!
I'm planning on reading Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, The Tenant of Wildfeld Hall, The Secret Adventures of Charlotte Bronte by Laura Jo Rowland, The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte by Syrie James (I loved her novel on Jane Austen), and The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Satterfield. We'll see if I stick to that plan.
I'm so looking forward to this!!
I have signed up. I may read the biography by Elizabeth Gaskell, but it depends if I can get it before they close for the winter holidays (the only place I can find is the local university and I have to see if I can validate my alumni library card tomorrow night).
I've just posted my list of tasks at
http://flyhigh-by-learnonline.blogspot.com/2009/11/all-about-brontes-new-challenge-for-new.html
I'll start in January but I can't wait for the fun to start!
Hi Laura,
Love this challenge.
I'm doing Wuthering Heights and all its variations. Looking forward...
Thanks,
vvb
I'm so doing this challenge even though I keep saying I'm NOT joining challenges. I love the Brontes too much not to.
I'm reading The Life of Charlotte Bronte now and I own Jane Eyre 2006 on DVD. I could definitely rewatch that!
I'll make a list in a future post.
Re: Jamaica Inn
From this site: http://www.terresdecrivains.com/Jamaica-Inn-A-Reflection-of-Daphne,748
Finally, the connections between Jamaica Inn and Wuthering Heights have been pointed out by Avril Horner and Sue Zlosnik’s research : "Alison Light has recognized [Jamaica Inn’s] debt to Wuthering Heights" [6].
Looks like there is a connection. I have Jamaica Inn in my TBR pile.
Thank-you for everyone that has signed up. I love all of your choices. It will be very interesting reading everyone's reviews!
One note - please make sure that when you sign up for the challenge, that you post a link to the actual blog entry where you discuss what items you will read/listen/watch for this challenge. Please do not just post your blog URL.
Chris - Thanks for the link about Wuthering Heights and Jamaica Inn. It's been 12-15 years since I've read Jamaica Inn. Maybe I need to add that to my list to reread for this challenge! I added it onto the list of books and movies for the challenge.
Oh, count me in. I reread Villette for another read along this summer and really loved it (much more so than when I read it in college) and also reread Agnes Grey. It'll be fun to revisit some of the other novels, plus I'll do some biographical reading too. Thanks for organizing!
I really want to do this, the Brontes being my first love, but I am so deep in an Austen hole right now I'm not sure I can drag myself out. I've read all the Bronte novels and would love to reread, especially Villette (one of the greatest novels ever written), but can I manage it without abandoning my Austen fan fiction? Not sure I can but oh, how I want to!
I signed up; the only Bronte I've ever finished is Jane Eyre (for school) but I'm hoping this challenge will help me finish Wuthering Heights as well as inspire me to check out some of the recent miniseries.
I'm so glad! I was just thinking today "What am I going to read when Everything Austen is over?"
I've loved that challenge so far and I was SO excited when I saw this over at velvet's blog. Had to pop in and join!
I've rationalized (bit of a reach though). Count me in!
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