My first response upon finishing The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte was “Wow!” I thought this was a wonderful novel that fleshes out the life story of Charlotte Bronte in a realistic and fascinating way.The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte is written from the first person narrative of Charlotte Bronte as she relates the events of her life to her diary. The diary starts with a proposal of marriage to Charlotte which has thrown her household into an uproar. As Charlotte states, “Who is this man who has dared to ask for my hand? Why is my father so dead set against him? Why are half of the residents of Haworth determinded to lnch him – or shoot him.” The diary then goes back to start in 1845 and details Charlotte Bronte’s earlier life and first meeting of Arthur Bell Nichols.
The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte lovingly describes the life story of Charlotte Bronte while remaining true to the facts of her life. Charlotte’s stay in Brussels and love of her professor, her best friend Ellen, her time as a governess, her relationship with her siblings, and the writing of her novels are all included. Overall though, this is the love story of Charlotte and Arthur Bell Nichols.
I enjoyed the love story and the development of the relationship between Charlotte and Arthur. Ironically, it often reminded me of Pride and Prejudice as their understanding of each other develops over time.
The end of the novel also has author insights, extras, and more which includes an interview with Syrie James, selected letters of Charlotte Bronte, selected poetry of the Brontes, complete works of the Brontes, and book club questions for The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte. I really enjoyed these extras, especially the author interview and Charlotte Bronte’s letters.
Overall, The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte was an engaging, wonderfully written fictional account of Charlotte Bronte’s life. I loved, loved, loved how Syrie James has written the love story of Charlotte and Arthur Bell Nichols. Most often Nichols is the second choice and Monsieur Heger is written as the love of her life. I’ve read Bronte biographies and letters in the past, and it does seem that she truly loved Arthur Bell Nichols. It’s about time that their love story was given proper treatment.
The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte is my third item for the All About the Brontes Challenge.
Book Source: The Kewaunee Public Library
I too loved the stuff at the end, and the fact that a lot of the book is probably true. She had a hard life with a lot of loss, but somehow her family pulled her through, and then she finally found real love. Better ending than Austen's anyway.
ReplyDeleteLaura, this sounds so good! Thanks for your wonderful review. I'm excited about this reading challenge, although I haven't yet started reading for it.
ReplyDeleteI really want to read this one! I have loved doing this challenge, because although I have wanted to read some of these for awhile now, I just never got around to it! With this challenge it is making me get down to it and read them, along with some new ones I have found and want to read!!
ReplyDeleteCool, I just might pick this one up. I love learning more about the history of these sisters.
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I have read The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen by this author and I really liked it. I would love to read this one now. Thanks for your review and for stirring the desire to pick this book up.
ReplyDeleteI've read several positive reviews of this book on several sites and blogs. I think it's time to get it. I'm so curious!
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed both of the books written by Syrie James! They were beautifully written and well-researched novels, and very respectful of the authors' integrity. I highly recommend them, also.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read anything by charlotte bronte, only wuthering heights by emily, but this sounds really good!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! This one sounds really interesting!
ReplyDeleteI have to stop reading your blog. You really do just come up with too many books I'd like to read. I haven't got that much time! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI've been waiting for a review of this book to see if I want to read it. Sounds like a keeper - I'm sticking it in my wish list. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYea--I recently bought this because I felt sorry for it. It had a tattered cover and was in the 3.99 clearance bin. Now I'm very excited to read it!
ReplyDeleteI started reading it this past week and I've also noticed that it reminds me of Pride and Prejudice, which is amusing considering Charlotte's assesment of that novel :)
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