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didge24_09's review against another edition
5.0
A superb read! The narrative is heartfelt, sincere and well researched. Drawing on the truth and detail of an extraordinary and profound female writers life. Gripping this in depth account depicts the painful and real life of one of literatures eternal figures.
jochristian's review against another edition
5.0
fantastic, fascinating story, beautifully constructed, truly moving. Even makes me (almost) want to read Villette again.
I listened to Harman reading the audiobook version, that was also magical, she has a beautiful reading voice, and clearly savours her own text and characters.
I listened to Harman reading the audiobook version, that was also magical, she has a beautiful reading voice, and clearly savours her own text and characters.
the_pagan_philologist's review against another edition
5.0
very detailed and empathic biography told in a pleasantly old fashioned way. A cozy read :)
dawnlizreads's review against another edition
4.0
I think this book is a real must for any Bronte devotee. It's a well-researched and well-balanced account of Charlotte, detailing her flaws as well as her genius. She may have written - in my view at least - one of the greatest literary masterpieces of all time (Jane Eyre) but she could be flipping difficult to be around. Though, in fairness, this was more the result of having very poor social skills (not surprisingly given that throughout her life, her social circle was limited to just her family and a few friends) than her being purposely difficult.
What surprised me the most was that she did alright when it came to marriage proposals. Jane & Rochester's love story is often seen as wish fulfilment on Bronte's part because the man she loved did not love her, which to some extent is true. However, she was by no means desperate - let's just say that the man she did end up marrying (Arthur Bell Nicholls) wasn't the first to ask.
The only word of caution I would give about this book is that is it not exactly a feel-good read (if you know anything about Charlotte and her sisters, you'll be able to guess why). Overall, it's tale of woman whose life was marred by tragedy and disappointment - and shows that (once again) success is not the golden ticket to happiness.
What surprised me the most was that she did alright when it came to marriage proposals. Jane & Rochester's love story is often seen as wish fulfilment on Bronte's part because the man she loved did not love her, which to some extent is true. However, she was by no means desperate - let's just say that the man she did end up marrying (Arthur Bell Nicholls) wasn't the first to ask.
The only word of caution I would give about this book is that is it not exactly a feel-good read (if you know anything about Charlotte and her sisters, you'll be able to guess why). Overall, it's tale of woman whose life was marred by tragedy and disappointment - and shows that (once again) success is not the golden ticket to happiness.
mwgerard's review against another edition
4.0
Please read my full review here: http://mwgerard.com/for-the-brontes/
balletbookworm's review against another edition
5.0
A very readable biography of Charlotte Brontë that concentrates on how her intellectual and emotional life and how that translated (sometimes word-for-word) into her novels. Harman was allowed access to many letters that had only recently been published for the first time. Even as well-versed as I am in Brontë biography, this was a treat to read.
As a bonus, Harman also includes Emily and Anne in the biography since their lives were so closely intertwined with Charlotte's (and Branwell...ugh, that dude should have been dropped in a vat of spiders, what a spoiled brat).
As a bonus, Harman also includes Emily and Anne in the biography since their lives were so closely intertwined with Charlotte's (and Branwell...ugh, that dude should have been dropped in a vat of spiders, what a spoiled brat).
skellamoon's review against another edition
I had recently read Gaskell's book and concurrently reading Barker's bio on the family, so this book felt redundant. May try to re-read at a later date.
isabellap97's review against another edition
5.0
Probably biased because I adore Charlotte Brontë but this was everything I needed and wanted it to be. I loved hearing bits and pieces of Charlotte’s own words in her letters. It was just perfection!