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eringow's review against another edition
2.0
As someone who had done a fair amount of research on Charlotte and her family prior to reading this novel, I found the story a little lack-luster. James seemed determined not to stray too far from the facts of Charlotte's life, which is commendable when writing about a historical person, but in doing so left the story feeling predictable for readers already familiar with those facts. The parts that James had made up, and her conjectures about incidents that may have impacted on Charlotte's personality and writing, were rarely ground-breaking and too often conformed to an equally predictably romance novel plotline.
Although I was at first most impressed by James' excellent efforts to write in Charlotte Bronte's style, the further into the book I got (especially in the dialogue) I became increasingly aware of jarring lapses into modern usage and style. Overall this was not a terrible book; certainly it is an accessible way for anyone interested in learning a bit more about the Brontes to do so. It was not, however, a brilliant book and left me feeling a bit disappointed by its unrealized potential.
Although I was at first most impressed by James' excellent efforts to write in Charlotte Bronte's style, the further into the book I got (especially in the dialogue) I became increasingly aware of jarring lapses into modern usage and style. Overall this was not a terrible book; certainly it is an accessible way for anyone interested in learning a bit more about the Brontes to do so. It was not, however, a brilliant book and left me feeling a bit disappointed by its unrealized potential.
lorraine_b's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
a_king412's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
eplovan's review against another edition
1.0
I wanted SO badly to like this book, but I couldn’t get through more than three pages.
The writing feels rushed and sloppy and very “tell” and not “show.”
It reads like a thirteen year old got over excited with a research project and decided to write a self insertion fan fiction about it.
That being said the diction itself was nice! I just wish it had been a better crafted novel.
The writing feels rushed and sloppy and very “tell” and not “show.”
It reads like a thirteen year old got over excited with a research project and decided to write a self insertion fan fiction about it.
That being said the diction itself was nice! I just wish it had been a better crafted novel.
tctimlin's review against another edition
4.0
Fictional, but well-researched, account of the life of Charlotte Bronte. The author used letters and other documents from the life of the three sisters and their friends and acquaintances to imagine their lives as writers, their care for each other and their dissolute brother. Also a love story about Charlotte and the Irish curate who eventually became her husband. I had not even known she ever married, and had not known how soon after the publication of their novels she lost her two sisters.
doriastories's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this book far more than I thought I would. Well written, an honest but sympathetic look at the life of the Bronte family, through small triumphs and tragedies. I found it illuminating and interesting, and truthful, and I appreciate having a better understanding of the real life behind the author of "Jane Eyre".
goodin10tions's review against another edition
3.0
If you are a fan of the Brontes' you will really enjoy reading about how they lived and create the lovely stories we have come to enjoy.
princess_starr's review against another edition
3.0
Picked this up in the advance copy pile at work, as the title looked interesting, and I felt like I needed to get into more historical literature.
The Secret Diaries... covers a good bit of Charlotte Bronte's life- specifically, her relationship with her husband, Arthur Nicholls and how they met and fell in love. This also includes the years she spent publishing with her sisters.
I'll be honest, the narrative doesn't pick up until Anne, Charlotte and Emily decide to start writing and publishing their work. The first ten or so chapters cover Charlotte's childhood and education, and her first impression of Mr. Nicholls, who has arrived as her father's curate. However, after the sisters Bronte (or siblings Bell, as it were), begin their writing career, it really picked up for me.
However, once Mr. Nicholls and Charlotte begin returning the other's affections, every other character in the book- who have been highly supportive of Mr. Nicholls- does a 180 and starts accusing him of wanting Charlotte for her fame and fortune. I was also saddened to see James appropriate Jane Eyre's famous declaration; it made the lead-up of events seem cheapened and just a nod to Bronte fans. On the other hand, the reading group copy does include several published poems by the Bronte family, which does add to the story, seeing as the poems are discussed in great detail.
Overall, if you enjoy anything by the Brontes- or historical fiction/interpretation- this is for you.
The Secret Diaries... covers a good bit of Charlotte Bronte's life- specifically, her relationship with her husband, Arthur Nicholls and how they met and fell in love. This also includes the years she spent publishing with her sisters.
I'll be honest, the narrative doesn't pick up until Anne, Charlotte and Emily decide to start writing and publishing their work. The first ten or so chapters cover Charlotte's childhood and education, and her first impression of Mr. Nicholls, who has arrived as her father's curate. However, after the sisters Bronte (or siblings Bell, as it were), begin their writing career, it really picked up for me.
However, once Mr. Nicholls and Charlotte begin returning the other's affections, every other character in the book- who have been highly supportive of Mr. Nicholls- does a 180 and starts accusing him of wanting Charlotte for her fame and fortune. I was also saddened to see James appropriate Jane Eyre's famous declaration; it made the lead-up of events seem cheapened and just a nod to Bronte fans. On the other hand, the reading group copy does include several published poems by the Bronte family, which does add to the story, seeing as the poems are discussed in great detail.
Overall, if you enjoy anything by the Brontes- or historical fiction/interpretation- this is for you.
jenthelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Anyone who knows me knows I read everything on the Brontes, so I am well versed in their story. I found this book a compelling and engrossing account of their lives. Is every incident true? No. James switches around some incidents and adds some drastic flair, but much of this novel is based on fact. I loved her angle of fleshing out the story of Charlotte and Arthur Bell Nicholls. He was a man I never paid much attention to in Charlotte's life, but James' account of him gives me a new found interest into who he really was. I've been fortunate enough to visit Haworth, the Bronte Parsonage Museum, and hiked the moors behind her home. It was wonderful to revisit those beautiful places in my head.
kaylana's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this book! Syrie James does a wonderful job of capturing Charlotte Bronte and her sisters and their lives together. I learned so many new things about the Brontes. I never knew that she married so late in life and fell in love so hard with Mr. Nicholls. Her life was filled with tragedy at the loss of her mother when very young and soon her two older sisters and later in life her only brother Branwell, and then Emily and Anne. I enjoyed learning how she gained inspiration for her novels, especially my all-time favorite of Jane Eyre. I am no looking forward to reading her other novel about Jane Austen!