The Invention of Charlotte Bronte
Her Last Years and the Scandal That Made Her
Published on 6. June 2024
Book
Hardback
978-1-80399-537-3 (ISBN)
Description
Doomed survivor of a family of geniuses, Charlotte Bronte had a life as dramatic as Jane Eyre. Turning her back on her tragic past, she reinvented herself as an acclaimed writer, a mysterious celebrity and a passionate lover. Doing so meant burning many bridges, but her sudden death left her friends and admirers with more questions than answers.
Tasked with telling the truth about Bronte's life, her friend, the novelist Elizabeth Gaskell, uncovered secrets of illicit love, family discord and professional rivalries more incredible than any fiction. The result, a tell-all biography, was so scandalous it was banned and rewritten twice in six months - but not before it had given birth to the legend of the Brontes.
The Invention of Charlotte Bronte is a darker take on one of the most famous women writers of the nineteenth century, showing Charlotte to be a strong but flawed individual. Through interrogating known events and introducing new archival material into the story, it challenges the established narrative to reveal the Bronte family as they've never been seen before.
Tasked with telling the truth about Bronte's life, her friend, the novelist Elizabeth Gaskell, uncovered secrets of illicit love, family discord and professional rivalries more incredible than any fiction. The result, a tell-all biography, was so scandalous it was banned and rewritten twice in six months - but not before it had given birth to the legend of the Brontes.
The Invention of Charlotte Bronte is a darker take on one of the most famous women writers of the nineteenth century, showing Charlotte to be a strong but flawed individual. Through interrogating known events and introducing new archival material into the story, it challenges the established narrative to reveal the Bronte family as they've never been seen before.
Reviews / Votes
'This absorbing, meticulously researched investigation of a pivotal episode in literary history is a triumph. It illuminates the people involved in deft and nuanced ways, providing original and lucid insights into both Charlotte Bronte and her bravest champion. Watson has written the most gripping Bronte page-turner since Mrs Gaskell's The Life.' -- Sharon Wright, author of <i>The Mother of the Brontes</i> 'Meticulously researched, erudite and utterly engaging, The Invention of Charlotte Bronte is a compulsive read... deftly illustrating the slippery nature of any 'true' narrative... Watson's book is both a labour of love and a magnificent addition to the canon of Bronte literature.' -- Karen Powell, author of Nero shortlisted <i>Fifteen Wild Decembers</i> 'Does much to rehabilitate Charlotte's often vilified husband Arthur Nicholls and relates the dramatic background to the sensational biography which made the Brontes the most famous literary family in the world. Closely researched and compulsively readable, it is a worthy addition to the field of Bronte studies.' -- Liz Hodgkinson * <i>The Lady</i> * What Bookstagrammers are saying:'Hooked me from the start... A perfect read.' @historian_ellis
'Brilliantly written... That this is a debut is astounding. Insightful, well-researched and flows from the page.' @vickipope1971
'Admirable... Careful and painstaking... Thoroughly riveting.' @redroomreflections
'Gripping... A fascinating and eye-opening narrative as readable as a novel.' @katrina_m_robinson
'Moving... Eloquent and meticulous... Compelling... Not just a biography; it's a celebration of creativity, perseverance, and the indomitable spirit of a woman who defied the odds to leave an indelible mark on literature.' @annathebooksiread
'Moving... A poignant and thought-provoking account.' @History_is_so_last_century
'Incredibly well put together... I felt like I was part of conversations between these women and their friends and families.' @Chelsboooks
'Watson plays myth buster leaving no stone unturned to uncover the truth about one of the most iconic authors of all time... A masterful and thorough investigation... Invigorating and convincing.' @gothicbookworm
'Wonderfully engaging and I'm in awe... A must!' @Pawswithprose 'One great strength... is Watson's attentiveness throughout to the psychological complexities of Charlotte's burgeoning intimacy with Gaskell... Gaskell problematically resolves to champion her but instantly betrays her confidence... It would be tempting to cast Charlotte Bronte as victim, but... Watson also is careful to point out that Charlotte herself seems to have indulged in self-mythologizing... Watson offers up a measured, highly elastic, and refreshing interpretation of their dynamic, one which absolves neither of creative fabrication but also allows both agency in the gradual construction of Charlotte Bronte's legacy... Watson's narrative... succeeds in conveying a sense of the great, unalleviated grief as well as burning female anger.' -- Dr Lydia Craig, <i>Bronte Studies</i> 'Fascinating.' * <i>Daily Mail</i> *
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Stroud
United Kingdom
Illustrations
20 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 236 mm
Width: 160 mm
Thickness: 28 mm
Weight
586 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-80399-537-3 (9781803995373)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
06/2024
The History Press Ltd
€13.99
Available for download
Person
GRAHAM WATSON is a specialist in the Brontes and Elizabeth Gaskell, and he is currently researching Victorian literary identities at the University of Glasgow. He has published a number of papers in the Bronte Studies and has recently joined the journal's peer-review board. This is his first book.