The Letters of Charlotte Brontë: With a Selection of Letters by Family and Friends, Volume II: 1848-1851 : Book Review

"The Letters of Charlotte Brontë" is a captivating collection of intimate correspondences that provides readers with a deep and personal understanding of the renowned author. Edited by Margaret Smith, this book offers a unique glimpse into Brontë's thoughts, emotions, and personal life, spanning from her early years to her final days.

By reading these letters, readers can develop a profound connection with Charlotte Brontë. Through her words, she openly discusses her writing struggles, fears, and aspirations, as well as her unwavering love for her family. Brontë's distinctive voice shines through in every letter, showcasing her sharp intellect, wit, and unwavering determination to pursue her literary career.

Moreover, these letters not only offer insights into Brontë's personal life but also provide valuable glimpses into the literary scene of her time. Through her correspondence with notable authors such as Elizabeth Gaskell and William Makepeace Thackeray, readers gain access to the intellectual and artistic circles in which Brontë was involved.

One of the highlights of this collection lies in the letters exchanged between Brontë and her publisher, George Smith. These letters provide a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the publishing journey of her novels, revealing details about the reception, reviews, and financial aspects of her works. Through these correspondences, readers witness Brontë's tenacity and creativity as a writer, as well as her astute business acumen.

"The Letters of Charlotte Brontë" is a must-read for fans of her work. It not only offers valuable insights into Brontë's life but also provides a deeper understanding of the inspirations behind her novels. This captivating collection presents a vivid portrait of a talented and determined writer who continues to inspire and influence readers worldwide.

What are readers saying?

The Letters of Charlotte Brontë is a collection of letters personally written by the renowned author herself. This collection has received an abundance of reviews, which provide valuable insights into readers' thoughts and experiences. The majority of reviewers highly appreciate The Letters of Charlotte Brontë, as it offers a unique glimpse into the life and mind of the author. They find the correspondence engaging and insightful, shedding light on Brontë's writing process, personal struggles, and interactions with other famous authors of her time. Readers view these letters as a valuable resource for gaining a deeper understanding of Brontë's works and the historical context in which they were created.

Readers often express their admiration for Brontë's exceptional talent in writing compelling and emotionally charged letters. They appreciate her lyrical prose and find her musings on various topics captivating and thought-provoking. Through her letters, readers feel a profound connection with Brontë, experiencing her joys, sorrows, and desires as if they were right there with her.

While some reviewers mention that The Letters of Charlotte Brontë can be dense and lengthy, they advise readers to approach it with patience and dedication. They acknowledge that it takes time to fully absorb the detailed accounts of Brontë's life presented in these letters. However, these readers ultimately find the effort worthwhile, as the letters provide them with a rich and intimate portrayal of Brontë's character and writing process.

A few reviewers express a slight disappointment in the absence of certain elements in this collection, such as more letters exchanged with Brontë's sisters, Emily and Anne Brontë, or additional correspondence with her publisher. Regardless, they still acknowledge the value of the letters included and the insights they provide into Brontë's life and literary career.

Overall, The Letters of Charlotte Brontë receives high praise from readers. Its engaging and introspective nature, combined with Brontë's exceptional writing style, allows readers to establish a profound connection with the author and develop a deeper appreciation for her works. Despite its length, this collection is regarded as a valuable resource for anyone interested in gaining a comprehensive understanding of Brontë's life and literary journey.

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