Rating: 4 1/2 stars
Cover synopsis: In the pages of this diary, Charlotte exposes her deepest feelings and desires -- and the truth about her life, its triumphs and shattering disappointments, her family, the inspiration behind her work, and her dramatic relationship with Arthur Bell Nicholls.
This book blends historical fact and fiction to create a portrait of Charlotte Bronte. And I found it very compelling. (Of course, it helps that I love Jane Eyre!) I was fascinated to learn about how much of her novels are autobiographical. The story of her relationship with her sisters, and their adventures in writing and publishing, was wonderful. And, of course, the story behind her marriage to Mr. Nicholls -- a story which spans eight years -- was lovely. Her life, simply put, is as fascinating as any of her novels.
Reading this, I knew it wasn't a true biography. But it was fun anyway. I looked at it like a screenplay adaptation of Bronte's life. Dialogue and other situations must be added to increase dramatic suspense, but the overall feeling and storyline are true.
Up until about chapter 20, I would have happily given the book 5 stars. But the last 70 pages were the weakest part of the book -- I felt it was overweighted with fiction and the author took too many liberties with the material. The writing also seemed to peter out toward the end, with much of it sounding rote or cliche. That said, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book as a whole!
