The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte - by Syrie James (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

"I have written about the joys of love. I have, in my secret heart, long dreamt of an intimate connection with a man; every Jane, I believe, deserves her Rochester."

Though poor, plain, and unconnected, Charlotte Bronte possesses a deeply passionate side which she reveals only in her writings--creating Jane Eyre and other novels that stand among literature's most beloved works. Living a secluded life in the wilds of Yorkshire with her sisters Emily and Anne, their drug-addicted brother, and an eccentric father who is going blind, Charlotte Bronte dreams of a real love story as fiery as the ones she creates.

But it is in the pages of her diary where 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, her scandalous secret passion for the man she can never have . . . and her intense, dramatic relationship with the man she comes to love, the enigmatic Arthur Bell Nicholls.

"Who is this man who has dared to ask for my hand? Why is my father so dead set against him? Why are half the residents of Haworth determined to lynch him--or shoot him?"

From Syrie James, the acclaimed, bestselling author of The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, comes a powerfully compelling, intensely researched literary feat that blends historical fact and fiction to explore the passionate heart and unquiet soul of Charlotte Bronte. It is Charlotte's story, just as she might have written it herself.

Review Quotes

"I DID NOT WANT THIS STORY TO END. For fans of biographical tales and romance, Syrie's story of Charlotte offers it all: longing and yearning, struggle and success, the searing pain of immeasurable loss, and the happiness of a love that came unbidden and unsought." -- Jane Austens World

"Faithful to the writer's language, time, and place. This is BOUND TO FASCINATE admirers of the doomed Brontës." -- Library Journal

"James takes the biography of Brontë and sketches it into a work of art ... The availability of specific, passionate details is what gives the book its main pull ... A CAN'T-MISS NOVEL for Brontë fans and historical fiction buffs alike." -- Sacramento Book Review

"AN ENCHANTING LOVE STORY FOR CHARLOTTE BRONTE ... 5 stars. An excellent combination of truth and conjecture that is a gratifying and magnetizing read! ... I love [James's] reverent and precise representation of these beloved authors. Her graceful story telling is seamless and entertaining. I highly recommend this novel." -- Austenesque Reviews

"You will never look at the Brontë sisters as mere writers again. The passion, intelligence, mystery, and perfection that these minds shared was astounding. Talk about a gifted family... you'll love it." -- Once Upon A Romance

5 STARS. A meticulously researched account of Charlotte Bronte's life. The author ... brought Charlotte to life as an intelligent, feisty, passionate woman. Charlotte's romance with Arthur Nicholls was also convincing. I liked how the author showed the source of many scenes and Rochester himself from Jane Eyre." -- Library Thing

"James's extensive research . . . shows all throughout the book. . . ?The style imitates Charlotte Brontë's . . . [James's] non-linear structure works surprisingly well, as she places each flashback at the precise relevant moment ... READERS WILL BE GLUED TO ITS PAGES FROM START TO FINISH." -- Bronte Blog

"This reconstruction of Ms. Brontë's life is done with such creativity and realism that it's hard to imagine this is "not" what happened. . . By the end, the reader feels a real kinship with not only Charlotte, but all of the Brontës... A MUST BUY for Brontë-ites!" -- Romance Junkies

"I REALLY THOROUGHLY, HEARTILY ENJOYED THIS CELEBRATION OF BRONTE'S LIFE and developing romance with Arthur Bell Nichols. Anyone who's ever peeked at a Bronte letter, or stole into Charlotte's Juvenalia, or re-read those parts in Jane Eyre, will find in this work not a stranger, but a welcoming friend." -- A Fair Substitute For Heaven

"WRITTEN VERY MUCH IN THE STYLE OF THE HEROINE'S NOVELS... The story is well researched and closely follows the events of Charlotte's life, subtly interweaving her personalized view of the situations ... Captures all the heartache and triumphs of the independent and creative spirit Charlotte Bronte must have been." -- Romance Reviews Today

"Syrie James recreates how the poor, plain, and socially unconnected Ms. Brontë became a literary sensation. Based on extensive research, Brontë's deepest passions and desires, triumphs, and disappointments come to life... Anyone who is a fan of her work will welcome and enjoy this remarkable novel." -- Bookviews

"AN AMAZING JOURNEY through the life of one of my very favorite authors... James weaves a beautiful story that ... breathes life into a much loved and respected family in the literary world. Her language is flawless... The words could be Charlotte's own as the story unfolds." -- Kaye's Book Reviews

"I WAS TRANSPORTED... The Bronte sisters were so removed from the world and yet so compelling to get to know. If you've ever been a Bronte reader, then I'd thoroughly recommend Syrie James's book. If you've never dabbled in Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights, what's stopping you?" -- Sonoma Country Life