Overview

Backstabbing, stalking, and illicit love - this is the Brontes, but not as you knew them. Novelist, sister, celebrity, wife, daughter: Charlotte Bronte played many roles. As the beloved author of Jane Eyre, she is one of the most radical talents of the nineteenth century. And one of the most mysterious. Based entirely on rarely seen private letters, this radical and moving biography sheds new light on the dramatic events of Bronte's turbulent last years of grief, fulfilment and tragedy – and exposes the astonishing media scandal that followed her early death, when her friends and family battled to control how history would remember her. AUTHOR: 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. 20 b/w illustrations

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9781837050024

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Reviews

'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 Brontë and her bravest champion. Watson has written the most gripping Brontë page-turner since Mrs Gaskell’s The Life.' - Sharon Wright, author of The Mother of the Brontës ‘Meticulously researched, erudite and utterly engaging, The Invention of Charlotte Brontë 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 Brontë literature.’ - Karen Powell, author of Nero shortlisted Fifteen Wild Decembers ‘Does much to rehabilitate Charlotte’s often vilified husband Arthur Nicholls and relates the dramatic background to the sensational biography which made the Brontës the most famous literary family in the world. Closely researched and compulsively readable, it is a worthy addition to the field of Brontë studies.’ - Liz Hodgkinson, The Lady 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 Brontë 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 Brontë’s legacy… Watson’s narrative… succeeds in conveying a sense of the great, unalleviated grief as well as burning female anger.' - Dr Lydia Craig, Brontë Studies ‘Fascinating.’ * Daily Mail *

Author Information

GRAHAM WATSON is a specialist in the Brontës 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 Brontë Studies and has recently joined the journal’s peer-review board. This is his first book.

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