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musicdeepdive's review against another edition
4.75
The girth of this book intimidates, but the content proves it's a deserved size - the entire Bronte family (including father Patrick and brother Branwell) have their stories told here. And for how much of the legends surrounding them are just that - legends - the truth surrounding their personalities, their relationships and the tragedy in their lives is unnervingly compelling, and Barker dissects theories about certain events mid-chapter with skill and without hurting the book's flow either. Terrific work of biography.
reluctantacademic's review against another edition
My Kindle read - in-depth biographies of the Bronté family. As of 1/2/24, still reading about the father, Patrick. Have read Barker before (Agincourt) and I enjoy her style. Looking forward to learning more about this fascinating family of talented word artists .
hordover's review against another edition
4.0
Spectacular! What a piece of scholarship and passion and heart. I truly enjoyed this. A bit slow at the start (but it would be odd for it not to be) but my goodness, by the last chunk I couldn't put it down.
annebronte's review against another edition
Considering that the halfway point is 500+ pages... I feel alright about shelving this for now. Will pick up when I have the drive to finish the second half.
laurenjpegler's review against another edition
5.0
It's taken me nearly two months, but I have finally conquered this humongous biography. I loved every minute of it. I have no doubt this will stick with me for a long time to come, and I have no doubt that this will be a book I read again and again and again.
Barker's The Brontës is the first definitive history of the family, actively seeking to destroy the "myth" that shrouds the very nature of this close-knitted group. Images created by the likes of Elizabeth Gaskell, Ellen Nussey, and Harriet Martineau, to name but a few, were challenged and redefined into more accurate portrayals. Barker spent eleven years researching the family, looking into letters and manuscripts that related directly to the family members, as well as newspapers and other periodicals of the time. If anyone was to write a biography on the family, one that can stand the tests of time, it would be Juliet Barker.
I enjoyed this mostly for the in-depth and accurate character profile of each family member. I've only ever read two other biographies on the family - The Life of Charlotte Brontë and Charlotte Bronte: A Life - so I've a very large knowledge on Charlotte, but a brief one of her father, sisters and brother. I know feel comfortable in discussing each member in great detail - it's like I know them personally now. The extensive notes section shows how much research Barker did whilst composing this, and thus suggesting the most minute detail is the truest.
I'm a little dazed at the moment by how overwhelming it was to read this beast. I'm going to take a few days to ponder over my thoughts and feelings and I'll write up a review, which I'll either post on here or on my blog: https://bookishbyron.wordpress.com/
Just know I loved it. It was worth the read. I'm happy I was slow with it - I was able to digest everything fully. I would 100% - definitely - completely - wholeheartedly - recommend!!
Barker's The Brontës is the first definitive history of the family, actively seeking to destroy the "myth" that shrouds the very nature of this close-knitted group. Images created by the likes of Elizabeth Gaskell, Ellen Nussey, and Harriet Martineau, to name but a few, were challenged and redefined into more accurate portrayals. Barker spent eleven years researching the family, looking into letters and manuscripts that related directly to the family members, as well as newspapers and other periodicals of the time. If anyone was to write a biography on the family, one that can stand the tests of time, it would be Juliet Barker.
I enjoyed this mostly for the in-depth and accurate character profile of each family member. I've only ever read two other biographies on the family - The Life of Charlotte Brontë and Charlotte Bronte: A Life - so I've a very large knowledge on Charlotte, but a brief one of her father, sisters and brother. I know feel comfortable in discussing each member in great detail - it's like I know them personally now. The extensive notes section shows how much research Barker did whilst composing this, and thus suggesting the most minute detail is the truest.
I'm a little dazed at the moment by how overwhelming it was to read this beast. I'm going to take a few days to ponder over my thoughts and feelings and I'll write up a review, which I'll either post on here or on my blog: https://bookishbyron.wordpress.com/
Just know I loved it. It was worth the read. I'm happy I was slow with it - I was able to digest everything fully. I would 100% - definitely - completely - wholeheartedly - recommend!!
mcsangel2's review against another edition
5.0
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Brontes is in this book. If you seriously love Charlotte, Emily, and Anne's work, you *must* read this. In the last 2 years I have discovered Anne's work (I find Tenant of Wildfell Hall competes for my affection with Jane Eyre as the best Bronte sister work), and recently watched "To Walk Invisible" which was filmed on location with absolutely stellar performances. I've come away with this really being more intrigued by Emily's personality, but alas, she'll always remain a mystery.
harpirl's review against another edition
4.5
You must be a fan in order to take on this 1000 page extensive biography on the Brontë s. Juliet Barker’s take on the Brontë’s is quite different from Elizabeth Gaskell’s account in the book she had written on Charlotte’s Brontë ‘s life.
Juliet’s take and portrayal is more harsh and covers much more depth. Definitely well researched as it took her 11 years to gather all the information to write this book. All details are in here, including some more obscure ones. If you are a Brontë fanatic, you will no doubt find much of it interesting.
Juliet’s take and portrayal is more harsh and covers much more depth. Definitely well researched as it took her 11 years to gather all the information to write this book. All details are in here, including some more obscure ones. If you are a Brontë fanatic, you will no doubt find much of it interesting.