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!!