The Bronte Sisters: an in depth and fresh perspective on the famous literary sisters

The Bronte Sisters: Life, Loss and Literature by Catherine Rayner is an in depth and fresh perspective on the famous sisters and their family. With timeless classics like Jane Eyre (1847), Wuthering Heights (1847), and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1848), Charlotte, Emily and Anne were a talented, trailblazing trio whose stories have continued to haunt readers and academics for over 175 years. These fictional masterpieces are recognized as landmarks of English Literature today but they caused a sensation and even some controversy due to their subject matters and unconventional styles. What is the story of these women? What were the influences and forces that drove their storytelling? From early childhood in the quiet Yorkshire village of Haworth, literature and world events were held in high esteem in the Bronte household, they began to create stories from an early age. But their lives would be filled with tragedy and devastating loss and they would pour their doubts, fears and grief into their stories. They would tackle taboo subjects of Victorian society: divorce, child abuse, bigamy, domestic violence, class, female depression and mental illness.

I have been a fan of the Bronte sisters since reading Wuthering Heights in high school. I have always been curious about their lives and inspirations and like to read as much as I can about these women. In The Bronte Sisters, Catherine Rayner analyzes every aspect of the Bronte family and era to find the clues to these remarkable women. From their father’s humble beginnings in northeastern Ireland to Cambridge University and becoming a well-respected clergy. Even from their isolation on the English moors, the sisters were well aware of and well versed in current events and from their travels, they saw first hand some of the darker areas of the celebrated Victorian Age. Fueled by their strong Christian morals, they set out to expose these dark injustices. While reading the chapters in which Ms. Rayner discusses each books’ history, inspiration, symbols and themes, I was inspired to reread these books with a new perspective and insight. If you love the Bronte sisters and their works or just want to know more about these amazing sisters, I highly recommend The Bronte Sisters. 

The Bronte Sisters: Life, Loss and Literature is available in paperback and eBook