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A profoundly moving, ground-breaking biography that challenges the established narrative to reveal the Brontë family as they've never been seen before.
Charlotte Brontë had a life as seemingly dramatic as her heroine Jane Eyre. Turning her back on her tragic past, Charlotte reinvented herself as an acclaimed author, a mysterious celebrity, and a passionate lover. Doing so meant burning many bridges, but her sudden death left her friends and admirers with more questions than answers.
Tasked with telling the truth about Brontë's life, her friend, the novelist Elizabeth Gaskell, uncovered secrets of illicit love, family discord, and professional rivalries more incredible than any fiction. The result, a tell-all biography, was so scandalous it was banned and rewritten twice in six months—but not before it had given birth to the legend of the Brontës.
The Invention of Charlotte Brontë presents a different, darker take on one of the most famous women writers of the nineteenth century, showing Charlotte to be a strong but flawed individual. Through evaluating key events as well as introducing new archival material into the story, this lively biography challenges the established narrative to reveal the Brontë family as they've never been seen before.
"Literary scholar Watson explores in his vivid debut biography the mystery and sensation that surrounded Charlotte Brontë...This fast-moving account of literary fame satisfies." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Deeply researched account of the novelist's final years and the furor that greeted Elizabeth Gaskell's biography of her friend...An essential addition to the vast shelf of Brontëana." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Fascinating." ―The Daily Mail (UK)
"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 Brontes
"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
Rated 
of 5
by
Anthony_Conty
Quite the Slice of Literary Life
“The Invention of Charlotte Brontë” is about true information. That makes it a biography, but it reads like fiction. Author Graham Watson takes on the tricky job of telling a story that so many already know. The 1830s were a fabulous time for art, and those of literary and theatre arts had a special relationship, and the Brontë family was at the forefront.
Brontë’s life had many “players” who appreciated her talent and brought their own skills to the table. They were intrigued by her and her disinclination toward romance. When she finally married, she came out of her shell and relished having someone care about her and take care of her. Arthur was not perfect, but perfect for her.
I feel guilty that the novel did not pick up for me until our heroine died. Everyone struggled to summarize her life and separate the gifted writer from the person. She was troubled and imperfect, and only the most unreasonable fans expected otherwise. Scholars and relatives alike tried to hide her skeletons from public consumption, unnecessary scrutiny, and unwanted attention.
Author Graham Watson faces quite a challenge in establishing a universe in which the Brontë family lived and died and in convincing readers to accept the results of Charlotte’s biography as an irrefutable fact. He paints some brilliant imagery along the way that makes me recommend this book, but only a true Brontë fan or history buff will appreciate it.
If biographies are your thing, read it. If “Jane Eyre” or “Wuthering Heights” rank among your favorites, put this on your TBR list. Watson has a knack for the English language and provides enough details about the literature to understand why this book is necessary. It is a quick read when you add up the notes and timelines from non-fiction.
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 Brontë Studies and has recently joined the journal's peer-review board. The Invention of Charlotte Brontë is his first book. Graham lives in Glasgow.
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