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Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith
Charles Darwin published The Origin of Species, his revolutionary tract on evolution and the fundamental ideas involved, in 1859. Nearly 150 years later, the theory of evolution continues to create tension between the scientific and religious communities. Challenges about teaching the theory of evolution in schools occur annually all over the country. This same debate raged within Darwin himself, and played an important part in his his wife, Emma, was quite religious, and her faith gave Charles a lot to think about as he worked on a theory that continues to spark intense debates.Deborah Heiligman's new biography of Charles Darwin is a thought-provoking account of the man behind evolutionary how his personal life affected his work and vice versa. The end result is an engaging exploration of history, science, and religion for young readers. Charles and Emma is a 2009 National Book Award Finalist for Young People's Literature.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 23, 2008
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6606 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Heiligman
43 books160 followersDeborah Heiligman has been writing for children since she worked at Scholastic News soon after college. Since then she has written more than thirty books for children and teens. Her books include picture books, both fiction and nonfiction, and young adult nonfiction and fiction. Some titles: Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith, a National Book Award finalist; The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos, a Cook Prize Winner and Orbis Pictus honor; Intentions, a Sydney Taylor Award winner, and a picture book series about Tinka the dog. Her latest book is Vincent and Theo: The van Gogh Brothers. For more information please visit www.DeborahHeiligman.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,158 reviews
July 5, 2010
I picked up this book mostly because Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith is both the National Book Award and Printz runner-up. I don't know if it's because my expectations were too high or because this book is my first YA non-fiction, but I wasn't as wild about it as I expected to be.
Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith is basically a story of Charles Darwin's marriage to his religious wife, which, keeping in mind that Darwin was a founder of the theory of natural selection, is an interesting subject to explore. The book narrates Charles' initial hesitation to even get married, the couple's ultimate decision to put their religious differences aside and trust in the ability of their marriage to work in spite of them, and Charles's and Emma's life together.
The book is written in a very engaging manner, easy to read and hardly ever gets boring. It provides curious details about Darwin's life and 19th century living in general. I especially liked the story about Charles' week-long visit to his first love, during which he partook in so much kissing, that he had to be prescribed medicine to relieve the swelling of his lips. Who would have thought this kind of vigor was allowed 150 years ago? I also enjoyed learning that taking breakfast in bed was an actual medical treatment!
The reason I couldn't give the book more than 3 stars is that ultimately Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith doesn't live up to its premise - the struggle to find a compromise between an atheist husband's and religious wife's beliefs isn't sufficiently explored. Besides Emma's initial fear that her beloved husband will go to Hell for not believing in God, the subject doesn't come up too often in the course of the story. Rather, it explores Charles's hesitation to make his beliefs public, his fear to go against popular religious views.
Nevertheless, the book will be of interest to those who want to know a little about Charles Darwin and his ideas, but who don't feel like plodding through other more massive biographies of the scientist. For me the most fascinating part of the story is that even now, 150 years after Darwin's theory was published, there are still people who find it absolutely impossible to reconcile their religious beliefs with scientific findings. As if science and faith are mutually exclusive!
Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith is basically a story of Charles Darwin's marriage to his religious wife, which, keeping in mind that Darwin was a founder of the theory of natural selection, is an interesting subject to explore. The book narrates Charles' initial hesitation to even get married, the couple's ultimate decision to put their religious differences aside and trust in the ability of their marriage to work in spite of them, and Charles's and Emma's life together.
The book is written in a very engaging manner, easy to read and hardly ever gets boring. It provides curious details about Darwin's life and 19th century living in general. I especially liked the story about Charles' week-long visit to his first love, during which he partook in so much kissing, that he had to be prescribed medicine to relieve the swelling of his lips. Who would have thought this kind of vigor was allowed 150 years ago? I also enjoyed learning that taking breakfast in bed was an actual medical treatment!
The reason I couldn't give the book more than 3 stars is that ultimately Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith doesn't live up to its premise - the struggle to find a compromise between an atheist husband's and religious wife's beliefs isn't sufficiently explored. Besides Emma's initial fear that her beloved husband will go to Hell for not believing in God, the subject doesn't come up too often in the course of the story. Rather, it explores Charles's hesitation to make his beliefs public, his fear to go against popular religious views.
Nevertheless, the book will be of interest to those who want to know a little about Charles Darwin and his ideas, but who don't feel like plodding through other more massive biographies of the scientist. For me the most fascinating part of the story is that even now, 150 years after Darwin's theory was published, there are still people who find it absolutely impossible to reconcile their religious beliefs with scientific findings. As if science and faith are mutually exclusive!
July 2, 2009
I wanted to rate this book higher, but the more I considered its qualities, the more I opted for liking rather than really liking. Numerous parts of this book were highly interesting, and some I found quite moving; but two features kept getting in the way of an overall very satisfying reading experience for me. One was Heiligman's seeming desire to work in every tidbit about the Darwins that struck her as interesting, even if that bit of information ended up being obtrusive to the forward movement of the book. In addition, however, there inevitably appeared later, another discussion of that tidbit that endeavored to justify its inclusion. The bit about D's dog was one example for me. Never could quite figure out why she felt compelled to include that one, even though the second time the dog this discussed, there is an tie in--just didn't work for me.
The second issue is a very tricky one in a book like this. As H rightly claims, in all the books about Darwin, this is the one that tells the story of Emma. But in the end I felt the title was right: Charles and Emma. It wasn't Emma and Charles. The book was centrally about the issue of faith/science or creation/natural selection in the Darwins' relationship, and that is the very interesting and very strong part of the way Heiligman crafted this book--wonderful. I felt, however, that I kept experiencing everything about Emma and her perspectives/fears/etc. through the lens of Charles. And perhaps that is as it must be with a figure like CD in one's book. I frankly am not sure how H could have succeeded in not making Charles the central filter, but I ended up wishing I had a more Emma-centric view of a number of things.
After finishing the book, one thing that strikes me is the magnificent job that Heiligman did throughout the entire work of letting us see so intellectually powerful a force as Darwin through another, intimately personal, lens. And the personal was central--this book was not about how Darwin, giant of science, operated in the scientific and intellectual worlds of his time, building networks, negotiating the academic and other communities that he did in order to become the Charles Darwin that is Charles Darwin of today (though she does build a very satisfying picture of the context for how his career unfolded). This book shows Darwin in his everyday interactions with and feelings for his wife and children. And that is what I did came away from this book loving. Okay, I changed my mind--4 stars.
The second issue is a very tricky one in a book like this. As H rightly claims, in all the books about Darwin, this is the one that tells the story of Emma. But in the end I felt the title was right: Charles and Emma. It wasn't Emma and Charles. The book was centrally about the issue of faith/science or creation/natural selection in the Darwins' relationship, and that is the very interesting and very strong part of the way Heiligman crafted this book--wonderful. I felt, however, that I kept experiencing everything about Emma and her perspectives/fears/etc. through the lens of Charles. And perhaps that is as it must be with a figure like CD in one's book. I frankly am not sure how H could have succeeded in not making Charles the central filter, but I ended up wishing I had a more Emma-centric view of a number of things.
After finishing the book, one thing that strikes me is the magnificent job that Heiligman did throughout the entire work of letting us see so intellectually powerful a force as Darwin through another, intimately personal, lens. And the personal was central--this book was not about how Darwin, giant of science, operated in the scientific and intellectual worlds of his time, building networks, negotiating the academic and other communities that he did in order to become the Charles Darwin that is Charles Darwin of today (though she does build a very satisfying picture of the context for how his career unfolded). This book shows Darwin in his everyday interactions with and feelings for his wife and children. And that is what I did came away from this book loving. Okay, I changed my mind--4 stars.
May 6, 2020
V-ați gândit vreodată care sunt dezavantajele unei căsătorii? Ca bărbați, poate nu vreți să fiți cicăliți toată viața de aceeași persoană și să spuneți mereu unde mergeți. Ca femei, poate nu vreți să spălați nădragii altuia zeci de ani și să fiți mereu epilate. Darwin și-a pus altfel problema: nu ar mai avea timp pentru cercetările lui, iar oamenii ar putea risca să trăiască într-o lume pe care nu o cunosc. Parcă altfel sună acum dramele noastre, nu? Mai rușinoase. Totuși, el și-a învins teama pentru că și-a dorit pe cineva care să-l îmblânzească după anii petrecuți în expediție și a trăit o poveste de dragoste deopotrivă tragică și frumoasă. Au trecut împreună peste divergențele legate de religie și credință, peste problemele financiare și chiar peste moartea a doi dintre copiii lor, care i-a afectat până la sfârșitul vieții. Cartea asta reușește să îmbine romantismul cu știința și să satisfacă nevoia sadică a oamenilor de a vedea că și ceilalți, chiar și cei considerați puternici de întreaga lume, au defecte, slăbiciuni și probleme. Cumva e un amestec de chick-lit (descrierea relației lor parcă e desprinsă dintr-un roman de Jane Austen) și nonficțiune, oricât de ciudat ar putea suna. Dacă vreți să aflați mai multe despre Darwin din diverse puncte de vedere, totuși fără a studia temeinic opera și teoriile sale, atunci aceasta e o lectură foarte potrivită. Atât că aș recomanda-o mai degrabă femeilor, căci nu cred că un bărbat, cel puțin nu oricare bărbat, ar putea savura sentimentalismele de-aici sau detalii precum faptul că Darwin era complexat de nasul său. Recenzia aici: https://bit.ly/2SFIxPM.
,,Poate că avea să-i fie pământ ferm în marea agitată a gândurilor lor sale eretice.''
,,Poate că avea să-i fie pământ ferm în marea agitată a gândurilor lor sale eretice.''
June 20, 2018
I actually really enjoyed this book a lot more than I expected. I found it well researched and just a great short read. Can you imagine how difficult and the personal berating Darwin had to have went through when he was having the internal debate of his work going public? Some still find his work controversial (even though it is widely accepted) so can you imagine how it was taken when it first went out into the world. Anyways, I found the story entertaining and a delivery of the story was done well by the author (but I am far from an expert of Charles Darwin) but I did enjoy reading this little book.
My quick and simple overall: quick and entertaining and truly makes you wonder just how much anger and curiosity came up when his work first came to the public’s eye.
My quick and simple overall: quick and entertaining and truly makes you wonder just how much anger and curiosity came up when his work first came to the public’s eye.
April 12, 2023
While this targets young adults, it's appropriate for any adult who is interested in Darwin and/or his theory of evolution but doesn't want a heavy read. I've read quite a bit about Darwin, but still enjoyed this book (and I learned a little more). Especially well-done is the way Heiligman handled the tension between the Darwins about the relationship between science and religion. There are many quotes from CD's books, letters, and notes, all of which contribute to an understanding of the man.
Both Charles and Emma enjoyed a good novel.
p 91: Usually Emma read to Charles while he rested from his work. Charles liked novels with happy endings, and he once wrote, "I often bless all novelists. A surprising number have been read aloud to me ... and I like all if moderately good, and if they do not end unhappily—against which a law ought to be passed. A novel, according to my taste, does not come into the first class unless it contains some person whom one can thoroughly love, and if it be a pretty woman all the better."
p 231: Emma spent much of her time reading, and in 1894 she wrote, "I am rather ashamed to find I use up rather more than a volume a day of novels." She read the Brontes and Robert Louis Stevenson. She read of the novels of Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell. (Mrs. Gaskell was one of the Darwins friends.)
And here's a piece of good advice.
p 197: Although Charles discussed religion and science with Gray and other close friends, he demurred when strangers wrote to him asking what he believed about God. He said that theologians should answer questions about religion, scientists about science.
Heiligman may well have had to resolve similar tension in her own marriage. She majored in religious studies in college, and is married to science writer, Jonathan Weiner.
Both Charles and Emma enjoyed a good novel.
p 91: Usually Emma read to Charles while he rested from his work. Charles liked novels with happy endings, and he once wrote, "I often bless all novelists. A surprising number have been read aloud to me ... and I like all if moderately good, and if they do not end unhappily—against which a law ought to be passed. A novel, according to my taste, does not come into the first class unless it contains some person whom one can thoroughly love, and if it be a pretty woman all the better."
p 231: Emma spent much of her time reading, and in 1894 she wrote, "I am rather ashamed to find I use up rather more than a volume a day of novels." She read the Brontes and Robert Louis Stevenson. She read of the novels of Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell. (Mrs. Gaskell was one of the Darwins friends.)
And here's a piece of good advice.
p 197: Although Charles discussed religion and science with Gray and other close friends, he demurred when strangers wrote to him asking what he believed about God. He said that theologians should answer questions about religion, scientists about science.
Heiligman may well have had to resolve similar tension in her own marriage. She majored in religious studies in college, and is married to science writer, Jonathan Weiner.
May 16, 2010
I had no interest in either Charles Darwin or his wife before reading this book, but Heiligman's biography kept me riveted from start to finish. Darwin took a very pragmatic approach to marriage, compiling a list of pros and cons, before he decided to take the step that would radically change--and improve--his life; and did this before he decided on the woman! Emma Wedgwood was a deeply religious person and Darwin, her cousin, had embarked on a course of biological study that caused him serious doubts about the literal truth of Christian beliefs. But they were both such open-minded and loving people that they found a way to accept their differences, and their marriage thrived for years, bringing them 10 children, seven of whom lived to adulthood. This is a fascinating, mature biography that I think many adults will enjoy.
September 4, 2015
This book isn't fantastic, but it's good. An enjoyable description of the Darwins as a family. Though they had their fair share of illness, loss and struggle, they seem an uncommonly happy family. They had an uncanny ability for finding joy in each other and in their work.
It is strange to read about the family and to know there are butlers, maids, servants of various kinds running around, doing a lot of work, and barely acknowledged, though at least some of them named. I guess is is just part of the times for people their class, but just a bit odd.
Some of my favorite parts. The overall playfulness of the family and Emma's intelligence and open-mindedness. Darwin and Emma wrestling together over the question of God and religion, and the larger cultural rumblings around these questions. The description of Darwin's work with barnacles, and the little story of one of his son's asking a family friend "When does your father do his barnacles?" as if studying and writing about barnacles is something that someone in everyone's family does. (I think doing one's barnacles should be code for something. I have no idea what. Obsessive tinkering? Nothing too nefarious.) The family obsession with worms and the trip to Stonehenge during which Darwin was much more interested in digging in the ground for worms than looking at the stones. (According to the biography, Darwin wrote a book about worms, which I now want to read. Though I still haven't gotten through the Origin of Species.)
The writing wasn't great and sometimes it felt a little repetitive, but all in all I think "Charles and Emma" is well-researched and offers an entertaining little window into the life and times of the Darwin family.
It is strange to read about the family and to know there are butlers, maids, servants of various kinds running around, doing a lot of work, and barely acknowledged, though at least some of them named. I guess is is just part of the times for people their class, but just a bit odd.
Some of my favorite parts. The overall playfulness of the family and Emma's intelligence and open-mindedness. Darwin and Emma wrestling together over the question of God and religion, and the larger cultural rumblings around these questions. The description of Darwin's work with barnacles, and the little story of one of his son's asking a family friend "When does your father do his barnacles?" as if studying and writing about barnacles is something that someone in everyone's family does. (I think doing one's barnacles should be code for something. I have no idea what. Obsessive tinkering? Nothing too nefarious.) The family obsession with worms and the trip to Stonehenge during which Darwin was much more interested in digging in the ground for worms than looking at the stones. (According to the biography, Darwin wrote a book about worms, which I now want to read. Though I still haven't gotten through the Origin of Species.)
The writing wasn't great and sometimes it felt a little repetitive, but all in all I think "Charles and Emma" is well-researched and offers an entertaining little window into the life and times of the Darwin family.
July 30, 2010
Starting my career as a science teacher, I have always been fascinated with Darwin's work. I did not know much about his personal life, though. I enjoyed learning about the Darwins, their marriage and family life, and the tension they both felt about reconciling their religious beliefs with his scientific discoveries.
March 20, 2020
It was interesting to get a behind the scenes look at Darwin's career, but that's the only thing I really liked about it. I didn't want to give it too low a rating because most of the things I didn't like are based on personal preferences. The rating is based on the fact that it doesn't deliver what it promises.
I read a few synopses for Charles and Emma over the past few years. They all say it’s about the conflict between Charles’ theory of evolution and Emma’s belief in Christianity. That doesn’t really come up that often in the story. They seemed like a happy couple. It’s mentioned a few times by the narrator, but it feels like the author was trying to make it seem more important to their life than it was. Emma seemed open-minded about Charles’ and her kids’ beliefs. She probably had to make peace with it in her own mind, but it never became an issue between them.
The scene where Charles shows Emma The Origin Of Species for the first time was anticlimactic, to say the least. The only critiques she had involved grammar, spelling, and clarity of the writing. She never brought up her beliefs. In the end, I felt like I read this whole book for nothing.
I read a few synopses for Charles and Emma over the past few years. They all say it’s about the conflict between Charles’ theory of evolution and Emma’s belief in Christianity. That doesn’t really come up that often in the story. They seemed like a happy couple. It’s mentioned a few times by the narrator, but it feels like the author was trying to make it seem more important to their life than it was. Emma seemed open-minded about Charles’ and her kids’ beliefs. She probably had to make peace with it in her own mind, but it never became an issue between them.
The scene where Charles shows Emma The Origin Of Species for the first time was anticlimactic, to say the least. The only critiques she had involved grammar, spelling, and clarity of the writing. She never brought up her beliefs. In the end, I felt like I read this whole book for nothing.
February 19, 2024
4,5*
The month of love came with an unexpected love story. I knew nothing about Charles Darwin's life or about his relationship with his wife, Emma, but personalities such as he fascinate me. Living as an agnostic during an era when such beliefs were deemed sacrilegious, he faced significant public scrutiny due to his views on religion. Additionally, his seminal work, "On the Origin of Species," provoked widespread debate about creationism and sparked discussions about humanity's origins, even though Darwin himself did not directly delve into the topic in that particular instance.
Given his beliefs, one might assume that Charles Darwin would have chosen a partner who shared his perspective. However, this was not the case. Darwin's wife, Emma, held strong religious convictions, which posed an ongoing challenge for their relationship. Throughout her life, she grappled with the notion that their differing beliefs might lead to eternal separation in the afterlife, as she believed she would not reunite with her husband in heaven. Nevertheless, their mutual love prevailed, and they never let this contention point affect their marriage on a deeper level, remaining committed to each other until Darwin's death and beyond.
Lately, I keep finding books that mirror my relationship, without actively looking for them. I'm an atheist, my husband is a believer, but somehow this has never been an issue between us. I firmly believe that love and mutual respect can mitigate the impact of such differences, making them more manageable in a relationship. Therefore, I was thrilled to discover the story of the Darwins' marriage, which exemplifies strength, resilience, and determination in the face of life's challenges. They not only navigated the complexities of their conflicting philosophical views but also endured the hardships of grief and illness. Throughout their lives, Darwin himself battled with illness, and the couple experienced the heartbreaking loss of several children at different stages of life.
Deborah Heiligman skillfully portrays the Victorian era in her work, delving into its varied social and political dimensions while also providing valuable insights into the scientific community of the time, marked by expeditions and groundbreaking discoveries. Her book is meticulously researched on multiple fronts: not only does she draw extensively from Darwin and his family's personal correspondences and journals, but she also endeavors to situate their story within the broader context of the era. Moreover, Heiligman adeptly explores the scientist's views on religion, examining their impact not only within the confines of his marriage but also in relation to society at large.
What resonated with me the most was the depiction of the Darwin family life. Charles and Emma prioritized the freedom of expression and fostered a loving, secure, and nurturing environment for their children. In an era where such freedoms were likely uncommon, their children grew up with a level of liberty that was remarkable for the time.
This was a fun, sad at times, yet overall, it felt quite accessible despite the scientific content. The thorough research and captivating narrative made it truly fascinating. Charles and Emma Darwin's love and life story make me believe that long-lasting, respectful, loving relationships can exist even amidst differences between partners.
The month of love came with an unexpected love story. I knew nothing about Charles Darwin's life or about his relationship with his wife, Emma, but personalities such as he fascinate me. Living as an agnostic during an era when such beliefs were deemed sacrilegious, he faced significant public scrutiny due to his views on religion. Additionally, his seminal work, "On the Origin of Species," provoked widespread debate about creationism and sparked discussions about humanity's origins, even though Darwin himself did not directly delve into the topic in that particular instance.
Given his beliefs, one might assume that Charles Darwin would have chosen a partner who shared his perspective. However, this was not the case. Darwin's wife, Emma, held strong religious convictions, which posed an ongoing challenge for their relationship. Throughout her life, she grappled with the notion that their differing beliefs might lead to eternal separation in the afterlife, as she believed she would not reunite with her husband in heaven. Nevertheless, their mutual love prevailed, and they never let this contention point affect their marriage on a deeper level, remaining committed to each other until Darwin's death and beyond.
Lately, I keep finding books that mirror my relationship, without actively looking for them. I'm an atheist, my husband is a believer, but somehow this has never been an issue between us. I firmly believe that love and mutual respect can mitigate the impact of such differences, making them more manageable in a relationship. Therefore, I was thrilled to discover the story of the Darwins' marriage, which exemplifies strength, resilience, and determination in the face of life's challenges. They not only navigated the complexities of their conflicting philosophical views but also endured the hardships of grief and illness. Throughout their lives, Darwin himself battled with illness, and the couple experienced the heartbreaking loss of several children at different stages of life.
Deborah Heiligman skillfully portrays the Victorian era in her work, delving into its varied social and political dimensions while also providing valuable insights into the scientific community of the time, marked by expeditions and groundbreaking discoveries. Her book is meticulously researched on multiple fronts: not only does she draw extensively from Darwin and his family's personal correspondences and journals, but she also endeavors to situate their story within the broader context of the era. Moreover, Heiligman adeptly explores the scientist's views on religion, examining their impact not only within the confines of his marriage but also in relation to society at large.
What resonated with me the most was the depiction of the Darwin family life. Charles and Emma prioritized the freedom of expression and fostered a loving, secure, and nurturing environment for their children. In an era where such freedoms were likely uncommon, their children grew up with a level of liberty that was remarkable for the time.
This was a fun, sad at times, yet overall, it felt quite accessible despite the scientific content. The thorough research and captivating narrative made it truly fascinating. Charles and Emma Darwin's love and life story make me believe that long-lasting, respectful, loving relationships can exist even amidst differences between partners.
Read
March 9, 2020It did take a bit to get into, but, yes, it's a biography, not a story. Now 2/3 through and enjoying it very much. Lots of passages marked.
I'm really hoping that more is answered about how this unlikely couple manage to get along so well. They are often ill, and they lose children, and keep having more... all those stresses on top of being one devoutly Christian and one Materialist... oh my. Maybe: the closer one is to another, the more ready one is to respect their opinions and see them as worthy comrades or even spouses.
After all, it's not like the Darwins disputes were over child-rearing approaches, or frugality, or such. It was 'simply' that Emma feared, in her few spare moments, for Charles' everlasting soul. That's a problem for after life, not for living and loving together.
Ok done. I am very glad that I read it. It did get more readable. I'm still not sure why Charles risked passing down the trait of ill-health though, after realizing that Emma and he were both subject to miseries *and* they lost older children... they continued to have more! I guess it was the expectation of the time & place they lived in.
The author really didn't make a case for a strategy for the couple to cope with their different opinions. Mainly it seems that they just loved each other so much, and also respected each other for their other character traits (intelligence, 'transparency,' patience, etc.) that they didn't fret too much.
It does seem that Emma became a bit more open-minded, at least to the possibility that Charles would go to heaven just because he's a good man. And Charles never completely renounced God, but just the strictures of literal interpretation of creation, and prerequisite of prayer for admittance to Heaven.
I did use bookdarts to mark some passages:
Emma knew right away that Charles would always view everything through the lens of science. She wrote to him "You will be forming theories about me & if I am cross or out of temper you will only consider 'What does that prove.' Which will be a very grand & philosophical way of considering it."
Contemporary of Dickens, at least enough of an overlap that it's likely the Darwins read Nicholas Nickleby when it was new.
Emma read novels aloud to Charles. He enjoyed them, especially if they had happy endings, but noted "A novel, according to my taste, does not come into the first class unless it contains some person whom one can thoroughly love."
He also opined "Definition of happiness the number of pleasant ideas passing through mind in given time." Not sure if this thought every made it past his notebook, or if I agree with it, but it's interesting.
Emma seemed stern to some, but the author points out that she was "calm and sometimes solemn, and together that could be mistaken for gravity." I really appreciate that, as my mother seems that way to many people and I, too, though I think to a lesser extent.
Good book, with plenty of back-matter and claim of original research, lots of revelatory quotes from not only the principals but friends & family. Thanks to Gundula and the Children's Books group for the encouragement to read it.
I'm really hoping that more is answered about how this unlikely couple manage to get along so well. They are often ill, and they lose children, and keep having more... all those stresses on top of being one devoutly Christian and one Materialist... oh my. Maybe: the closer one is to another, the more ready one is to respect their opinions and see them as worthy comrades or even spouses.
After all, it's not like the Darwins disputes were over child-rearing approaches, or frugality, or such. It was 'simply' that Emma feared, in her few spare moments, for Charles' everlasting soul. That's a problem for after life, not for living and loving together.
Ok done. I am very glad that I read it. It did get more readable. I'm still not sure why Charles risked passing down the trait of ill-health though, after realizing that Emma and he were both subject to miseries *and* they lost older children... they continued to have more! I guess it was the expectation of the time & place they lived in.
The author really didn't make a case for a strategy for the couple to cope with their different opinions. Mainly it seems that they just loved each other so much, and also respected each other for their other character traits (intelligence, 'transparency,' patience, etc.) that they didn't fret too much.
It does seem that Emma became a bit more open-minded, at least to the possibility that Charles would go to heaven just because he's a good man. And Charles never completely renounced God, but just the strictures of literal interpretation of creation, and prerequisite of prayer for admittance to Heaven.
I did use bookdarts to mark some passages:
Emma knew right away that Charles would always view everything through the lens of science. She wrote to him "You will be forming theories about me & if I am cross or out of temper you will only consider 'What does that prove.' Which will be a very grand & philosophical way of considering it."
Contemporary of Dickens, at least enough of an overlap that it's likely the Darwins read Nicholas Nickleby when it was new.
Emma read novels aloud to Charles. He enjoyed them, especially if they had happy endings, but noted "A novel, according to my taste, does not come into the first class unless it contains some person whom one can thoroughly love."
He also opined "Definition of happiness the number of pleasant ideas passing through mind in given time." Not sure if this thought every made it past his notebook, or if I agree with it, but it's interesting.
Emma seemed stern to some, but the author points out that she was "calm and sometimes solemn, and together that could be mistaken for gravity." I really appreciate that, as my mother seems that way to many people and I, too, though I think to a lesser extent.
Good book, with plenty of back-matter and claim of original research, lots of revelatory quotes from not only the principals but friends & family. Thanks to Gundula and the Children's Books group for the encouragement to read it.
August 5, 2020
I never thought a book about Charles Darwin's personal life would make me cry, but there it is. This is a great book about Charles and Emma's marriage: their closeness, their love for their children and grandchildren, and their differing views on religion. Charles was an agnostic; Emma was a Christian (though Heiligman does observe that Emma had her own dissenting views: she did not believe in the Holy Trinity, did not think every part of the Bible was literally true, and confessed to one of her daughters that she thought the Book of Psalms was overrated). Overall, this is a great portrait of a marriage and Victorian domestic life.
April 22, 2013
Name: Josephine Wold
APA Citation: Heiligman, D. (2009). Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ leap of faith. New York: Henry Holt and Company.
Genre: informational
Award: 2009 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature Finalist
2010 Michael L. Printz Honor Book
L.A. Time Book Prize Finalist
Winner of the 2010 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award
Format: Print
Selection process:
1) Starred review by Booklist. Reviews by School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews
2) 2009 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature Finalist
3) 2009 ALA Michael L. Printz Award for Best Young Adult Book Finalist
4) Literature for Today’s Young Adults- Honor List- The Best of the Best, 1980-2011 (p.22)
Review:
Charles Darwin is famous for his voyage on the HMS Beagle to the Galapagos Islands where, as the expedition’s naturalist, he collected specimens that lead him to discover the process of natural selection and the theory of evolution. Emma Wedgwood is not famous. However, by presenting the details of their lives together, the main theme of this remarkable book unfolds as a very important message for readers today: people with different beliefs and philosophies can live happily, even enhancedly together. Heiligman paints out the picture of the details of the life of Emma Wedgwood, her childhood home life, family, loves and losses, and religious beliefs. Drawing on letters, diaries, and notebooks by both Emma and Charles, the reader is privileged to follow along as Charles Darwin decides how to live his life as a person, and how to pursue his calling as a scientist, applying his studies in natural history to such considerations as love, passion, desire, jealousy and devotion. What comes out from all this thoughtful, intelligent reflection is a long, beautiful, loving relationship which includes the creation of a rich home life, ten children, and, of course, Charles Darwin’s many scientific publications, of which “Origin of the Species” is the most well-known.
This book is so much more that a biography. It includes descriptions, details, and insights into 19th century English life, religion, philosophy, and science, and would serve as an excellent book to integrate subjects, provide context and depth, and generate discussions in high school classrooms. The book is well documented with many pages of source notes, family trees for both Emma and Charles, and photographs.
Recommendation: Highly Recommend
APA Citation: Heiligman, D. (2009). Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ leap of faith. New York: Henry Holt and Company.
Genre: informational
Award: 2009 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature Finalist
2010 Michael L. Printz Honor Book
L.A. Time Book Prize Finalist
Winner of the 2010 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award
Format: Print
Selection process:
1) Starred review by Booklist. Reviews by School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews
2) 2009 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature Finalist
3) 2009 ALA Michael L. Printz Award for Best Young Adult Book Finalist
4) Literature for Today’s Young Adults- Honor List- The Best of the Best, 1980-2011 (p.22)
Review:
Charles Darwin is famous for his voyage on the HMS Beagle to the Galapagos Islands where, as the expedition’s naturalist, he collected specimens that lead him to discover the process of natural selection and the theory of evolution. Emma Wedgwood is not famous. However, by presenting the details of their lives together, the main theme of this remarkable book unfolds as a very important message for readers today: people with different beliefs and philosophies can live happily, even enhancedly together. Heiligman paints out the picture of the details of the life of Emma Wedgwood, her childhood home life, family, loves and losses, and religious beliefs. Drawing on letters, diaries, and notebooks by both Emma and Charles, the reader is privileged to follow along as Charles Darwin decides how to live his life as a person, and how to pursue his calling as a scientist, applying his studies in natural history to such considerations as love, passion, desire, jealousy and devotion. What comes out from all this thoughtful, intelligent reflection is a long, beautiful, loving relationship which includes the creation of a rich home life, ten children, and, of course, Charles Darwin’s many scientific publications, of which “Origin of the Species” is the most well-known.
This book is so much more that a biography. It includes descriptions, details, and insights into 19th century English life, religion, philosophy, and science, and would serve as an excellent book to integrate subjects, provide context and depth, and generate discussions in high school classrooms. The book is well documented with many pages of source notes, family trees for both Emma and Charles, and photographs.
Recommendation: Highly Recommend
June 5, 2010
This is a biography of Charles Darwin and his wife Emma. I wouldn't have thought that I'd like it, but so many people were talking it up I gave it a try and I really enjoyed it. The relationship between this scientist who didn't believe in God and his very religious wife makes for a great parallel to the larger controversy between science and certain religious communities.
Interesting side note: when I booktalked this book at the middle school in Maple Valley, very few students knew who Darwin was. Is it because they haven't been taught evolution in science class yet? Or has Darwin been omitted entirely? My sister, who has boys in the Enumclaw school district said that the school district has deemed teaching evolution as too controversial. WTF?! I'd yank my kids out of public school just so I could teach them evolution!
Interesting side note: when I booktalked this book at the middle school in Maple Valley, very few students knew who Darwin was. Is it because they haven't been taught evolution in science class yet? Or has Darwin been omitted entirely? My sister, who has boys in the Enumclaw school district said that the school district has deemed teaching evolution as too controversial. WTF?! I'd yank my kids out of public school just so I could teach them evolution!
May 25, 2017
It is disconcerting to my unspoken preconceptions that one can be likable, curious, enthusiastic, humble in most respects, and a great husband and parent all while defying the Gospel one knows better than most believers in it. Nevertheless, I should not be surprised at these descriptors of Charles Darwin as he comes across on these pages. Jesus said, did He not that we, evil apart from His intervention, know how to give good gifts to our children?
The author does a good job conveying the combination of grace and tension. Both are evident as these unequally yoked partners consider marriage and in each step along the way. They are inspiringly honest with each other, even as they look at the world from such different places. Worth reading in a polarized age.
The author does a good job conveying the combination of grace and tension. Both are evident as these unequally yoked partners consider marriage and in each step along the way. They are inspiringly honest with each other, even as they look at the world from such different places. Worth reading in a polarized age.
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April 18, 2019This and other reviews can be found on The Psychotic Nerd
Short and Simple Review
This book was really out of my comfort zone. I don't really read biographies, but I challenged myself to read all of the Printz award winners and this book came recommended by my YA lit teacher a while back. I had to change the way I typically read books because I found when reading this book that I need to take more breaks than when reading fiction. Even though I kind of slugged my way through this book, I ended up finding it interesting. The book focuses a lot more on the Darwins themselves rather than focusing on just Charles Darwin and his research. It was a more personal side to his story and it included the rest of his family in the story. While the book did discuss what he did in terms of science and research, it mainly discussed the normality to what he was doing and showed the reader how his research fit into his family life, rather than the other way around. Overall, it was an interesting read, although I can't say whether I enjoyed it.
Short and Simple Review
This book was really out of my comfort zone. I don't really read biographies, but I challenged myself to read all of the Printz award winners and this book came recommended by my YA lit teacher a while back. I had to change the way I typically read books because I found when reading this book that I need to take more breaks than when reading fiction. Even though I kind of slugged my way through this book, I ended up finding it interesting. The book focuses a lot more on the Darwins themselves rather than focusing on just Charles Darwin and his research. It was a more personal side to his story and it included the rest of his family in the story. While the book did discuss what he did in terms of science and research, it mainly discussed the normality to what he was doing and showed the reader how his research fit into his family life, rather than the other way around. Overall, it was an interesting read, although I can't say whether I enjoyed it.
October 6, 2019
I read this for book group but won't be there to discuss, darn it. It was interesting! I didn't know a thing about Darwin except for his famous theory. He did not believe in a God (I'm sure you all knew that) but his wife was very religious. He debated keeping his feelings a secret from her before they married, but didn't. They had a really beautiful and happy marriage with a ton of kids, 3 of whom died. He was a very loving and dedicated father. Darwin was sick almost all of time until he got older! It was crazy. Anyway, I enjoyed the book and learned a lot.
December 3, 2020
Interesting view into Darwin’s life and the struggles he faced.
I think life is just easier if you have a companion beside you to help you all the way.
I love how it talked about him really thinking through weighty life decisions and not just jumping blindly and half-hazardly into major life choices.
I think life is just easier if you have a companion beside you to help you all the way.
I love how it talked about him really thinking through weighty life decisions and not just jumping blindly and half-hazardly into major life choices.
May 31, 2024
I found it over sentimental. The author seemed more interested in telling a story she had decided on in advance, rather than letting the story tell itself as it actually was.
January 19, 2017
I never thought I would read a biography about Charles Darwin (I'm not keen on literary non-fiction), much less cry buckets over one and want to sleep with it under my pillow. The book is "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman. To boot, I now have a raving admiration and crush on Charles Darwin, he who spent his life studying barnacles and finches and chimps in the London zoo (en route to revolutionizing everything we know about the world). But so much more than a biography, this is the story of Charles and his wife Emma Wedgewood, with whom he shared a deep, abiding, faithful love. Oh, and TEN children (in the 19th c!). The crux of the matter was that Emma was a deeply religious woman, and her beliefs ran counter to the explosive theory that Charles had spent his life working on. Despite this seemingly irreconcilable difference, they loved and respected each other, even as they continued to struggle with their fundamental disagreement. Neither one compromised, and yet they remained "dependent on each other in so complex a manner".
Their story had births, deaths, lots of illness, lots of joy, water cures, mundane details about how O.C. Charles was and how messy Emma was (a woman after my heart). There were diaries and secret notebooks, and tons of letters. How humanizing it all was. Charles was a person who actually lived, a caring family man; a scientist who was driven but riddled with self-doubt. How inspiring, too, that science and faith can co-exist--as it does in my heart of hearts--with lots of tolerance and sincere efforts to understand, as Charles and Emma teach.
There's a memorable page I folded over in the book, where the author talks about a particular letter that Emma writes to Charles:
"Not everything can be proven, Emma reasoned, but that does not mean something that cannot be proven is wrong. Belief comes from a different place than science...Emma prayed for him: 'May not the habit in scientific pursuits of believing nothing till it is proved, influence your mind too much in other things which cannot be proved in the same way, & which if true are likely to be above our comprehension'...She asked him to have patience with her about this issue. And with tenderness, she wrote, 'Don't think that it is not my affair & that it does not much signify to me. Every thing that concerns you concerns me & I should be most unhappy if I thought we did not belong together forever'."
"Charles read the letter and cried. He was as in love with her as he could be; he wanted so much to make her happy. Alone in his study, he was committed to his theory of natural selection, the theory that would leave God out of creation. But he was committed to Emma, too...Yet even with the emotional pain it caused him, Charles thought Emma's letter was beautiful...He kept the letter safely preserved always. Sometime later he wrote at the edge of it:
When I am dead, know
that many times, I
have kissed and cryed
over this. C.D."
The author's prose is spare and uncomplicated but also quirky and unexpectedly funny. She is always compassionate and never detracts the reader from her source material (i.e. the letters, diary entries, etc). Curiously, the book is marketed as "young adult" (where I found it in that section in Fully Booked. It's also won a number of YA lit awards).
I wish everyone can read this book.
Their story had births, deaths, lots of illness, lots of joy, water cures, mundane details about how O.C. Charles was and how messy Emma was (a woman after my heart). There were diaries and secret notebooks, and tons of letters. How humanizing it all was. Charles was a person who actually lived, a caring family man; a scientist who was driven but riddled with self-doubt. How inspiring, too, that science and faith can co-exist--as it does in my heart of hearts--with lots of tolerance and sincere efforts to understand, as Charles and Emma teach.
There's a memorable page I folded over in the book, where the author talks about a particular letter that Emma writes to Charles:
"Not everything can be proven, Emma reasoned, but that does not mean something that cannot be proven is wrong. Belief comes from a different place than science...Emma prayed for him: 'May not the habit in scientific pursuits of believing nothing till it is proved, influence your mind too much in other things which cannot be proved in the same way, & which if true are likely to be above our comprehension'...She asked him to have patience with her about this issue. And with tenderness, she wrote, 'Don't think that it is not my affair & that it does not much signify to me. Every thing that concerns you concerns me & I should be most unhappy if I thought we did not belong together forever'."
"Charles read the letter and cried. He was as in love with her as he could be; he wanted so much to make her happy. Alone in his study, he was committed to his theory of natural selection, the theory that would leave God out of creation. But he was committed to Emma, too...Yet even with the emotional pain it caused him, Charles thought Emma's letter was beautiful...He kept the letter safely preserved always. Sometime later he wrote at the edge of it:
When I am dead, know
that many times, I
have kissed and cryed
over this. C.D."
The author's prose is spare and uncomplicated but also quirky and unexpectedly funny. She is always compassionate and never detracts the reader from her source material (i.e. the letters, diary entries, etc). Curiously, the book is marketed as "young adult" (where I found it in that section in Fully Booked. It's also won a number of YA lit awards).
I wish everyone can read this book.
February 25, 2020
I loved this story so much and I am so impressed with the relationship between Charles and Emma Darwin. The writing wasn’t amazing but I have to give it 5 stars for the emotions I felt and the loveliness if the experience.
July 15, 2010
I enjoyed this book - it wasn't gripping, but it was good enough to hold my interest. Heiligman takes a new look at Charles Darwin via his marriage to Emma Wedgwood (of the Wedgwood pottery family). The author clearly read through hundreds of documents and THOUSANDS of letters to pull this story together. Charles and Emma did not have a long courtship, but were deeply in love from the beginning of their marriage of almost 50 years. The book really highlights the religious contexts of the time and how Darwin didn't reveal his theories about evolution for two decades because he was waiting for society to be ready and he wanted to have a sound theory with scientific evidence to support it. The book takes on the divide their separate beliefs about the after-life caused between Emma and Darwin and yet they were very close despite this - emotionally and physically. Darwin was very respectful of Emma's belief/need for there to be an afterlife where she would be with loved ones again - especially after losing her sister and close companion Fanny (in their 20's) and their daughter Annie (ten years old). In return Emma was respectful of Charles's thinking - reading and editing his books, talking with him about what he was studying, talking about religious doctrines they both read and thinking through how Charles's theories on the origins of species related to these texts. Yet to the end Darwin was clearly agnostic (in his words...maybe even Atheist although he was careful not to write this or admit to anyone) - ultimately sadder when his daughter died because he knew he'd never see her again.
I didn't know how fragile Darwin's health was most of his adult life and when his theory was revealed (before he published "Origin of Species"), he did not leave home to speak on it, but instead let others take on the debates (and informed them as needed). He studied barnacles, orchids, and worms - each for years and years. Once his young son was at a friend's house and asked the friend - "So where does your dad do his barnacles?" as though that was what everyone did.
They had a very progressive family life for that period (seven out of ten children lived to adulthood)...children were seen and heard unlike in many other Victorian families of that period. The children were allowed to share their thinking and take on their father's thinking about evolution. They were not hushed in any way. Despite this, the five boys were sent off to schools and the two girls were educated at home.
I would like to go on a "Darwin" trip to England sometime and visit their home at the Down and see his study and the beautiful grounds. It must be amazing.
I didn't know how fragile Darwin's health was most of his adult life and when his theory was revealed (before he published "Origin of Species"), he did not leave home to speak on it, but instead let others take on the debates (and informed them as needed). He studied barnacles, orchids, and worms - each for years and years. Once his young son was at a friend's house and asked the friend - "So where does your dad do his barnacles?" as though that was what everyone did.
They had a very progressive family life for that period (seven out of ten children lived to adulthood)...children were seen and heard unlike in many other Victorian families of that period. The children were allowed to share their thinking and take on their father's thinking about evolution. They were not hushed in any way. Despite this, the five boys were sent off to schools and the two girls were educated at home.
I would like to go on a "Darwin" trip to England sometime and visit their home at the Down and see his study and the beautiful grounds. It must be amazing.
December 14, 2012
This book told the story of Charles and Emma Darwin from an interesting perspective, focusing on their differences in faith/religious beliefs and how they worked through those. It details more the personal life of Charles Darwin than his scientific discoveries, including stories of his children and what life at his home would have been like. It talks about the illness that killed his favorite daughter, Anne, and the sickness/weakness that he himself suffered through his whole life. At the beginning, it shows the relationship he has with his dad and how he and Emma begin their courtship (she's been courted by others but refused them and he has girls chasing him, but he's not interested). It ends with his own death and the letters and writings he left behind that don't necessarily support a belief in God, but that acknowledge and respect the beliefs Emma has.
I really wasn't a fan of this book. It combined facts with a more fiction-type way of writing, but I felt it went a little slow. It seemed a bit repetitive, especially at the beginning. While that may have been how they felt while experiencing it, it didn't hold my interest. I think the intended audience for this book is young adults beginning around age 13, but I'm not sure if it would hold their interest either.
I really wasn't a fan of this book. It combined facts with a more fiction-type way of writing, but I felt it went a little slow. It seemed a bit repetitive, especially at the beginning. While that may have been how they felt while experiencing it, it didn't hold my interest. I think the intended audience for this book is young adults beginning around age 13, but I'm not sure if it would hold their interest either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2021
A thoughtful and balanced account of the marriage between Charles Darwin and his wife Emma. Can I just say that Darwin fascinates me? I’ve been interested in him ever since I read The Beak of the Finch, which mostly deals with the scientists who proved his theory — using Galapagos finches, no less — but touches on Darwin himself and the voyage that, in part, set him on his path. What really struck me was how he worried himself sick over his own ideas — not because he thought they were wrong, but because he was afraid of how they would be received back in Victorian England. Would any woman want to marry him if she knew he was having trouble seeing God’s hand in creation?
Charles and Emma opens with Darwin’s famous pros and cons list for marriage. Although he didn’t put anything about religion on the list, he was clearly worried about it, because he went to his father and asked for advice. His father told him to “conceal his doubts.” Luckily, Darwin didn’t do that — he was open with Emma from the start. The love these two had for each other is incredible to me, and I can’t help thinking The Origin of Species would have been less measured, less effective if Darwin hadn’t written it with Emma in mind.
Charles and Emma opens with Darwin’s famous pros and cons list for marriage. Although he didn’t put anything about religion on the list, he was clearly worried about it, because he went to his father and asked for advice. His father told him to “conceal his doubts.” Luckily, Darwin didn’t do that — he was open with Emma from the start. The love these two had for each other is incredible to me, and I can’t help thinking The Origin of Species would have been less measured, less effective if Darwin hadn’t written it with Emma in mind.
February 17, 2012
REQUIRED
"Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" is the story of the relationship between Charles Darwin and his family, particularly his religiously devout wife Emma. The book's stated purpose is to illustrate the balance the couple achieved between the religious and the scientific. I personally found the intentions of the book to be greater than its ability to deliver. The writing throughout suffers from a misunderstanding of its audience. Though it is aimed at the YA crowd, I think the Heiligman underestimated her readers' ability to appreciate solid prose. Juvenile vocabulary and awkward sentence construction abound throughout the book. Also, and rather more significant, the supposed primary purpose of the book was to describe the successful meshing of science and religion. Instead all it managed to do was describe the conflict between the two and with the Darwins' only solution seeming to be to ignore the question. Overall I struggled to finish the book and probably wouldn't recommend it to anyone unless they were really interested in the Darwins.
"Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" is the story of the relationship between Charles Darwin and his family, particularly his religiously devout wife Emma. The book's stated purpose is to illustrate the balance the couple achieved between the religious and the scientific. I personally found the intentions of the book to be greater than its ability to deliver. The writing throughout suffers from a misunderstanding of its audience. Though it is aimed at the YA crowd, I think the Heiligman underestimated her readers' ability to appreciate solid prose. Juvenile vocabulary and awkward sentence construction abound throughout the book. Also, and rather more significant, the supposed primary purpose of the book was to describe the successful meshing of science and religion. Instead all it managed to do was describe the conflict between the two and with the Darwins' only solution seeming to be to ignore the question. Overall I struggled to finish the book and probably wouldn't recommend it to anyone unless they were really interested in the Darwins.
June 13, 2010
A charming portrait of the marriage of Charles and Emma Darwin. Charles Darwin was an interesting person just on his own: tormented by his scientific finds and that they might show that God had no hand in creation, horrified by the idea that he might offend anyone (particularly his family) when he published his theories and troubled by poor health (probably brought on by stress and anxiety attacks). Nevertheless, his marriage to Emma, a staunch believer in God and religion, was one of great love and peace. They rarely (if ever) argued, and she edited all of his writings. They had ten children and lost three, one of them the ten-year-old favorite of the family. The book uses their diaries and letters to recreate scenes typical of their marriage from courtship to death. Engaging, informative, and accessible for any age of reader.
April 1, 2019
I started reading this curious book (a study of the Darwins' marriage written for teens?) on Darwin Day (February 12, 2016). I was interested in learning more about how they made their long and mixed-belief relationship work (throughout their 40+ years together, Charles was a sceptic and Emma was a believer). Turns out, it was the things that we already know make strong relationships: mutual respect, communication, love, open minds, trust, physical touch, shared goals. What a great story. The author considered titling this book Charles, Emma, and God: The Darwins at Home, which I think is just perfect.
Make sure to check out Creation, the fantastic film about Mr. and Mrs. Darwin starring married actors Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly.
Make sure to check out Creation, the fantastic film about Mr. and Mrs. Darwin starring married actors Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly.
April 3, 2016
A fascinating view of Charles and Emma Darwin's courtship and marriage. Emma was very religious but Charles considered himself a non-believer because he could not reconcile his research with the religious beliefs of the day. And the religious views of the day were quite literal, without room for disagreement, and, honestly, quite horrible. It is ironic that Darwin had to choose between religion and science because society and the church could not accept both, but now religious people can agree with his theory of evolution and keep their religious views. I would like to see what Charles Darwin would have to say now.
Anyway, the Darwins' marriage was extremely strong and loving, and was able to withstand some severe tragedies. They were both far ahead of their times and were wonderful parents. I really enjoyed reading about how they made things work despite their major differences.
Anyway, the Darwins' marriage was extremely strong and loving, and was able to withstand some severe tragedies. They were both far ahead of their times and were wonderful parents. I really enjoyed reading about how they made things work despite their major differences.
May 27, 2013
I found this in the young adult section of the library. A fascinating look into 19th century life in general, and into a happy marriage in particular. Darwin married his first cousin, had ten children (seven survived), and worked productively throughout a lifetime of illness and pain. That is the part that impressed me the most. How could he work through ill health? How could he have worked with all those unruly kids running around and jumping on the couch? I guess it helped to have inherited money from his father.
July 2, 2018
Audio version kept me company while doing housework over last few days. An absolutely beautiful telling of a wonderful love story. Charles and Emma Darwin loved each other with gentleness, compassion and support. They suffered great sorrow and loss and still maintained their ability to love through all.
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