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Charlotte: A Novel of Jane Eyre
Not yet published
Expected 6 Apr 27An enchanting, historically grounded, literary debut inspired by a critical year in the life of Charlotte Brontë and the writing of Jane Eyre.
1846 is no time for a woman to pursue her dream of being a novelist. A responsible young woman ought to pack away her ambition and submit to life as a schoolteacher or wife.
But Charlotte Brontë is no ordinary woman.
Charlotte is secretive, difficult, and restless. She is blind to the tender interest of a local curate, yet she writes obsessively to a married man. She is brilliant, impassioned, and as a schoolgirl, Charlotte is just as likely to entertain her classmates with recitations of Byron as she is to weep from shyness. More than anything, Charlotte is determined to be seen and read, to be reckoned with for her true self.
With every London publisher rejecting her first novel, her family's savings dwindling, and her brother drinking away what little remains, it falls to Charlotte as the eldest daughter to save her family’s fortunes. The only sensible thing to do is return to teaching.
Instead, she picks up her pen one last time. What she writes is not the respectable, measured book a London publisher might want, but a daring novel about an orphan governess, a madwoman, and a transgressive romance that will shock the literary world.
That novel is Jane Eyre.
Drawing on Charlotte’s letters and the rich, strange world of a village parsonage—three brilliant sisters, a dissolute brother, and an ailing father—Elizabeth Ferris’s Charlotte imagines the emotional depths beneath the placid exterior of a country spinster and examines the cost of insisting, against all obstacles, that her inner life is worth something.
1846 is no time for a woman to pursue her dream of being a novelist. A responsible young woman ought to pack away her ambition and submit to life as a schoolteacher or wife.
But Charlotte Brontë is no ordinary woman.
Charlotte is secretive, difficult, and restless. She is blind to the tender interest of a local curate, yet she writes obsessively to a married man. She is brilliant, impassioned, and as a schoolgirl, Charlotte is just as likely to entertain her classmates with recitations of Byron as she is to weep from shyness. More than anything, Charlotte is determined to be seen and read, to be reckoned with for her true self.
With every London publisher rejecting her first novel, her family's savings dwindling, and her brother drinking away what little remains, it falls to Charlotte as the eldest daughter to save her family’s fortunes. The only sensible thing to do is return to teaching.
Instead, she picks up her pen one last time. What she writes is not the respectable, measured book a London publisher might want, but a daring novel about an orphan governess, a madwoman, and a transgressive romance that will shock the literary world.
That novel is Jane Eyre.
Drawing on Charlotte’s letters and the rich, strange world of a village parsonage—three brilliant sisters, a dissolute brother, and an ailing father—Elizabeth Ferris’s Charlotte imagines the emotional depths beneath the placid exterior of a country spinster and examines the cost of insisting, against all obstacles, that her inner life is worth something.
272 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication April 6, 2027
About the author
Elizabeth Ferris
2 books10 followersElizabeth Ferris is a writer and writing teacher living in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. Her debut novel, Charlotte: A Novel of Jane Eyre, will be out with William Morrow in April 2027.
She is the co-editor of the anthology Unspoken: Writers on Infertility, Miscarriage, and Stillbirth and a former contributing writer for Richmond magazine. Elizabeth has been a hotel maid in northern Spain, a nanny in Australia, a garden worker on a commune in Sweden, and a holiday delivery person for UPS.
She has taught writers of fiction and nonfiction at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Studio School, James River Writers, and Richmond Young Writers. She is received her MFA from Queens College of Charlotte and her undergraduate in English Literature from the College of William & Mary.
She is the co-editor of the anthology Unspoken: Writers on Infertility, Miscarriage, and Stillbirth and a former contributing writer for Richmond magazine. Elizabeth has been a hotel maid in northern Spain, a nanny in Australia, a garden worker on a commune in Sweden, and a holiday delivery person for UPS.
She has taught writers of fiction and nonfiction at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Studio School, James River Writers, and Richmond Young Writers. She is received her MFA from Queens College of Charlotte and her undergraduate in English Literature from the College of William & Mary.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Jane Eyre is my favorite classic novel. I jumped at the chance to learn about Charlotte Brontë, from the tragic loss of her mother and siblings, to the financial pressure and emotional duress she was under as the eldest daughter. Elizabeth Ferris's debut brilliantly weaves together Brontë's passion, pain, longing, frustration, intelligence, shame, talent, ambition, and her devotion to family to create a portrait of a master. Lyrical and powerful!
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August 28, 2026This novel covers a very specific interlude in Charlotte Bronte's life: the time between when she and her sisters had published their book of poetry and the moment when her novel Jane Eyre is published. It does jump back and forth in time a fair amount into her childhood and younger adult years, so a basic knowledge of Charlotte's life would be somewhat helpful. I can tell that the book was written with a careful attention to primary sources (although inaccuracies do remain--but they're not ones that will be picked up on by most readers!).
The story of Charlotte and her sisters is deeply compelling, so it's no wonder that another author is inspired to try and get into their minds. There's nothing I find quite so satisfying as reading Charlotte's own words in her own letters: reading about her through the lens of another author inherently makes her feel a bit more distant, so it's hard for me to rate this book. But to someone interested in the family, almost every Bronte-adjacent book is catnip, and this one is certainly a sincere effort at telling the story.
Thanks to William Morrow via Netgalley for this advance review copy!
The story of Charlotte and her sisters is deeply compelling, so it's no wonder that another author is inspired to try and get into their minds. There's nothing I find quite so satisfying as reading Charlotte's own words in her own letters: reading about her through the lens of another author inherently makes her feel a bit more distant, so it's hard for me to rate this book. But to someone interested in the family, almost every Bronte-adjacent book is catnip, and this one is certainly a sincere effort at telling the story.
Thanks to William Morrow via Netgalley for this advance review copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve have loved *Jane Eyre* since high school and still have a lot of feelings about this novel.. So, I was especially interested in reading Elizabeth Ferris's historical fiction *Charlotte*. This novel focuses on Charlotte Brontë's life around the time she wrote *Jane Eyre*, offering a glimpse into her life, her family, and the influences that shaped her.
I really enjoyed the portrayal of the Brontë siblings and their complex relationships. The novel also highlights the author's perseverance and determination to write and, ultimately, see her work published. Knowing that the author based the story on historical research made it feel real, while the imagined details of Charlotte’s life seemed believable and well crafted.
Fans of the Brontës will probably appreciate this close look at Charlotte and her family. That said, I found myself wanting more. While the story focuses on a specific part of Charlotte’s life, I would have liked to see more about how the success of that publication, the loss of her siblings, and her eventual marriage affected her.
Overall, *Charlotte* is an interesting and engaging work of historical fiction that offers a fascinating view of the woman behind *Jane Eyre*. For readers who love the Brontës or enjoy historical fiction inspired by authors’ lives, this is definitely worth picking up. Thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
I really enjoyed the portrayal of the Brontë siblings and their complex relationships. The novel also highlights the author's perseverance and determination to write and, ultimately, see her work published. Knowing that the author based the story on historical research made it feel real, while the imagined details of Charlotte’s life seemed believable and well crafted.
Fans of the Brontës will probably appreciate this close look at Charlotte and her family. That said, I found myself wanting more. While the story focuses on a specific part of Charlotte’s life, I would have liked to see more about how the success of that publication, the loss of her siblings, and her eventual marriage affected her.
Overall, *Charlotte* is an interesting and engaging work of historical fiction that offers a fascinating view of the woman behind *Jane Eyre*. For readers who love the Brontës or enjoy historical fiction inspired by authors’ lives, this is definitely worth picking up. Thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: 3.5
A thoughtful, reflective novel about the lasting relationship between life and literature, exploring how the stories we read shape our understanding of love, loss, memory, and the complexities of the human experience.
First, I should mention that Jane Eyre is one of my favorite classic novels, which may inevitably influence my perspective on this book, for better or worse.
What I found most compelling was the connection between Charlotte Brontë’s personal experiences and the fiction she created. The possibility that her loneliness, frustrations, romantic yearnings, and longing for independence influenced Jane Eyre adds a fascinating layer to the novel. I’ve always been intrigued by the relationship between an author’s life and their work, and I particularly enjoy exploring the personal emotions and experiences that may have shaped a story beyond what ultimately appears on the page.
The premise is not entirely original, drawing on familiar themes of female oppression and a somewhat predictable exploration of the creative process. The struggle of a talented woman to break free from the constraints of Victorian society is compelling, but it is also a well-established theme in historical fiction. Likewise, the idea that personal suffering serves as the foundation for great literature can be fascinating, though it risks simplifying the complicated relationship between an author’s life and her work.
Even so, the opportunity to look beyond the writing and gain a deeper understanding of the woman behind the words is what makes this story appealing. Exploring how Charlotte Brontë’s personal experiences, emotional struggles, and longing for independence may have shaped one of literature’s most enduring novels is an intriguing prospect. I’m curious to see how Elizabeth Ferris brings Charlotte’s inner world to life and whether she captures the emotional depth and complexity behind her remarkable literary legacy.
Overall, Charlotte a thoughtful, reflective novel that explores the relationship between an author’s life and the literature she creates. While some of its themes feel familiar, the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Charlotte Brontë and the personal experiences that may have influenced Jane Eyre is appealing. As one of my favorite classic novels, Jane Eyre naturally makes me curious about the woman behind the story and the emotions that may have shaped its enduring characters and themes.
A thoughtful, reflective novel about the lasting relationship between life and literature, exploring how the stories we read shape our understanding of love, loss, memory, and the complexities of the human experience.
First, I should mention that Jane Eyre is one of my favorite classic novels, which may inevitably influence my perspective on this book, for better or worse.
What I found most compelling was the connection between Charlotte Brontë’s personal experiences and the fiction she created. The possibility that her loneliness, frustrations, romantic yearnings, and longing for independence influenced Jane Eyre adds a fascinating layer to the novel. I’ve always been intrigued by the relationship between an author’s life and their work, and I particularly enjoy exploring the personal emotions and experiences that may have shaped a story beyond what ultimately appears on the page.
The premise is not entirely original, drawing on familiar themes of female oppression and a somewhat predictable exploration of the creative process. The struggle of a talented woman to break free from the constraints of Victorian society is compelling, but it is also a well-established theme in historical fiction. Likewise, the idea that personal suffering serves as the foundation for great literature can be fascinating, though it risks simplifying the complicated relationship between an author’s life and her work.
Even so, the opportunity to look beyond the writing and gain a deeper understanding of the woman behind the words is what makes this story appealing. Exploring how Charlotte Brontë’s personal experiences, emotional struggles, and longing for independence may have shaped one of literature’s most enduring novels is an intriguing prospect. I’m curious to see how Elizabeth Ferris brings Charlotte’s inner world to life and whether she captures the emotional depth and complexity behind her remarkable literary legacy.
Overall, Charlotte a thoughtful, reflective novel that explores the relationship between an author’s life and the literature she creates. While some of its themes feel familiar, the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Charlotte Brontë and the personal experiences that may have influenced Jane Eyre is appealing. As one of my favorite classic novels, Jane Eyre naturally makes me curious about the woman behind the story and the emotions that may have shaped its enduring characters and themes.
September 18, 2026
Elizabeth Ferris brings the whole Brontë family to life in Charlotte, not just Charlotte herself, and that's what makes this one stick with me. So often novels about famous writers turn into a solo character study with everyone else reduced to scenery; this one resists that. Branwell, Emily, Anne, their father... they all feel like people with their own weather systems, not just supporting cast for Charlotte's arc.
The pacing is where the book really shines. It moves with a kind of patient momentum; nothing feels rushed, but it also never drags the way biographical fiction sometimes can when an author gets too attached to research they don't want to waste.
Where it fell a little short for me was character development. I wanted to feel Charlotte change more across the book than I did; there were moments where I understood what she'd been through intellectually without quite feeling the shift in her underneath it. A few of the family members, too, stayed slightly flatter than the vividness of their early scenes promised.
Still, 4 stars. A novel that understands the Brontës were a family before Charlotte was a legend, and that's a harder thing to pull off than it sounds.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The pacing is where the book really shines. It moves with a kind of patient momentum; nothing feels rushed, but it also never drags the way biographical fiction sometimes can when an author gets too attached to research they don't want to waste.
Where it fell a little short for me was character development. I wanted to feel Charlotte change more across the book than I did; there were moments where I understood what she'd been through intellectually without quite feeling the shift in her underneath it. A few of the family members, too, stayed slightly flatter than the vividness of their early scenes promised.
Still, 4 stars. A novel that understands the Brontës were a family before Charlotte was a legend, and that's a harder thing to pull off than it sounds.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was really interested in the premise of this one. A historical fiction novel about Charlotte Brontë and the inspiration behind Jane Eyre? Definitely sounded like something I'd enjoy!
I liked getting a look into Charlotte's life, her family, and what it was like trying to become a published author during a time when women weren't taken seriously in the literary world. I found that part of the story really interesting.
Unfortunately, this one moved a little too slowly for me. I don't mind a character-driven story, but I need something to keep me interested, and I found myself losing focus at times.
I can appreciate the amount of research that went into this book, and I think the author did a good job bringing that time period to life. I just wish it had held my attention a little more.
I think readers who enjoy slower historical fiction, especially those interested in the Brontë sisters, will probably enjoy this one more than I did.
It definitely made me want to pick up Jane Eyre again, though!
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
I liked getting a look into Charlotte's life, her family, and what it was like trying to become a published author during a time when women weren't taken seriously in the literary world. I found that part of the story really interesting.
Unfortunately, this one moved a little too slowly for me. I don't mind a character-driven story, but I need something to keep me interested, and I found myself losing focus at times.
I can appreciate the amount of research that went into this book, and I think the author did a good job bringing that time period to life. I just wish it had held my attention a little more.
I think readers who enjoy slower historical fiction, especially those interested in the Brontë sisters, will probably enjoy this one more than I did.
It definitely made me want to pick up Jane Eyre again, though!
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 (I am a bit stingy with my stars) but I gave it the 4 on this site since a 3 is too low.
I liked this book, which is a fictionalized account of Charlotte Bronte and her sisters. I do recommend it to fans of Jane Eyre. In fact, I now am motivated to reread Jane Eyre (something I haven't done for many many decades) and even a biography of Charlotte Bronte. Despite it being fiction, it gives the reader insights into how hard the writing process is in general and was back then and of course even more so for women. (Like other women writers of their time, the Bronte sisters wrote under pseudonyms that suggested they were male.)
The book is easy to read, informative and surprisingly to me I felt some suspense about whether Jane Eyre would get published. (Of course I knew it would.) The Bronte family in general suffered so much! Charlotte's father outlived his wife and all six of his children.. Cruel world.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this book, which is a fictionalized account of Charlotte Bronte and her sisters. I do recommend it to fans of Jane Eyre. In fact, I now am motivated to reread Jane Eyre (something I haven't done for many many decades) and even a biography of Charlotte Bronte. Despite it being fiction, it gives the reader insights into how hard the writing process is in general and was back then and of course even more so for women. (Like other women writers of their time, the Bronte sisters wrote under pseudonyms that suggested they were male.)
The book is easy to read, informative and surprisingly to me I felt some suspense about whether Jane Eyre would get published. (Of course I knew it would.) The Bronte family in general suffered so much! Charlotte's father outlived his wife and all six of his children.. Cruel world.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This debut novel, a work of historical fiction, imagines the life of the financially unstable Brontë family, in particular, Charlotte, during the year she wrote Jane Eyre, after numerous rejection letters for her first novel. The work, based on Ms. Brontë’s correspondence and on her father’s parsonage’s historical documents, examines literary ambition and societal expectations, rage and loneliness, the struggle to be seen and heard in a male-dominated field. It also provides a glimpse into the daily life of that famous literary family. The story is engaging and I recommend it to fans of historical fiction and particularly to those who are fans of Jane Eyre.
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book due to be released on April 6, 2027.
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book due to be released on April 6, 2027.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews