The Brontë Sisters: Life, Loss and Literature

by Catherine Rayner

Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall... these fictional masterpieces are all recognized as landmarks of English Literature. Still inspirational and challenging to readers today, upon release in the mid-nineteenth century they caused a veritable sensation, chiefly due to their subject matter and unconventional styles. But the greatest sensation of all came when these books were revealed to be the creations of women.

This is the story of those women and of the forces that shaped them into trailblazing writers.

From early childhood, literature and the world of books held the attention and sparked the fertile imaginations of the emotionally intense and fascinating Bronte siblings. Beset by tragedy, three outlets existed for their grief and their creative talents; they escaped into books, into the wild moorlands surrounding their home and into their own rich inner lives and an intricate play-world born of their collective imaginations.

In this new study, Catherine Rayner offers a full and fascinating exploration of the formative years of these bright children, taking us on a journey from their earliest years to their tragically early deaths. The Bronte girls grew into women who were unafraid to write themselves into territories previously only visited by male authors. In addition, they tackled all the taboo subjects of their time; divorce, child abuse, bigamy, domestic violence, class, female depression and mental illness. Nothing was beyond their scope and it is especially for this ability and determination to speak for women, the marginalized and the disadvantaged that they are remembered and celebrated today, two hundred years after their births in the quiet Yorkshire village of Haworth.

This timely release offers a fresh perspective on a fascinating family and a unique trio of talented and trailblazing sisters whose books will doubtless continue to haunt and inspire for generations to come.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, History

248 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2018

About the author

Catherine Rayner is a Life Member of The Bronte Society, a Trustee on the Council of the Bronte Society and the Chair of its Conference and Publications Committee. She studied at Hull and Leeds Universities and has degrees in English and Philosophy with Social History, Health and Social Care, and an MA in Victorian Literature. She has studied and researched the lives of the Bronte family for over forty years, and has previously written two theses on Emily Bronte, as well as various articles. Alongside this, she is a qualified nurse and has studied the effects of childhood on the development and psychology of adults.

Reviews

[Dannii Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating 3.5/5 stars.

This is my first Bronte biography and I don't think it was necessarily the best place to start. Whilst it did give an overview of the lives of the infamous sisters, as well as their lesser well-known parents and brother, it did so in a disjointed fashion that often had paragraphs discoursing on other subjects that interjected on the chronological order I was expecting. These interlopers were fascinating and covered subjects such as the differences in traditional parenting compared to how the Bronte children were raised. I appreciated how this brought a new perspective to the hordes of Bronte biographies available, even if I was a little momentarily disorientated reading it as a novice to this history. If I had read another, perhaps more formal, biography before this one I certainly would have appreciated this fresh approach far more.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Catherine Rayner, and the publisher, Pen and Sword, for this opportunity.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get my wish granted by Netgalley and get this fascinating book about the Bronte sisters. Having a thorough understanding about the sisters, their lives, their experiences just made me appreciate their books so much more! This is perfect for those who love the Bronte sisters!

4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Chari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 3,5

[Annelies · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC


This is a great book for amateur Brontë enthusiasts. In the first half it will give you an overview of the life of the Brontë sisters and in the second half it goes into the individual sisters and their works.

I had a fair bit of background knowledge, but it was still interesting to see it all in one place and go through everything again. It really inspired me to read the Brontës more.

Still, this was only a 3 star read for me. For 2 reasons:
-Especially in the first half Rayner tries a bit too hard to put the story of the Brontës in a social context. There are too many extended asides about pedagogy, psychology and whether it can be proved that there is an afterlife. Yes, we are dealing with three especially talented sisters, but you can try a bit too hard to explain it all.
"Two people meet and their offspring inherit a genetic history that goes back through the centuries" or "Their irish and Cornish inheritance brought the Brontë children a mixture of natural talents"
Don't all our genetic histories go back (even more than) centuries? And does having an Irish or Cornish ancestry automatically say something about your talents?

-The second reason might have something to do with the ARC, but I felt that the text lacked editing. There were a lot of repetitions, sometimes it seems like two versions of the same paragraph were following each other. And then there were the wonky sentences that just needed a bit more work.

Overall definitely an interesting read for Brontë fans to get some background, but do not suspect a high level scholarly work.

[Saskia Cheyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like Rayner's other works, the story is easy to be lost in whilst still delivering large amounts of accurate Information. Perfect for any Brönte fans

[Arlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really interesting account of the lives and works of the Bronte family. The author's background in education and child psychology and development gives a insight into how their upbringing, and the losses they suffered, shaped their personalities and influenced their writing. Highly recommend this for anyone who's a fan of their work.

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bronte Sisters: Life, Loss and Literature by Catherine Rayner is an in depth and fresh perspective on the famous sisters and their family. With timeless classics like Jane Eyre (1847), Wuthering Heights (1847), and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1848), Charlotte, Emily and Anne were a talented, trailblazing trio whose stories have continued to haunt readers and academics for over 175 years. These fictional masterpieces are recognized as landmarks of English Literature today but they caused a sensation and even some controversy due to their subject matters and unconventional styles. What is the story of these women? What were the influences and forces that drove their storytelling? From early childhood in the quiet Yorkshire village of Haworth, literature and world events were held in high esteem in the Bronte household, they began to create stories from an early age. But their lives would be filled with tragedy and devastating loss and they would pour their doubts, fears and grief into their stories. They would tackle taboo subjects of Victorian society: divorce, child abuse, bigamy, domestic violence, class, female depression and mental illness
I have been a fan of the Bronte sisters since reading Wuthering Heights in high school. I have always been curious about their lives and inspirations and like to read as much as I can about these women. In The Bronte Sisters, Catherine Rayner analyzes every aspect of the Bronte family and era to find the clues to these remarkable women. From their father’s humble beginnings in northeastern Ireland to Cambridge University and becoming a well-respected clergy. Even from their isolation on the English moors, the sisters were well aware of and well versed in current events and from their travels, they saw first hand some of the darker areas of the celebrated Victorian Age. Fueled by their strong Christian morals, they set out to expose these dark injustices. While reading the chapters in which Ms. Rayner discusses each books’ history, inspiration, symbols and themes, I was inspired to reread these books with a new perspective and insight. If you love the Bronte sisters and their works or just want to know more about these amazing sisters, I highly recommend The Bronte Sisters.

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

[Matthew Gurteen · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I was not already familiar with Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, 'The Brontë Sisters: Life, Loss and Literature' may have been a good introduction. As it stands, however, Catherine Rayner's biography had its issues. Although Rayner covers the information well, some crucial details were absent, in my opinion. Charlotte's visit to a Catholic church in Belgium is a particular stand-out moment to me, which Rayner does not mention. It was a massive moment of faith for the eldest sister, which she arguably reflects in her novels. She also ignores the naming of 'Shirley''s titular protagonist concerning her masculine qualities. Shirley was not a female name when Brontë was writing. The author herself contributed to it becoming so. These are just two examples.

I did appreciate the attention to the sisters' works. This book was almost half biography and half literary study. Rayner focuses too much attention on the psychology of the siblings, however. This attention was entirely unfounded and was almost wholly speculation. At one point, Rayner even states that the Brontë sisters inherited their talent from their Cornish ancestry. This point is, of course, ridiculous. Although noting their oft-unmentioned Cornish connections is interesting, the Brontë sisters' talents did not come from there. Saying so negates their education and discourages modern writers who have not 'inherited' talent. 'Death of the Author' is not a necessity. Rayner would benefit from paying attention to Barthes's theory more, however. It does not matter where the sisters got their talent from, only that they had it.

Overall, I could not really recommend this book to anyone. I am glad I read it for my very specific postgraduate studies. There are better biographies and books on the Brontë sisters, however, for students and the general reader.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am in two minds about this biography of the three Brontë sisters.

It was very interesting to get a wider context to the lives and works of Charlotte, Emily and Anne, and I enjoyed reading about the enigmatic sisters. The writer succeeds in painting a picture of their lives, their characters and the circumstances in which their works of literature came into being.

However, I did feel at times the book was quite repetitive and jumbled, which especially the first half the narrative suffers from. Of course, the subject is three sisters, who were touched by much the same events in their lives, such as the loss of their mother at an early age, the death of their two older sisters and the demise of their brother. I just found the way their life story did not flow that well. The second half, in which the author talks about each sister in turn, felt a little more focused and I enjoyed learning about all three women.

I read Jane Eyre in November and was not the biggest fan. I do wonder how I would feel now I have read Charlotte’s own story. The same goes for Wuthering Heights, which is on my shelf still to be read. I think that knowing more about these extraordinary women who wrote novels that still endure today, will enrich my experience reading their works in the future.

This is a very comprehensive look at the life and times of the Brontë sisters and if you do feel inclined to pick up any of their books, I think reading this biography will help understand the authors better and through them, their books. I simply feel it would have been a stronger read if it had been a bit more condensed and edited.

[Karen Mace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bringing the Bronte sisters back to life, this is a book that I found to be so enlightening about the lives of these women and what drove them to be such amazing writers! The author really looks into the times they were living in, and the personal family tragedies that shaped them and ultimately what influenced their writing styles.

Starting with their parents history, this book delves into how they were raised and the areas they lived in. It then explores the life of the Bronte children and how the awful tragedy of losing their mother and then 2 of their siblings brought around so much change in their life. I really enjoyed how she looked into each sister, sharing their own journeys and challenges that faced them which later inspired the characters they then wrote about.

This book gives a different look to the stories they told, and it has inspired me to read them all again and noticing more of the influences that impacted them, and also shared the tragedy of them dying so young whilst their father lived to 85. It's a fascinating insight into the legacy that they left behind and has really made me appreciate their work a lot more!! An amazing family.

[Tintaglia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arrivata al 25% lo abbandono.
Non perché non sia una biografia corretta e curata, ma perché non aggiunge nulla, se qualcuno conosce già le vicende della famiglia Bronte, a lavori più completi come quello monumentale di Janet Baker, o a punti di vista più personali come nel bellissimo Take Courage: Anne Bronte and the Art of Life, o a presentazioni più originali e stuzzicanti come The Brontë Cabinet: Three Lives in Nine Objects.
Tre stelle, quindi: perché mi sento di consigliarlo a chi si avvicina al mondo complesso e affascinante di una famiglia straordinaria, anche se un bronteiano più esperto troverà poco pane per i suoi denti.

[Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many books and biographies about the Brontë family, and one may wonder if there is anything new to say on the subject. This was an enjoyable read for me, the author doesn't just relay by now well-known biographical facts, but examines the societal and cultural world the sisters grew up in, and how this influenced their literary success. Personally, I don't think I can ever read enough about the lives of these remarkable women.

Thanks to Netgalley and publishers, Pen and Sword, for the opportunity to review an ARC.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I’d give this a 3.5. The last half of the book was a solid 4 for me. The first half, however, suffered from an editing deficit. At points, I’d stop reading and think, “Did I lose my place in the book? I thought I just read this.” Which, unfortunately, I had, several pages prior. Which isn’t to say the first half isn’t good. But when I’m yanked out of the prose with such questions, while noting the misplaced apostrophes (Kindle edition), it does not make for a seamless reading experience. I’d lay the fault with the publisher more than with the author. Still a worthy read.

[John E. Norvell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read quite a few biographies and seen several dramatizations of the life of the Brontes. This book was good, and it added some additional perspectives including more in-depth contemporary historical anecdotes, as well as some thoughts about the psychology of the family members based on their life experiences and evidence from letters.

[ALC♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and insightful into the lives and writings of the Brontë family along with some historical context of that time period.

Initially read Wuthering Heights, this motivated me to go and read Anne and Charlotte's novels.

Usually I'm not a fan of non-fiction but the author didn't make it tedious so it was a worthwhile read!

[Valentina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely fantastic! Interesting, intelligent, fascinating, well researched and extremely well written- it reads like a PhD but is accessible and informative.
I have just finished it and was so impressed I googled the author’s name as I wanted to email her, I couldn’t find her details so here’s hoping she sees this instead.

[Saskia Rayner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rayner sets our the life of the sisters in a beautiful 'storylike' fashion making it easy to insert and immerse yourself into their lives.

[Francesca Pashby]

Sadly it appears there is nothing new to learn about the Brontes; nonetheless this was a good solid read.

I wish I could have been a fly on the wall in Haworth parsonage though!

[Holly Senecal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historically vivid, written well. For any one who is a history and literature buff. this will be right up their alley. I enjoyed it, having never read much about the Bronte sisters.~ I liked the authors style of writing and though it was a biography, it read smoothly like a fiction novel. Curious about The Bronte sisters? Looking to read a biography but don't know what to read? This book is an excellent place to start.

[J Fearnley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Catherine Rayner sets before us the cultural, societal and family background which gave birth to three writing sisters. She looks at each and considers how they helped shape the lives and minds of Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë and how they helped shape their writing which in turn reflected their lives and thinking.

The hardship of life in the times to which they were born may only have touched them indirectly here and there but the hierarchy of society was felt directly, especially as women, this and the heartbreak of loss suffered throughout their relatively short lives was so strongly imprinted in them that it could not but influence their writing. Catherine Rayner explores how this manifests in their youth and as adults.

Much has been written about the Brontë sisters, indeed the family, and this will be a fine addition to them.

Rating: 3*

With thanks to Pen and Sword Ltd via NetGalley for an eARC of this book in return for an honest opinion.

[loucumailbeo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am fascinated by the Brontes so am always interested in any new books about them but at times it can feel like everything has already been said. This is an interesting take on the Bronte myths and realities and I really enjoyed reading it.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves the Brontes and the novels. The author does a great job of linking all the various strands of novels, reality and family together and it will be a great addtion to the Bronte study canon.