What do you think?
Rate this book
Just Wide Enough for Two
When Susan Gilbert moves back to Amherst in 1847, it becomes clear that her family has certain financial needs that need to be met. A man like Austin Dickinson solves all of those problems. He’s handsome, kind, intelligent, wealthy, and head over heels for Susan. The only issue? Susan is madly in love with his sister.
A work of historic fiction, Just Wide Enough for Two draws inspiration from true, documented events and tells the untold love story between America's most famous poet, and her greatest love.
A work of historic fiction, Just Wide Enough for Two draws inspiration from true, documented events and tells the untold love story between America's most famous poet, and her greatest love.
- GenresRomance
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2022
57 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 26, 2025
4 Stars
Just Wide Enough For Two is a historical fiction by Kacey Martin about Emily Dickinson and Susan Gilbert.
I enjoyed this take on Emily Dickinson and Susan Gilbert’s life. I appreciated the multiperspective nature of the book. It was surprising at first (because I don’t recall reading a book with multiperspective pov) and sometimes I had to deliberate who’s pov I might be reading from but it was refreshing for me and made the read feel like an arc shot in a movie.
The “norm” of the 1800’s like sending correspondence to just invite someone to hang out was so unexpected but delightful to learn about. The author also highlighted Emily Dickinson’s uniqueness in her everyday way of interacting with her surroundings and it reminded me so much of Jo from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Emily’s actions and reactions led me to believe she may have had autism which obviously wasn’t studied yet during the 1800’s and made people surrounding her think Emily was merely odd or strange.
I take pleasure in how the author picked and chose only the gay parts and specific occurrences that relate to Emily and Susan’s story to present. It makes it easier for the reader to just enjoy their difficult love affair. In addition, the author’s decision to end the book before Susan marries Austin was just marvellous.
It’s impossible not to think of Hailee Steinfeld and Ella Hunt while reading the book. It’s a nice visual and I hope authors continue reviving all the secretly queer historical people of the past. Highly recommended historical fiction novel.
Just Wide Enough For Two is a historical fiction by Kacey Martin about Emily Dickinson and Susan Gilbert.
I enjoyed this take on Emily Dickinson and Susan Gilbert’s life. I appreciated the multiperspective nature of the book. It was surprising at first (because I don’t recall reading a book with multiperspective pov) and sometimes I had to deliberate who’s pov I might be reading from but it was refreshing for me and made the read feel like an arc shot in a movie.
The “norm” of the 1800’s like sending correspondence to just invite someone to hang out was so unexpected but delightful to learn about. The author also highlighted Emily Dickinson’s uniqueness in her everyday way of interacting with her surroundings and it reminded me so much of Jo from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Emily’s actions and reactions led me to believe she may have had autism which obviously wasn’t studied yet during the 1800’s and made people surrounding her think Emily was merely odd or strange.
I take pleasure in how the author picked and chose only the gay parts and specific occurrences that relate to Emily and Susan’s story to present. It makes it easier for the reader to just enjoy their difficult love affair. In addition, the author’s decision to end the book before Susan marries Austin was just marvellous.
It’s impossible not to think of Hailee Steinfeld and Ella Hunt while reading the book. It’s a nice visual and I hope authors continue reviving all the secretly queer historical people of the past. Highly recommended historical fiction novel.
April 25, 2024
Genuinely one of the best sapphic romances I’ve ever read. I cried like three times. 12/10 I love Emily Dickinson so much
September 14, 2023
Just Wide Enough for Two by Kacey M. Martin is an engaging and well written debut novel. I was fully engaged from page one and this book is one of my favorites of the year!
A historical fiction imaging of Emily Dickenson's early adulthood, told from both Emily and Susan's point of view, this was in many ways a heartbreaking story as well as a terse reminder of what women and the LGBTQ+ community have had to fight for over the years, just to be themselves.
When I think of Emily Dickenson, I think of her poetry. Bringing her family to life in this novel, reminds me that the struggles were real, but also the humanity and humor in every day life, and there is nothing new under the sun!
I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, learning a little more than we knew before about a famous life before they were famous, romance and women's literature.
A historical fiction imaging of Emily Dickenson's early adulthood, told from both Emily and Susan's point of view, this was in many ways a heartbreaking story as well as a terse reminder of what women and the LGBTQ+ community have had to fight for over the years, just to be themselves.
When I think of Emily Dickenson, I think of her poetry. Bringing her family to life in this novel, reminds me that the struggles were real, but also the humanity and humor in every day life, and there is nothing new under the sun!
I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, learning a little more than we knew before about a famous life before they were famous, romance and women's literature.
August 27, 2023
Hard times for women
Not much has changed in these times for women. I like a happy ending story but it is hard to do when dealing with factual evidence. Well written storyline. Get the book and leave your reviews.
Not much has changed in these times for women. I like a happy ending story but it is hard to do when dealing with factual evidence. Well written storyline. Get the book and leave your reviews.
September 8, 2023
Such a fun read - about Dickinson being a queer iconnn
October 6, 2023
I was pleasantly surprised by this book! It was so heart warming with some heartbreaking moments. You wondered how it would end. Ultimately, the love pull is so strong and you can’t ignore it.
August 30, 2023
What a brilliant read!
I don’t know a huge amount about Emily Dickinson, but this book gave me an insight into her early adulthood. There were highs and lows, friendships and romances, and we see her start to explore her talents as a poet. The author explores not only Emily’s perspective but the perspectives of her closest friends, particularly Susan Gilbert.
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
I was drawn into the story from the very start, immersed in the setting and invested in the characters. I read the whole book in one sitting and I felt transported to 19th Century Amherst.
The romance between Emily and Susan was beautifully written, with big sweeping romance and little moments that just made me feel so much for them. The journey they went on, figuring out their feelings and a way to be together, was incredibly moving and made for a very emotional read.
This is a most-read for any fans of queer historical fiction, full of atmosphere and romance. It was beautifully written and I can’t wait to see what the author writes next!
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
I don’t know a huge amount about Emily Dickinson, but this book gave me an insight into her early adulthood. There were highs and lows, friendships and romances, and we see her start to explore her talents as a poet. The author explores not only Emily’s perspective but the perspectives of her closest friends, particularly Susan Gilbert.
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
I was drawn into the story from the very start, immersed in the setting and invested in the characters. I read the whole book in one sitting and I felt transported to 19th Century Amherst.
The romance between Emily and Susan was beautifully written, with big sweeping romance and little moments that just made me feel so much for them. The journey they went on, figuring out their feelings and a way to be together, was incredibly moving and made for a very emotional read.
This is a most-read for any fans of queer historical fiction, full of atmosphere and romance. It was beautifully written and I can’t wait to see what the author writes next!
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
August 27, 2023
This was my first read about Emily Dickinson and she was quite different from someone of her time and being a woman. I really loved reading about how Emily mostly defied what was considered moral and normal behavior for that time. She was comfortable being herself and not afraid or had care what others thought of her. This novel was an interesting read into the life of Emily and the relationship with her best friend, Susan Gilbert. She had no care about rumors and what others thought about her odd behavior when she was dealing with loss from the death of someone or loss of a person moving away. In a way, she lived kind of a lonely life and her escape became poetry knowing she could never fully have the person she loved the most. I really liked that the author included photos in the back as well, I enjoyed putting faces to the characters as well as the homesteads. Thank you to the author for the free novel, and to Travelling Pages Tours for the tour invite. This review is of my own accord and opinion.
April 5, 2025
Strong 4.5-4.75 rating, rounded up (decimals are hard for Goodreads)
I loved this and although I know nothing really about Emily Dickenson historically and through her writings (I plan to change that).
The secrecy and internalization of each characters struggle with their feelings for each other given the time period and they are the same sex was perfect and really helped the reader get into the mind and times of the story and characters. There was some sexy time scenes but it was realistic and not meant for the reader to 'enjoy' but to really evolve the relationship between Susan and Emily as they aged and grew back together.
I liked seeing the two go back and forth between society standards and comparing those feelings (or lack of) to their feelings with each other and coming to the natural realization that what they have is "not normal" but can't be ignored and they don't really let that change who they are.
I liked how certain people within Susan and Emily's life dealt with the realization of the girl's relationship with each other and we get a variety in the range of how it's viewed and dealt with.
It could have gone deeper and darker in that sense but the HEA ending was sweet and left me feeling hopeful for Susan and Emily's future together.
I loved this and although I know nothing really about Emily Dickenson historically and through her writings (I plan to change that).
The secrecy and internalization of each characters struggle with their feelings for each other given the time period and they are the same sex was perfect and really helped the reader get into the mind and times of the story and characters. There was some sexy time scenes but it was realistic and not meant for the reader to 'enjoy' but to really evolve the relationship between Susan and Emily as they aged and grew back together.
I liked seeing the two go back and forth between society standards and comparing those feelings (or lack of) to their feelings with each other and coming to the natural realization that what they have is "not normal" but can't be ignored and they don't really let that change who they are.
I liked how certain people within Susan and Emily's life dealt with the realization of the girl's relationship with each other and we get a variety in the range of how it's viewed and dealt with.
It could have gone deeper and darker in that sense but the HEA ending was sweet and left me feeling hopeful for Susan and Emily's future together.
September 3, 2023
Just Wide Enough for Two penned by Kacey M. Martin, unfurls the tale of Susan Gilbert in the year 1847. Within the confines of that era, women faced limited choices, primarily circumscribed by marriage, often ensnared in relationships and circumstances they yearned to escape. Susan's destiny compelled her return to Amherst, Massachusetts, yet her friendship with Emily Dickinson illuminated her life like a beacon of hope. The narrative of Just Wide Enough for Two gracefully traces the lifelong journey of these two women, illustrating how their destinies were interwoven.
Kacey M. Martin adeptly weaves together the factual accounts of Emily Dickinson and her enduring companion, Sarah Gilbert, to craft this evocative work of historical fiction. Martin's exquisite prose captivates the reader from the outset, immersing them in a world where vividly described scenarios elicit emotions that linger long after the final page is turned.
Kacey M. Martin adeptly weaves together the factual accounts of Emily Dickinson and her enduring companion, Sarah Gilbert, to craft this evocative work of historical fiction. Martin's exquisite prose captivates the reader from the outset, immersing them in a world where vividly described scenarios elicit emotions that linger long after the final page is turned.
September 9, 2023
Very well written book. For starters, I did not know much about Emily Dickinson so I loved the historical story telling aspect of this book.
It was refreshing to see queer and LGBT representation even if the story didn’t end the way I would have hoped it would have. It really shows that unfortunately from the 1800 times haven’t changed all that much yet life still goes on.
The love story between Emily and Susan was breathtaking and very steamy at times. I love that this book was bold and dared to tell a story many others have not. The author does an amazing job of capturing the characters unique personalities and crafting that into an amazing book.
It was a nice addition at the end to see the included photographs. I love a good reference for a story line sometimes it’s hard to put a face to a character.
Overall would definitely recommend !
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
It was refreshing to see queer and LGBT representation even if the story didn’t end the way I would have hoped it would have. It really shows that unfortunately from the 1800 times haven’t changed all that much yet life still goes on.
The love story between Emily and Susan was breathtaking and very steamy at times. I love that this book was bold and dared to tell a story many others have not. The author does an amazing job of capturing the characters unique personalities and crafting that into an amazing book.
It was a nice addition at the end to see the included photographs. I love a good reference for a story line sometimes it’s hard to put a face to a character.
Overall would definitely recommend !
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
March 7, 2023
Just wide enough!
A very well written book . Interesting story that is fascinating and most probably not widely known .
Amazing how life hasn't really changed that much in 150 years!
A very well written book . Interesting story that is fascinating and most probably not widely known .
Amazing how life hasn't really changed that much in 150 years!
January 1, 2023
Great debut, riveting story with great historical accuracy. The writing made it hard to put down. I recommend this to all my family and friends
June 3, 2023
if you enjoy emily & susan’s story with poetic theory of secret moments, im sure you’ll have a good time reading this charming little book.
September 5, 2023
The writing was really bad. DNFd after 1 chapter.
February 8, 2025
this book is just so beautiful! I have admired Emillys poetry for long but now i know her history.
May 9, 2025
Great title for a wonderful love story between Emily Dickinson and Susan Gilbert
January 1, 2023
Loved it from start to finish. Historical accuracy is big for me, so I enjoyed the attention to detail the author used in making sure the dates and events all lined up.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews