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The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë

by Syrie James (Goodreads Author)

4.04 of 5 stars 4.04 · rating details · 987 ratings · 268 reviews

"I have written about the joys of love. I have, in my secret heart, long dreamt of an intimate connection with a man; every Jane, I believe, deserves her Rochester."

Though poor, plain, and unconnected, Charlotte Bronte possesses a deeply passionate side which she reveals only in her writings--creating Jane Eyre and other novels that stand among literature's most beloved wo...more

Paperback, 512 pages

Published June 30th 2009 by Avon A

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Jan 18, 2010 Kathryn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: classics-inspired

IF YOU ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH CHARLOTTE BRONTE'S BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS, THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.

I find it unfortunate that certain fictional memoirs choose to call themselves diaries. Just as one can’t quite visualize Jane Austen’s Fitzwilliam Darcy scribbling his growing attraction to Elizabeth Bennet into the pages of a diary like a twelve year-old girl ("Mr. Darcy's Diary"), neither can one imagine Charlotte Bronte doing the same with her entire life’s story – including a few PG-13 rated de...more IF YOU ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH CHARLOTTE BRONTE'S BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS, THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.

I find it unfortunate that certain fictional memoirs choose to call themselves diaries. Just as one can’t quite visualize Jane Austen’s Fitzwilliam Darcy scribbling his growing attraction to Elizabeth Bennet into the pages of a diary like a twelve year-old girl ("Mr. Darcy's Diary"), neither can one imagine Charlotte Bronte doing the same with her entire life’s story – including a few PG-13 rated details of her wedding night.

But faulty title issues aside, “The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brönte” is a well-crafted book and an absolute delight for those Charlotte Bronte fans who can never get enough biographical facts of Jane Eyre’s alter ego. James’ novel centers on Bronte's relationship with Arthur Bell Nichols, her father’s curate and the man who she eventually married. At the novel’s outset, Nichols appears on the scene and makes a derogatory comment about Charlotte which she overhears. James’ Charlotte uses this as an excuse to harbor intensely negative feelings for Nichols until his good character – and love for her -- finally wins her over. Their relationship is presented in an almost standard romantic comedy formula, only in this case it is based on fact and generally works.

The earlier years of Charlotte’s life are presented via well-placed flashbacks: her time at the Clergy Daughters School where her sisters Maria and Elizabeth became fatally ill, the years she spent at Roe Head where she met Ellen Nussey, her life-long friend, and Charlotte's time in Brussels where she fell in love with Constantin Heger who later formed the basis of several of her romantic protagonists.

It is a well-known fact that Bronte used biographical material for her novels. Knowing that, however, does not prepare one to encounter scenes and conversations lifted directly from those novels and placed verbatim into James’ fictional memoir, such as this conversation between Bronte and Heger which is taken, word for word (substituting Monsieur for Sir), from "Jane Eyre":

“Here, I have talked, face to face, with what I reverence, and with what I delight in – with an original, a vigorous, an expanded mind. I have come to know you, Monsieur; and it fills me with sadness to contemplate that one day I must leave you . . . “

It is possible that a conversation such as this occured between Charlotte and Heger since Bronte, in portraying Jane Eyre's feelings for Rochester, was giving voice to her own feelings for Heger. But James could have been a little more indirect in implying the connection between fact and fiction with better and more believable results.

However, James is a Bronte enthusiast and as such, she can be forgiven for becoming too susceptible to these fascinating connections; the good far outweighs the questionable in this fictional memoir. The central love story is an appealing one and James has done a splendid job in capturing Bronte’s voice exactly and precisely (one might say, she’s hit the nail straight on the head) and has, in the process, managed to bring Charlotte Bronte’s biographical facts to life in a very engaging manner.

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Mar 04, 2013 Carolyn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: based-on-history

This was the second biography I have read about Charlotte Bronte and I thoroughly enjoyed it better than the first dreary one which emphasized her extreme poverty and not the beauty of her relationship with her sisters. Because it was written in a novel form and was neither a college-type research book quoting letters with a bibliography, nor a dreary slog, I related to her story on a personal, everyday, understandable way. She became real for me.

Charlotte's story was certainly a message of misu...more

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Mar 17, 2012 Christina rated it 5 of 5 stars

"...She ruffles her readers by nothing vehement, disturbs him by nothing profound: the Passions are perfectly unknown to her... what throbs fast and full, though hidden, what the blood rushes through... this Miss Austen ignores... if this is heresy - I cannot help it." Charlotte Bronte in a letter dated 12 April 1850 to William S.Williams on reading Jane Austen's Emma.

As a staunch fan and defender of anything Jane Austen, this bit of dissidence from one of Charlotte Bronte's letters left me most...more "...She ruffles her readers by nothing vehement, disturbs him by nothing profound: the Passions are perfectly unknown to her... what throbs fast and full, though hidden, what the blood rushes through... this Miss Austen ignores... if this is heresy - I cannot help it." Charlotte Bronte in a letter dated 12 April 1850 to William S.Williams on reading Jane Austen's Emma.

As a staunch fan and defender of anything Jane Austen, this bit of dissidence from one of Charlotte Bronte's letters left me most peevish and not at all curious to know anything more about said author. And, although I enjoyed Miss Bronte's novel Jane Eyre, very much in fact, I have always found myself a bit prejudiced against Miss Bronte for her slight committed against my dear Jane. In fact, when I met author Syrie James at the Jane Austen Society of America's Annual General Meeting (JASNA-AGM: code for national Janeite convention) in October 2010 with a stack of her books for her to autograph, she observed that her book, The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte was absent. My bibliophile Pride prohibited me from explaining why I could not possibly be interested in reading anything about Miss Bronte, and probably mumbled something incoherent. Nevertheless, recently I was offered a copy The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte, and after reminding myself of how I had shamelessly fallen in love with every other work by Syrie James (The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, Dracula, My Love and Nocturne), I convinced myself to get over this unforgiving, taciturn disposition and just read it!

This supposed lost diary opens shortly after Charlotte Bronte receives an unexpected proposal of marriage from her father's curate, Arthur Bell Nicholls. As a maiden spinster and an already accomplished authoress, albeit concealed by the nom de plume Currer Bell, she is conflicted in her answer. Through these memoir pages, Bronte ruminates on her budding friendship with Nicholls, her obsession with her married educator in Brussels, her writing, and her beloved relationships with her now deceased siblings.

Unlike Austen, where fans and historians alike must conjecture about Jane Austen's life and loves by piecing together what few letters were preserved, there is a wealth of meticulous correspondence and writings accessible for research. James herself admits that this novel is based almost entirely on fact. Charlotte Bronte's life reads like a novel... from the sickness and deaths of her older sisters while they were away at the depressing Clergy Daughter's School to her romantic attraction to her un-handsome superior in Brussels, ("it fills me with sadness to contemplate that one day I must leave you" p.204), which surely she drew from and dramatized accounts while writing Jane Eyre. I was charmed by her relationship with the Reverend Arthur Bell Nicholls, who apparently unbeknownst to Bronte, had been in-love with her for over seven years. Almost from the first moments of meeting this seemingly disdainful, dogmatic, stoic yet handsome curate, she disliked him - because, interestingly enough, she overheard, or rather misheard a comment he had made - granted at her expense - and for years her wounded pride festered, tainting all her opinions of him. (Shades of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice seem to color Charlotte Bronte's real life -- indeed!)

Like Charlotte Bronte's work, this memoir is a melding of both tragedy and joy. Blurred lines between fact & fiction are so masterfully written I had to remind myself that The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte is just the fruit of Syrie James' genius. James not only made me sigh in all the right places, and weep at the tragic losses - James taught me, like Elizabeth Bennet in Pride & Prejudice, to gradually allow my former prejudices to be removed. If you haven't read this book, originally published in 2009, you need to add it to the top of your list!

Added bonus are the helpful Author Insights at the back of the book which include a succinct Q & A, Excerpts from Selected Correspondence of Charlotte Bronte, Selected Poetry by the Bronte sisters, a listing of their Works, and Discussion Points for reading groups.(less)

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Aug 17, 2011 Darlene Teresa rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this book. Now, that said, I need to explain that I am not a Bronte family expert or historian. I have read and loved, Agnes Grey, Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, etc, and have read a bit of info on each of the Bronte sisters through the years. Maybe that helps me like the book more than some of the reviewers as I wasn't looking for it to be perfect.
I felt that it touched on all of the things that I had known about the sisters, while adding more, and then tying it all together with...more

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Aug 17, 2010 Erin rated it 2 of 5 stars

As someone who had done a fair amount of research on Charlotte and her family prior to reading this novel, I found the story a little lack-luster. James seemed determined not to stray too far from the facts of Charlotte's life, which is commendable when writing about a historical person, but in doing so left the story feeling predictable for readers already familiar with those facts. The parts that James had made up, and her conjectures about incidents that may have impacted on Charlotte's perso...more

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Jan 16, 2010 Sandy Lender rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: not sure

Anyone who has studied Charlotte Bronte, as I have, will be appalled by what Syrie James has done to her here. Thank God this isn't "The Secret Diaries of Emily Bronte," or the ghost of Emily Bronte would likely rise from the grave and do great harm to James. Charlotte was a bit less averse to the idea of being "outed" when it came time to reveal her identity to society, but that doesn't mean she was ready to expose her innermost thoughts.

Charlotte Bronte did not leave behind a secret diary, so...more Anyone who has studied Charlotte Bronte, as I have, will be appalled by what Syrie James has done to her here. Thank God this isn't "The Secret Diaries of Emily Bronte," or the ghost of Emily Bronte would likely rise from the grave and do great harm to James. Charlotte was a bit less averse to the idea of being "outed" when it came time to reveal her identity to society, but that doesn't mean she was ready to expose her innermost thoughts.

Charlotte Bronte did not leave behind a secret diary, so students and scholars shouldn't get excited by the title or concept of this work of fiction. It's obvious that James has done an enormous amount of research--and has dropped all the appropriate names in the acknowledgments--and it is for that research and its application throughout the novel that I don't drop my rating of the book to a mere 1 star.

I cannot warn scholars strongly enough to take this fictional novel with a grain of salt. The story of Charlotte's life has been told in biographies before without the flowery additions of fictitious people, made-up dialogue, conjecture, inference, and a machinistic wedding night scene that embarrassed me FOR Charlotte. I felt as if the poor woman was watching me read the scene and was trying to tell me, "No! No! It didn't happen that way! He didn't say that! I didn't do that! Stop looking at us that way!"

I felt her watching me as I read the scene of Monsieur Heger "kissing" Charlotte in the garden and felt her saying, "You don't understand! This author wasn't there! That's not what happened!" I felt as if Charlotte wanted to take the book out of my hands a dozen different times because I was reading lies about her.

To Charlotte, I'm sorry to have read this so-called romance novel. I know your life was so much more than what's represented on these pages and held much more emotion. But I had to give it a read-through. I had to know if the author was anywhere close to the mark. To Harper Collins and Avon, while your author has done an exemplary job of research, the execution is a travesty. I would only recommend this book to serious Bronte scholars who can separate in their own minds what is fact and what is fiction. New Bronte readers should not confuse themselves with this jumble of information.

I recommend (and own) instead: The Life of Charlotte Bronte
The Bronte Myth
The Oxford Companion to the Brontës (Oxford Companion To...)
There are a variety of others on my Bronte reference shelf, but these are excellent resources. Also, if you can find it: The Belgian Essays of Charlotte and Emily Bronte

From Sandy Lender
"Some days, you just want the dragon to win." (less)

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Jan 07, 2010 Andrea marked it as to-read

"I have written about the joys of love. I have, in my secret heart, long dreamt of an intimate connection with a man; every Jane, I believe, deserves her Rochester."

Though poor, plain, and unconnected, Charlotte Bronte possesses a deeply passionate side which she reveals only in her writings—creating Jane Eyre and other novels that stand among literature's most beloved works. Living a secluded life in the wilds of Yorkshire with her sisters Emily and Anne, their drug-addicted brother, and an ec...more

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Dec 27, 2009 Ash Bruxvoort rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte by Syrie James is a fictional account of the life of Charlotte Bronte. Charlotte grew up with two sisters and a brother under the supervision of her parson father. The book mainly focuses on the love interests of Charlotte Bronte, her teacher Monsieur Heger and her father's curate Arthur Nicholls. It is a brutally honest account of Charlotte's life, including descriptive scenes of Branwell's drunken crazes. James allows Bronte to explore her feelings on eve...more The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte by Syrie James is a fictional account of the life of Charlotte Bronte. Charlotte grew up with two sisters and a brother under the supervision of her parson father. The book mainly focuses on the love interests of Charlotte Bronte, her teacher Monsieur Heger and her father's curate Arthur Nicholls. It is a brutally honest account of Charlotte's life, including descriptive scenes of Branwell's drunken crazes. James allows Bronte to explore her feelings on every subject, alcohol, love, sex, and family. It also documents the writing of her four novels as well as the writing practices shared between her and her two sisters, Emily and Anne. After the death of Emily and Anne, Charlotte experienced a drastic change in her writing ability and habits. While the novel doesn't come out and say it directly, it is pretty clear that the absence of her sisters contributed to the lower success level of her final two novels.

Since Charlotte Bronte wrote my favorite book I had high expectations to for this novel. It met those expectations, for the most part. I have to admit that I couldn't put this book down. I saw a lot of my own experiences in Charlotte's, even though she lived in a very different world from mine. James does an amazing job making Bronte into a character we can empathize with and understand. Just a few days ago I was telling a friend of mine that if Charlotte Bronte haunted me I would be terrified. I said she would probably be really mean. After reading this book, my entire view of Bronte has changed.

As much as I loved it, I did have a few problems with this novel. Some of the footnotes were annoying and unnecessary, of course I'm assuming that anyone who would read this book would have some prior knowledge about Charlotte Bronte. There were also some language choices that felt a little too contemporary for me. When I came across them I became annoyed, really. James makes up for it with her frequently asked questions section in the back of the book, as well as the inclusion of sections of Bronte's letters. I was pleased that she came out and said what was true and what was false, and also that she mostly stuck to the story of Bronte's life.

This book evoked ever emotion from me. I laughed at Bronte's humor, empathized with her foibles, and cried in grief and joy with her. A must read for any Bronte fan.

http://englishmajorjunkfood.blogspot.com (less)

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Dec 06, 2009 Sarah rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: brontephilia

Maybe one day I'll stop reading every Brontë-related work of fiction that I hear about, since I usually hate them. Unfortunately, I haven't learned yet, and this book was embarrassingly bad.

There's a flimsy romance novel set-up: when Arthur Bell Nicholls meets Charlotte Brontë, they get off on the wrong foot. Will they ever learn to overcome their differences? The reader is then dragged through the vaguely-biographical story of Charlotte's life, into which the author has inserted episodes from t...more

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Oct 11, 2009 Rachel rated it 4 of 5 stars

I saw this book displayed at our library and picked it up. I wasn’t sure I would like the book (I didn’t really like the whole “secret diary” ploy), but I was very pleasantly surprised. I think the author did a good job of staying true to Charlotte’s “voice” and of creating or recreating scenes for the important moments of her life. It’s possible, had I known the details of her life before reading this book, that I wouldn’t have liked it quite so much. As it was, though, I found the plotline of...more

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Oct 04, 2009 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Maybe I had low expectations of this book as the title just seems so cheesey. I expected a sweet syrupy book. Instead, it was well written in a voice that seemed so much like Charlotte's voice. Her story read as a novel she might have written herself. I already knew the basics of her life and family, however this novel fleshed it out so much more and I really felt as if I knew Charlotte. I also realized anew how blessed we are to live in this age. First, that we know so much more about basic hea...more

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Jan 29, 2010 Mary rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is one of those rare 5-star ratings. The writing is wonderful and the charactera rich. It is not a life-changing book, like perhaps Uncle Tom's Cabin was for me, however I was transported to the life and times of Charlotte Bronte here and her family. I felt as though each time I opened the book I was right there in her family parlor, observing the goings on of herself and her parents and siblings. I learned a great deal about the Bronte family and England during the 1800s. I love reading ab...more

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Sep 27, 2012 Regina Lindsey rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have to admit I started this book with some skepticism. I've read both Charlotte and Emily's work. While it was a long time I ago, I remember liking it but not loving. I assumed The Secret Diaries was specifically tailored to Bronte fans. It is probably not a book I would have choosen on my own due to my assumptions. However, it was a book club selection. I am not at all disappointed that I read this book.

It is hard to give much detail about the specifics of the book without spoilers. Thererf...more

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Mar 20, 2010 Debra Sansing rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved this book. I'm sure it has its critics as any book that fictionalizes portions of the life of Charlotte Bronte (and to a lesser extent, her sisters) is bound to. Even so, I loved what Syrie James did in researching and respectfully imagining the life of one of my all-time favorite authors. Her book furthered the connection I have felt with Charlotte Bronte since I read Jane Eyre for the first time many years ago. Inspired by James' book, I am eager to revisit Jane Eyre and to read Charlott...more

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Jan 25, 2012 Ana rated it 5 of 5 stars

I received this book as a gift for Christmas (In ultra gigantic print by accident), but the first time I cracked open this book at 3 in the morning after finishing the "Fault in Our Stars" I couldn't put it down. Whatever anyone else says about this book being bad, THEY. ARE. WRONG! I've grown an even greater respect for Charlotte Bronte, and although the story may not be completely completely true, it was based on a TRUE FACTS! The romance between Charlotte and Arthur made me that happiest, gid...more

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Jul 29, 2009 Susan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I admit that I was a little reluctant to pick up The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte, mainly because of the title, because with the exception of Sandra Gulland's Josephine Bonaparte trilogy, I haven't been terribly impressed by most novels that take the form of diaries, secret or otherwise. But pick it up I did, because I wanted a paperback to take to the beach, and I was very pleasantly surprised.

The title of this book is actually somewhat misleading, in fact, because although the narrator (...more I admit that I was a little reluctant to pick up The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte, mainly because of the title, because with the exception of Sandra Gulland's Josephine Bonaparte trilogy, I haven't been terribly impressed by most novels that take the form of diaries, secret or otherwise. But pick it up I did, because I wanted a paperback to take to the beach, and I was very pleasantly surprised.

The title of this book is actually somewhat misleading, in fact, because although the narrator (Charlotte, of course) occasionally refers to her writing as a diary, the story is not in the usual day-to-day journal format. "Secret Memoirs" would be a more apt title. So if you're not keen on the diary format, there's no need to avoid this novel.

The event that prompts Charlotte to write about her life is the unexpected proposal she receives from her father's curate, Arthur Bell Nicholls. As Charlotte wrestles with the question of whether to accept, she reflects about her evolving relationship with Nicholls, her infatuation with a married professor in Brussels, her career as an author, and her life with her siblings, all now deceased.

James has researched her subject thoroughly, and it shows without appearing pedantic. Her portrayals of Charlotte's friends and family are true to life and three-dimensional, and where the author fills in gaps and creates dramatic tension between Charlotte and her suitor, it seems plausible. Having read more than my fair share of feminist critics who treat Charlotte's marriage to Nicholls as a tragic example of a gifted female succumbing to male domination, I was pleased to see that James treats the marriage positively, and even romantically.

Though one might enjoy this book better if one has read Charlotte Bronte's novels (and those of her sisters), it's not necessary. James' book also contains a number of extras: besides the usual afterword, there's a question-and-answer section for the author, excerpts from some of Charlotte's letters, and some poems by the Bronte siblings.

As I liked this book so much, I'll be picking up James' first novel, The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen. (less)

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Apr 09, 2009 Laura Martinelli rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Picked this up in the advance copy pile at work, as the title looked interesting, and I felt like I needed to get into more historical literature.

The Secret Diaries... covers a good bit of Charlotte Bronte's life- specifically, her relationship with her husband, Arthur Nicholls and how they met and fell in love. This also includes the years she spent publishing with her sisters.

I'll be honest, the narrative doesn't pick up until Anne, Charlotte and Emily decide to start writing and publishing th...more

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Feb 08, 2010 Gricel rated it 4 of 5 stars

I selected Syrie James's The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë as my third reading selection for the All About the Brontes Challenge. I was intrigued by the premise behind the novel and found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable read.

What if Charlotte Brontë had recorded her feelings, accomplishments, and disappointments in a diary? How much more would we know about the author of Jane Eyre? And what would we learn about her relationship with Arthur Bell Nicholls? James imagines the answers to these...more I selected Syrie James's The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë as my third reading selection for the All About the Brontes Challenge. I was intrigued by the premise behind the novel and found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable read.

What if Charlotte Brontë had recorded her feelings, accomplishments, and disappointments in a diary? How much more would we know about the author of Jane Eyre? And what would we learn about her relationship with Arthur Bell Nicholls? James imagines the answers to these questions in her carefully researched novel and the result is a clever and believable narrative that brings a fresh perspective to the story of Charlotte Brontë.

Laura, creator of the Brontë challenge, recently noted the similarity between Charlotte's relationship with Mr. Nicholls, as portrayed by James, and that between Lizzie Bennet and Mr. Darcy. I noticed the connection as well and was amused by the possibility of Charlotte and Mr. Nicholls experiencing the sort of pride and prejudice that marked Lizzie and Darcy's relationship, particularly in light of Charlotte's views on the lack of passion in Jane Austen's prim and proper love affairs.

James's portrayal of the relationship between the Brontë siblings was very illuminating. I have read the Brontës, but I knew little about the circumstances surrounding their writing or the hardships that they experienced. Reading the novel has really sparked my interest in learning more about this fascinating group of writers; I am now curious to read Mrs. Gaskell's biography of Charlotte Brontë and Charlotte's letters. I am also interested in reading the sisters' poems and Charlotte's unfinished manuscript, Emma (perhaps I'll give Clare Boylan's Emma Brown a try).

I am glad that I chose to read this one after reading the Brontës' novels, particularly Charlotte Brontë's Shirley. James weaved so many incidents from the novels into the story to show how Charlotte and her sisters borrowed from life to create their narratives that I gained a new understanding of the novels.

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Mar 06, 2013 Donna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Why I haven't discovered Syrie James before is beyond me! I love this author!! And this book is great! I'll admit that I didn't know much about Charlotte Bronte before I read this book. Only that she wrote Jane Eyre, and that her sisters were published authors as well. This book doesn't start at the beginning of Charlotte's life. It's from a certain period of time in her life, and written in the form of diary entries. I was hooked from the first page! I couldn't get enough. James used actual dia...more

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Mar 24, 2013 Mandolin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Like the orphaned and mistreated heroines she captured in her classic novels, Charlotte Bronte was a woman whose life was not quite as rosy as it could have been. The loss of her mother when she was quite young, followed by the deaths of her adored older sisters, the decline of her brother into alcohol and a scandalous affair and the heart-breaking ordeal that was her first true experience of love, Charlotte knew what it meant to experience heartache and loss of the worst kind. And yet, she reta...more Like the orphaned and mistreated heroines she captured in her classic novels, Charlotte Bronte was a woman whose life was not quite as rosy as it could have been. The loss of her mother when she was quite young, followed by the deaths of her adored older sisters, the decline of her brother into alcohol and a scandalous affair and the heart-breaking ordeal that was her first true experience of love, Charlotte knew what it meant to experience heartache and loss of the worst kind. And yet, she retained her imaginative spirit and belief in the all-healing nature of love. Though she and her two sisters, Anne and Emily, were reserved and spoke little of matters of the heart, Charlotte had a passionate streak that, early on, found release in her imaginative world of genies and later found its more mature expression in her novels. Funneling the experiences of her life into their pages, Charlotte was able to pour out her soul into her characters and to express the grief, pain and sorrow she felt in ways that she could not do in life. Charlotte's life was not devoid of all passion, though, and these novels recount the beautiful love story that became hers. In the pages of these diaries, Charlotte recounts how every experience, painful as they were, led her to the greatest love of her life.

In this reviewer's opinion, this is the way all biographies should be written! Meticulously researched and yet written in a style that is thoroughly entertaining and far from dry, this novel is a must-read for anyone who loves Jane Eyre. As full of passion, drama and intriguing characters as that classic, it is both an intensely powerful love story and a detailed glimpse into an inspiring life. It captures the joys of sisterhood, the meaning of loyalty to family, the devastation of disappointed hopes and the beauty of mature love. Too, it highlights Charlotte's growth as a writer and the many lessons she had to learn before becoming the successful author that she did. ("'…Such a barrage of unnecessary metaphors and adjectives! You have allowed your imagination to run away with you, Mademoiselle, as if the goal in writing was the accumulation of the greatest number of words…' 'If I rule have genius…why tall these endless compositions…why can I not simply write what I wish to write?' '… 'It is imperative to study form. Without form, you are no poet… Genius without study is like force without a lever…' ") Well-worth the five stars. Thank you, Ms. James, for this scholarly AND fascinating work.

Many quotes to choose from, but as an Austen fan, this would probably be my favorite! "[speaking of Pride and Prejudice] The novel is - how shall I put it - lacking in sentiment.' 'Understatement!' cried Emily…'Miss Austen describes almost nothing. There is no physical affection between her lovers, and not a spark of passion in the whole novel! She is no poet….I should hardly like to live with her ladies and gentlemen in their elegant but confined houses.'"(less)

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Mar 02, 2010 Laurel rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I actually enjoyed this book despite feeling that much of it would have made Charlotte cringe. The Bronte family story is fascinating no matter how it's told -- even with fictional liberties taken in order to fill in many of the missing pieces. The book is clearly well-researched, and I felt the author did a good job overall in capturing Charlotte's voice and writing style. A fun read!

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Jan 02, 2010 Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It is well known that Charlotte Bronte married Arthur Bell Nicholls, her father's curate, in 1854 at the age of 38. In addition, it is also understood that Charlotte Bronte had a strong attachment for Constantin Heger, a Belgian professor whom she studied and taught with. But which of these two men did Charlotte really love? Did she marry for love or to escape being labeled an “old maid?” Were any of her heroes modeled after these men?

“The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte” by Syrie James is s...more It is well known that Charlotte Bronte married Arthur Bell Nicholls, her father's curate, in 1854 at the age of 38. In addition, it is also understood that Charlotte Bronte had a strong attachment for Constantin Heger, a Belgian professor whom she studied and taught with. But which of these two men did Charlotte really love? Did she marry for love or to escape being labeled an “old maid?” Were any of her heroes modeled after these men?

“The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte” by Syrie James is so much more than a daily record, biography, or a mere glimpse into the life of Charlotte Bronte. It is an in-depth account of the most important and momentous years of this famous author's life. This biographical fiction novel is an excellent combination of truth and conjecture that is a gratifying and magnetizing read! I have had the wonderful pleasure of reading Syrie Jame's first book, “The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen,”and in both books I find myself very impressed by the author's extensive research and knowledge about these two literary figures. In addition, I felt she captured an accurate and distinct voice and personality for both Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte. As you can already tell, I am now a big admirer of Syrie James.

“The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte” begins with Charlotte the shocked and bewildered recipient of Arther Bell Nicholls' addresses. The book then departs from present time and travels back eight years to when Charlotte first meets Mr. Nicholls. During the time of her first encounter with Mr. Nicholls and his marriage proposal is a very eventful time in Charlotte's life. It is within these eight years that Charlotte and her sisters attempt to publish their poems and embark upon writing individual novels. Furthermore, Charlotte's home life goes through a lot of changes and complications during this time.

I was delighted to learn more about all the Brontes (not just Charlotte) and I enjoyed the many flashbacks of Charlotte's childhood, experiences in boarding school, and relationship with Constantin Heger. All the Bronte's were truly fascinating people and it was interesting to see how many of the experiences and people from their lives were used in their novels. In the back of the novel a lot of interesting extras are included such as a Q&A with Syrie James (in which she imparts which parts of the story or fact or fiction), excerpts from the Correspondence of Charlotte Bronte, and suggested discussion questions for a book club or group read.

Ms. James depicted very integral and descriptive portrayal that leads to a greater understanding and appreciation of Charlotte Bronte. I dearly hope she continues to write more in this vein, I love her reverent and precise representation of these beloved authors. In addition, her graceful story telling is seamless and entertaining. I highly recommend this novel for Bronte admires who are interested in learning more about the Brontes and enjoy reading historical fiction or bio-fiction novels.

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Jan 27, 2013 Nik rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio-books

DELIGHTFUL! Written well. Researched. Narrated AMAZINGLY! This book was like spending 10 years with Charlotte Bronte as a companion and interacting with her amazing sisters, her bitter brother, her taciturn father, her bestie Ellen, her Mr. Nichols and blossoming friendship with Elizabeth Gaskell. This book was emotional, bouncing between cheerful and heartbreaking at all times. But when it came time for Charlotte to endure her brother's and sisters deaths, it was painful. This poor woman suffer...more

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Dec 31, 2010 Colleen Wright rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have never read any of the Bronte sister’s books. I picked this book up solely because it was a “secret diary”. I thought it HAD to be good. I am not at all disappointed that I read this book. It is an interesting read, as I didn't know that much about Charlotte or her sisters going into this book. I did find it a little bit on the longer side and a little slow in the beginning, but it did hold my attention. Charlotte’s life was tragic, yet she was she was a remarkable lady, so bright, so educ...more

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Feb 09, 2013 Leya rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: all-time-favorite, library-book

I honestly didn't know a thing about Charlotte Bronte. Aside from having sisters that were also authors, and that was about it. And I've only read one of her books, Jane Eyre. But I was curious enough to pick up The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte by Syrie James, just 'cause.

I found myself drawn into Charlotte's world, where she's a mere companion and nurse to her ailing father but who wanted to be so much more. Although I knew the common opinion (back then) that women were mere possessions...more

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May 06, 2011 Erin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography-memoir

This book mashed together historical fact and fiction to create a portrait of Charlotte Bronte. And it was a fascinating and fun read! (Of course, this isn't a faithful biography -- dialogue and some situations were added for dramatic effect. But if there were a screenplay and movie adaptation of Bronte's life, it would probably look something like this.)

I read Jane Eyre last year and LOVED IT. I was amazed to learn how much of Bronte's novels are autobiographical. I enjoyed the story of her rel...more

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Mar 24, 2012 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars

I could almost give this book 5 stars because I was impressed with how taken I was with it from the very first page. This is impressive because I've never read a Bronte novel and was expecting this to be really long and boring. But it wasn't. I don't feel like I missed anything by not reading Bronte works before. I felt like the author did a great job weaving this history of Charlotte Bronte together and making it interesting and a page turner. I loved the telling of her love story and the tende...more

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May 17, 2010 Sally rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

Dear Reader, this book does not have a happy ending. Unlike Jane Eyre and her Mr Rochester, Charlotte Bronte did not get her "happily ever after." As Bronte fans will know, the literary family suffered tragedy beyond compare. Even before checking this book out of the local library, I knew of the death that should be contained within its pages.

Okay, I'm not a writer. But Syrie James is, and she has given us a good idea of how Charlotte's life may have unfolded. Having lived near Haworth and visit...more

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May 13, 2010 kelley rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, kindle

“The Lost Diaries of Charlotte Bronte” was an amazing journey through the life of one of my very favorite authors. What author Syrie James does is take the information about the Bronte’s and weaves a beautiful story that fleshes out the skeleton and breathes life into a much loved and respected family in the literary world. Her language is flawless, blending in with the period. The words could be Charlotte’s own as the story unfolds. Syrie’s book is even set up in the “three volume novel” style...more

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Mar 14, 2013 Anneleen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: bezit, boekenfestijn, engelse-versie, mooie-kaft, historisch, romantisch, waargebeurd, geweldig

Uitgelezen maart 2013.

Uitgelezen maart 2013.

Oh, wat een fijn en romantisch boek om te lezen! (Aah, ik zou eigenlijk moeten stoppen om zo'n boeken te lezen, want ik verwacht daardoor echt te veel van mannen :p).
Ok, dit boek vertelt dus over het leven van Charlotte Brontë, toch wel het best gekend van haar boek 'Jane Eyre' (wat trouwens ook een enorm goed boek is ^^). Let wel, dit 'dagboek' is niet het echte dagboek van Charlotte Brontë, maar eerder een boek gebaseerd of feitelijke gebeurtenissen...more

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About Syrie James

Syrie James is the bestselling author of eight critically acclaimed novels, including The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen, The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte, Nocturne, Dracula My Love, Forbidden, and The Harrison Duet: Songbird and Propositions. Her books have been translated into eighteen foreign languages.

Syrie was named after a character in a radio show t...more Syrie James is the bestselling author of eight critically acclaimed novels, including The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen, The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte, Nocturne, Dracula My Love, Forbidden, and The Harrison Duet: Songbird and Propositions. Her books have been translated into eighteen foreign languages.

Syrie was named after a character in a radio show that her mother listened to as a girl. Today, Syrie is thrilled that her name is pronounced exactly the same as Siri, the iPhone personal assistant--even if they spell the name incorrectly. :)

Syrie has long been a fan of British literature of the 19th century. She also enjoys reading in a variety of other genres, including historical fiction, paranormal fiction, women's fiction, biography, memoir, romance, mystery, and the classics.

Two of Syrie's favorite authors are Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë. Syrie's husband Bill, who has joined her in watching all the film versions of Miss Austen's novels several times over and every film version of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights ever made, has come to share her enthusiasm, if not her obsession. Syrie also enjoys writing about brilliant, sympathetic, charismatic vampires ... and the paranormal. It was a truly wonderful experience to co-author the novel Forbidden with her son Ryan.

Syrie lived in Paris when she was seven years old, and had visited more than two dozen countries by age eight, which instilled in her a lifelong love of traveling. Her other favorite pursuits include movies, theater, great food, playing games with family and friends, Scrabble, photography, sewing, and the out of doors. Syrie designed and maintains her website, syriejames.com, and she welcomes visitor and messages! Like Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë, Syrie is very fond of the countryside, and loves taking long walks.

Syrie lives with her family in Los Angeles, California. She is a member of the WGA, RWA, and a life member of JASNA (the Jane Austen Society of North America). She spent many years as a screenwriter and enjoys writing both novels and screenplays.

Syrie writes practically every weekday from 10 - 6. She says, "Many people can't wait for the weekend to arrive. It's the opposite for me. I truly love my jam-packed weekends, but from the time I turn off the computer on Friday evening to the moment I'm back in my chair on Monday morning, I'm anxious to get back to the characters I left in limbo, who are just waiting for me to continue their story."
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