Adventure Between the Pages: How Do I Love Thee

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Age Appropriate For: 15 and up for romance and minor violence
Best for Ages: 18 and up
Description: She dreams of love for others but never for herself...
Elizabeth Barrett is a published poet--and a virtual prisoner in her own home. Blind family loyalty ties her to a tyrannical father who forbids any of his children to marry. Bedridden by chronic illness, she has resigned herself to simply existing. That is, until the letter arrives...
"I love your verses with all my heart," writes Robert Browning, an admiring fellow poet. As friendly correspondence gives way to something more, Elizabeth discovers that Robert's love is not for her poetry alone. Might God grant her more than mere existence? And will she risk defying her father in pursuit of true happiness?

I have loved this whole series by Nancy Moser. I only have one left to read (Mozart’s Sister), and I am looking forward to it. Moser does her research on a character then writes a novel that makes you feel not only like you have met the person, but also makes you feel as if you know a lot of the history.

Some people found this novel very upsetting, because they did not understand the historical context. Elizabeth’s unquestioning obedience to her very over controlling father seems unthinkable to us in our modern way of thinking. Even I wanted to point out that some of her father’s rules were completely against the Bible. However, obedience to parents was not only drilled into children of that time, but universally expected. Unmarried children disobeying their parents were scandalous.

I loved the faith woven through the stories so artlessly. It seemed to be a natural part of not only the story, but of Elizabeth herself. Her failings are so human, yet she does seem to listen when she is pointed to God.

The thing I loved most about this novel? I felt I was learning as I was reading. So many real details were woven into the story. I want to give a huge thank you to Moser for this. To me, this is the best type of historical fiction, one that caused me to look up more on my own.

I recommend this book to those who like historical fiction, are interested in Elizabeth and Robert Browning, or just want a solidly good novel.


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