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Afternoons with Emily
In mid-19th-century Amherst, Emily Dickinson is famous both for her notable family and for her reclusive ways, and only Miranda Chase, a smart girl with big plans for her own life, is allowed to enter the budding poet's very private world. At first, their Monday afternoon visits involve discussing books over piping hot cups of tea, but when Miranda begins exploring her own yearnings--for love, for an education, even for a career--she discovers that being a friend of Emily's is not without its dangers. The very charisma that has inspired her becomes a web of intrigue, and to escape it, Miranda will imperil her reputation, her independence, and even her dreams. Drawing on letters, poems, and everything that is known about Dickinson's life, AFTERNOONS WITH EMILY is a vivid portrait of America's most famous poet, a coming-ofage story that spans the Civil War, and a tale of two brilliant women who each chose to break with convention and live life on their own terms.
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First published April 24, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 22, 2014
This is one of those lovely novels that creates characters so real you are disappointed when the book ends and you have to leave them. Rose MacMurray wrote this novel, partly to honor her real-life love of poetry and Emily Dickinson, but it was published posthumously due to the belief of a number of people that it needed to see the light of day. Although the main character is fictional, many others are real 19th century New Englanders, and MacMurray vividly captures their environment, lives and voices. Her passages through the Civil War are heartbreaking. But perhaps most impressive is MacMurray's depiction of Emily Dickinson. I've read numerous biographies of Dickinson, and MacMurray's portrayal seems spot-on. If you love history and/or you love Emily Dickinson, this is a perfect book.
July 12, 2016
so clearly I loved this book from my rating. I will attempt to review without ruining this review ( I tend to poorly describe the books I love the most).
This tale follows one girl from an unusual childhood into an inspiring and despairing adult life.
Throughout the book we are brought back to this strange girl and her even stranger relationship with Emily Dickinson the American poet....
SEE you have no idea why I love it but trust me when I say I did love it!!!
This tale follows one girl from an unusual childhood into an inspiring and despairing adult life.
Throughout the book we are brought back to this strange girl and her even stranger relationship with Emily Dickinson the American poet....
SEE you have no idea why I love it but trust me when I say I did love it!!!
July 16, 2020
If Emily Dickinson actually behaved this way she sounds perfectly awful.....
April 17, 2021
This book was a beautiful story about Emily Dickinson and 1800’s. I read some reviews that said it made Emily Dickinson out to be an awful person. From just reading Dickinson’s letters, I think it fell short in describing Emily Dickinson’s neurotic behaviors.
It is a deceptively longer read, but worth it. It was not uncommon for me to have to look up a word, because the author picked some profound wording and would use it multiple times. It reminded me of a word a day calendar. Through it all, it was a beautiful and thoughtful story. If you like Emily Dickinson and the 19th century history, I highly recommend this book.
It is a deceptively longer read, but worth it. It was not uncommon for me to have to look up a word, because the author picked some profound wording and would use it multiple times. It reminded me of a word a day calendar. Through it all, it was a beautiful and thoughtful story. If you like Emily Dickinson and the 19th century history, I highly recommend this book.
July 16, 2019
I expected the book to be more about Emily Dickinson. It was an interesting style to have a main character that knew Emily. But her life didn't totally revolve around her.
July 5, 2021
Exquisitely written and finely detailed story or a young woman growing from girlhood to maturity in an era when women were restricted by social conventions.
July 6, 2023
A lovely and easy read that I would happily do again. The text is descriptive and immerses you into the world. Each character is well-developed, making every joy and heartbreak very real.
June 11, 2024
Because I love Emily Dickinson’s poems, I really WANTED to love this book about her and a supposed “friend” who visits her, I found it dull and predictable.
May 22, 2024
I found this book to be very interesting since I knew nothing about Emily Dickenson other than knowing she was rather reclusive and reading a few of her poems. Emily (1830-1866) was born into a notable and well respected family in Amherst, Massachusetts., Through weekly afternoon visits with Emily, the fictional Miranda Chase comes to know Emily as they discuss books, philosophy and soirituality. The two were very compatible until Miranda begins to want to fulfill her dreams for her own life. Emily becomes more demanding and isolated; all in all she began to be quite depressed, jealous and lonely. She almost never left her family home and refused to see guests. She became more and became more neurotic as time went on. Besides getting to know Emily through this book , the reader learns about the life of the book’s narrator,Miranda…. So much so that Emily is sometimes a side character. A very interesting and enjoyable book that was very well researched. Emily died when she was 56. Interestingly she was a prolific writer but she only published 10 poems during her lifetime. She actually wrote nearly 1800 poems!! The author worked on this book for several years and died before it was published. For fans of Emily Dickinson and for those interested in life in Amherst during these years, I highly recommend this book.
Found this book tenjoyed this book and the glimpse of life in the second half of the 19th century in New England (especially Amherst, Massachusetts) through the eyes of Emily Dickinson and her friend.
Found this book tenjoyed this book and the glimpse of life in the second half of the 19th century in New England (especially Amherst, Massachusetts) through the eyes of Emily Dickinson and her friend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2012
This novel is about a young girl, originally called Arethusa who becomes friends with the reclusive Emily Dickinson. Arethusa was born to a consumptive mother and basically lived on the attic floor like an orphan until her mother's death when her father took her to Barbados. In Barbados she was reborn, changed her name to Miranda, and traveled to her new home in Amherst a changed, and very bright girl. Because of her strong will and high performance at school, Emily Dickinson, who was twice her age, invited her to call on her once a week (thus the title of the book). Emily fades in and out of importance throughout the novel as Miranda falls in love, loses family members, begins a young education initiative, and finds her purpose in life.
I liked Miranda as a character and narrative. She had a dignified voice and worked hard to achieve her purpose in life and do what was morally right. However, ironically, the reason I first picked this book up (references to Emily Dickinson) was my least favorite aspect of the novel. Emily was delusional, aggravating, seemed very mentally disturbed, and was very untrustworthy throughout the novel. Miranda constantly makes reference to how her poetry is her only saving grace and hopefully they will be worth what a horrible person Emily is. Additionally, Emily is most definitely a side character, and in fact, many other people figure more prominently in Miranda's life at different points in the novel, making the title of the book a bit of a misnomer.
I enjoyed the time period of this book and the scattering of Emily's poetry throughout. Additionally, I was moved by the author's story - she worked on this novel for several years but died before it could be published. An enjoyable read despite Emily Dickinson's less than enjoyable personality as a character.
I liked Miranda as a character and narrative. She had a dignified voice and worked hard to achieve her purpose in life and do what was morally right. However, ironically, the reason I first picked this book up (references to Emily Dickinson) was my least favorite aspect of the novel. Emily was delusional, aggravating, seemed very mentally disturbed, and was very untrustworthy throughout the novel. Miranda constantly makes reference to how her poetry is her only saving grace and hopefully they will be worth what a horrible person Emily is. Additionally, Emily is most definitely a side character, and in fact, many other people figure more prominently in Miranda's life at different points in the novel, making the title of the book a bit of a misnomer.
I enjoyed the time period of this book and the scattering of Emily's poetry throughout. Additionally, I was moved by the author's story - she worked on this novel for several years but died before it could be published. An enjoyable read despite Emily Dickinson's less than enjoyable personality as a character.
February 21, 2012
(This review first appeared on Williamsburg Regional Library's Blogging for a Good Book. http://bfgb.wordpress.com/2007/10/11/...)
I’ve always been a fan of Emily Dickinson, so when I read an early review of Afternoons with Emily, a fictional work featuring the intriguing poet, my interest was piqued. I devoured the novel during a weekend vacation at the beach, and, even though Emily is ultimately characterized as flawed (aren’t we all?), I was not disappointed in what I read. (Sadly, there will be no more novels by the accomplished Rose MacMurray. She passed away shortly after completing this book’s manuscript.)
Although Emily is a prominent figure in the storyline, she’s not the main character. That honor falls to the fictional Miranda Chase, a young woman growing up in intellectual society. At a young age, Miranda befriends Emily, whose character serves as both a complement and a counterpoint during Miranda’s development. MacMurray obviously did her research; it shows in her detailed portrayal of the enigmatic Emily Dickinson, and her faithful rendition of nineteenth century society (although the character of Miranda is slightly more liberated than one might expect.). The writing is lyrical and enchanting, but admittedly there is one notable fly in the ointment: MacMurray (or her editors) chose to let Emily emphasize certain words by speaking them in capital letters. This quickly becomes an ANNOYING feature of the book. One WONDERS why they simply couldn’t have used italics. This minor annoyance is a small price to pay, though, considering the overall quality of the text. A book like Afternoons with Emily, with its poignant writing style and well-developed characters, is something to be savored.
I’ve always been a fan of Emily Dickinson, so when I read an early review of Afternoons with Emily, a fictional work featuring the intriguing poet, my interest was piqued. I devoured the novel during a weekend vacation at the beach, and, even though Emily is ultimately characterized as flawed (aren’t we all?), I was not disappointed in what I read. (Sadly, there will be no more novels by the accomplished Rose MacMurray. She passed away shortly after completing this book’s manuscript.)
Although Emily is a prominent figure in the storyline, she’s not the main character. That honor falls to the fictional Miranda Chase, a young woman growing up in intellectual society. At a young age, Miranda befriends Emily, whose character serves as both a complement and a counterpoint during Miranda’s development. MacMurray obviously did her research; it shows in her detailed portrayal of the enigmatic Emily Dickinson, and her faithful rendition of nineteenth century society (although the character of Miranda is slightly more liberated than one might expect.). The writing is lyrical and enchanting, but admittedly there is one notable fly in the ointment: MacMurray (or her editors) chose to let Emily emphasize certain words by speaking them in capital letters. This quickly becomes an ANNOYING feature of the book. One WONDERS why they simply couldn’t have used italics. This minor annoyance is a small price to pay, though, considering the overall quality of the text. A book like Afternoons with Emily, with its poignant writing style and well-developed characters, is something to be savored.
September 11, 2009
This novel is a charming fictional story of Miranda Chase, who was one of the few people invited to meet with the recluse poet, Emily Dickinson. While I wavered between 3 and 4 stars, I ultimately chose 4 stars because of the unique overall story, the exceptional word choice of Rose MacMurray, and the fact that I do love Emily Dickinson.
I must admit I love the idea of this novel: someone, outside the family, who is intimate and knowledgeable about the reclusive Miss Dickinson. And this novel protrays her exquisitely- alternately kind and cruel, overdramatic and genius, arrogant and humble, possessive and generous.
I also adored the language throughout the book: either Rose MacMurray has a natural gift for narration or the editor did an immaculate job. Each word was dropped into place with fine precision, yet so naturally that the flow throughout the novel was smooth and fluid.
However, and it pains me to write that word however, there were a few irritating flaws within this novel. Oftentimes, the sub-plots became a little cliched and overly predictable. And there were points in the story when the emotion was a little too forced or overdone. Fortunately, these flaws did not diminish my overall enjoyment of the book.
I recommend this novel to anyone who is interested in Emily Dickinson (whether you understand her poems or not) or the Civil War era.
I must admit I love the idea of this novel: someone, outside the family, who is intimate and knowledgeable about the reclusive Miss Dickinson. And this novel protrays her exquisitely- alternately kind and cruel, overdramatic and genius, arrogant and humble, possessive and generous.
I also adored the language throughout the book: either Rose MacMurray has a natural gift for narration or the editor did an immaculate job. Each word was dropped into place with fine precision, yet so naturally that the flow throughout the novel was smooth and fluid.
However, and it pains me to write that word however, there were a few irritating flaws within this novel. Oftentimes, the sub-plots became a little cliched and overly predictable. And there were points in the story when the emotion was a little too forced or overdone. Fortunately, these flaws did not diminish my overall enjoyment of the book.
I recommend this novel to anyone who is interested in Emily Dickinson (whether you understand her poems or not) or the Civil War era.
February 27, 2008
This book is wonderful. It made me think about birth control in a different way - as a means to keeping women alive when it's unhealthy for them to have more children. It isn't really about birth control; it's the story of Miranda Chase - Emily Dickinson doesn't come into play until about 100 pages into the book - and how she represented the changing sentiments of a changing nation during the mid to latter half of the nineteenth century. aAlittle over 400 pages in there is a love affair that could've used fewer details - I know lots of people would call it tasteful but I'm easily embarrassed - as it didn't happen again though I'd still recommend the book as the writing is full of beautiful imagery.
May 27, 2008
I must admit, I don't know a lot about Emily Dickenson, and can't say I'm a huge fan of her poetry, but I loved this story, which Emily is woven into throughout the life of her younger friend, Miranda. I felt I gained a greater appreciation and understanding of Emily's work through this novel.
This is a detailed historical novel of life for women coming of age in a puritanical environment - how they can express their intelligence and creative worth, and how the outside world can overwhelm and diminish a sensitive - if she allows it to.
Sadly, this is Rose MacMurray's only novel - I would have loved to see what she did next.
This is a detailed historical novel of life for women coming of age in a puritanical environment - how they can express their intelligence and creative worth, and how the outside world can overwhelm and diminish a sensitive - if she allows it to.
Sadly, this is Rose MacMurray's only novel - I would have loved to see what she did next.
January 24, 2014
This was a well-written book that's a little hard to classify. It might be historical fiction, except I'm not sure it makes any claims to be based on any known historical events. The story concerns a young girl who visits regularly with Emily Dickenson over many years well into adulthood. There are plenty of excerpts from Emily's writings, and the basic relationship turns on her extreme reclusiveness, which is well-known. However, the real story is that of the young girl and is told in the first person from her point of view. There are elements in her life that might be historical, or might just be the novel's story.
I did enjoy the book and at times it becomes quite riveting.
I did enjoy the book and at times it becomes quite riveting.
March 17, 2011
A wonderful novel linking the reclusive poet Emily Dickenson with the fictional Miranda Chase. Well written and researched and presented many of Emily's poems throughout the story. I have always enjoyed her poetry but now I would like to know more. Also, interweaved in the story of Miranda is love, loss (Civil War), women's rights, and educational reform. Miranda was passionate about teaching to the individual student and making learning appealing, something we say but don't often follow through. This is a challenging and powerful novel on many levels.
April 24, 2012
Wonderfully written, candid book encompassing the world of Emily Dickinson. So glad the author's family published it postmortem.
Book is from the perspective of a woman who, from the time she was a child, was befriended by Emily Dickinson, already a recluse. The books tells more about the life of the child and how Emily was just an extension of that life.
From the perspective of the storyteller, we see much loss, Civil War, and the changes from a neglected, ailing child to a thriving girl on the brink of womanhood. A great story and one I am saving to read again.
Book is from the perspective of a woman who, from the time she was a child, was befriended by Emily Dickinson, already a recluse. The books tells more about the life of the child and how Emily was just an extension of that life.
From the perspective of the storyteller, we see much loss, Civil War, and the changes from a neglected, ailing child to a thriving girl on the brink of womanhood. A great story and one I am saving to read again.
December 13, 2007
I enjoyed the author's take on what being Emily Dickinson's friend would have really been like. The author(who loved and researched Emily Dickinson nearly all her life) wasn't afraid to view her critically or shrewdly and she also gives us a fascinating main character, Miranda Chase.
Since it's taken me most of my poetry-loving life to appreciate Ms. Dickinson I enjoyed reading about her in a fictional story.
Since it's taken me most of my poetry-loving life to appreciate Ms. Dickinson I enjoyed reading about her in a fictional story.
December 26, 2011
It has been a long time since a story held me spellbound. Miranda Chase's life story set against the backdrop of afternoon visits with Emily Dickinson, captivated me. The language and style stretched and delighted me. Warning: there is one part that describes an illicit affair, I skipped over this part. But it wasn't in depth in detail.
I am sorry that this is the only novel written by this author, she is truly gifted.
I am sorry that this is the only novel written by this author, she is truly gifted.
May 2, 2016
It starts off slow and is not fast moving but building the characters. About a friendship with the reclusive, weird Emily Dickinson. A restful read if you want to escape the terrors of the news. Has some interesting food for thought. I would recommend this book for people who love historical novels. More about the friend and her pre and post Civil War experiences. Her passions for change and advancement for women's education.
April 13, 2008
This is a leisurely piece of historical fiction that will particularly appeal to readers interested in Emily Dickinson or life in 19th-century New England. It was sweet and quaint, almost like a grown-up version of the Little House books. I enjoyed it a lot, but it is definitely not a fast-paced read.
July 9, 2009
I honestly loved this book. It was so beautiful and thought out- you felt like you knew Emily. The only thing that bugged me is the way the story shifted at the end. It was like someone else wrote it. Which they probably did, because the author died before it was published. Other than that, this book was fantastic.
June 17, 2009
Ah, I loved the opening...
"Today is an Emily afternoon: the distilled essence of a New England spring." p. 3
I lost interest, however, about midway through the novel when the author spent more pages than necessary on plot involving characters other than Emily Dickenson. Reading a biography would probably have been more worthwhile.
"Today is an Emily afternoon: the distilled essence of a New England spring." p. 3
I lost interest, however, about midway through the novel when the author spent more pages than necessary on plot involving characters other than Emily Dickenson. Reading a biography would probably have been more worthwhile.
August 26, 2009
This was wonderful coming of age story. It's about a girl named Miranda Chase who as a young girl, became friends with Emily Dickinson. It is about their relationship, how it evolved and how changed as Miranda grew. It also has quite a lot of Emily Dickinson poetry throughout the book. I loved it.
February 16, 2010
I could not put this book down! I found it at the $$ store and After reading this I would have gladly paid the full price. The author of this book passed away in '97 and her children saw to the production of this publication. I am sad to say that there will be no more from her, it was a fantastic read!
August 21, 2012
A novel based on historical fact, the story quickly draws you in. You are very involved with the main character as she comes of age against the backdrop of the Civil War. This is another book that was the author's first and last novel. She died before it was published. Read it. I think you will enjoy it.
August 28, 2016
This is a wonderful novel about a girl/woman called Miranda. It encompasses a very important time in American history and chronicles life around New England in the 19th c. Emily Dickinson has a bit part in this, she comes across as spiteful, volatile, domineering and selfish. I find this hard to believe. This novel would have been 5 stars if the Emily character has been deleted.
February 6, 2008
wonderful novel, read it in two sittings, which is not that common these days. real characters, and i'm so glad emily wasn't a main character, like i anticipated. not flowery or too romantic either, which i appreciate.
October 29, 2007
This was a great book. It was an easy read. The author brought the reader into the book and it came alive. You really feel like you get to know who Emily Dickinson was and how she lived her life.
January 25, 2008
Enjoyable read, a little over the top in believability and annoying to me that everyone in the book seems to understand Emily's poetry after just skimming it. I had to read each poem several times, even within the context of the book. But that's just how poetry and I get along I guess.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews