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The Secret of Charlotte Bronte: Followed by Some Reminiscences of the Real, Monsieur and Madame Heger
Excerpt from The Secret of Charlotte Brontë: Followed by Some Reminiscences of the Real, Monsieur and Madame Heger
About the Publisher
Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com
This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.
About the Publisher
Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com
This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.
- GenresNonfiction
294 pages, Hardcover
First published September 10, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 18, 2025
This memoir was written in the early 20th century, not too long after Charlotte Bronte’s letters to Monsieur Heger were brought to light.
The author was a pupil at the same school in Brussels, about 20 years after Charlotte lived there, and so she knew Monsieur and Madame Heger personally. This puts the author in the rare position of being able to hold a mirror up to Villette and tell us what parts about the school were true, what parts were true-ish, and what parts were pure imagination.
Overall, it seems that Charlotte mostly nailed the character of Monsieur Heger, in her creation of “Paul Emanuel,” with his irate moods and larger than life classroom presence.
The real-life Madame of the school, however, is presented with a considerably softer touch than Madame Beck gets in Villette.
I was pleased to see the respect that Charlotte was treated with in this book, because the publication of her private letters to Heger could have tarnished her legacy in some minds… and yet her feelings about the man had a lot of complicated background, and also she asked for nothing from him.
Context is everything.
The author was a pupil at the same school in Brussels, about 20 years after Charlotte lived there, and so she knew Monsieur and Madame Heger personally. This puts the author in the rare position of being able to hold a mirror up to Villette and tell us what parts about the school were true, what parts were true-ish, and what parts were pure imagination.
Overall, it seems that Charlotte mostly nailed the character of Monsieur Heger, in her creation of “Paul Emanuel,” with his irate moods and larger than life classroom presence.
The real-life Madame of the school, however, is presented with a considerably softer touch than Madame Beck gets in Villette.
I was pleased to see the respect that Charlotte was treated with in this book, because the publication of her private letters to Heger could have tarnished her legacy in some minds… and yet her feelings about the man had a lot of complicated background, and also she asked for nothing from him.
Context is everything.
March 31, 2012
Just finished this in one sitting and if you are a lover of Charlotte Bronte and specifically 'Villette' you will love this! It's so interesting to read something from someone who experienced time in the same school that gave Charlotte her inspiration. I am so intrigued by the 'alleged' unrequited love between Charlotte and M. Heger. This book contains Charlotte's incredibly touching letters to M. Heger and it honestly gave me a whole different perspective for Charlotte. I've always been so enamored with Jane Eyre and am currently 3/4ths of the way through reading 'Villette' and am loving the character of Lucy Snowe. I've been on a 'Bronte Binge' and have been devouring any and all things Bronte. 'Wuthering Heights' has been my favorite book my whole life but I just recently started reading the work of the other sisters, convinced that nothing could top the story of Heathcliff and Catherine. I was urged by a my 'book buddy' to read Jane Eyre and have been in love with Charlotte's writing every since and Jane's story ever since. Not to begrudge the work of Anne and 'The Tenant of Wildfell Hall' and 'Agnes Grey' which I also absolutely love. Upon digging online I stumbled upon this book by Frederika Macdonald and desperately wanted to learn more about the real Professor Emanuel and I belive Mr. Rochester. My hope is that in my lifetime they make a film of the story of the Bronte family that actually does them justice for creating stories that have stood the test of time and stayed current for over 160 years.
January 4, 2025
A 1914 first edition and is I find an educational read.
Having not read “ villette “ it does refer a lot to this novel,the author attended the same school in Brussels as CB some 50 years later and gives her opinion of the Hager’s in part 2, which differ very much from CBs, finding M.Hager stern and forthright but overall a good teacher, of madam Hager she find her kind but aloof.
Part 1 reveals that CB was clearly in love with M.Hager but it was not returned.
I found the writing to be very hit and Miss, interesting but with a lot of referencing to the past at one minute then jumping forward in the next.
One particular aspect I struggled with was the use of French/Dutch writing, unavoidable but frustrating.
As a “ BRONTE “ lover I always enjoy reading anything new about them and will always come out of the novel with the satisfaction of learnt something. This I did .
Would I read it again…. No, but will forever stay in my mind.
Would I recommend it…. Yes but be patient.
A 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 rating.
Having not read “ villette “ it does refer a lot to this novel,the author attended the same school in Brussels as CB some 50 years later and gives her opinion of the Hager’s in part 2, which differ very much from CBs, finding M.Hager stern and forthright but overall a good teacher, of madam Hager she find her kind but aloof.
Part 1 reveals that CB was clearly in love with M.Hager but it was not returned.
I found the writing to be very hit and Miss, interesting but with a lot of referencing to the past at one minute then jumping forward in the next.
One particular aspect I struggled with was the use of French/Dutch writing, unavoidable but frustrating.
As a “ BRONTE “ lover I always enjoy reading anything new about them and will always come out of the novel with the satisfaction of learnt something. This I did .
Would I read it again…. No, but will forever stay in my mind.
Would I recommend it…. Yes but be patient.
A 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 rating.
October 14, 2016
A very interesting read, which sheds lights on the unrequited love affair between Charlotte Bronte and M. Heger in Bruxelles and its role in shaping her great novel "Villette". I find this book particularly interesting because the writer herself was a student at the same pensionat and knew both M. & Mme Heger, moreover, she provides some reminisces from her contact and interaction with Them. I loved this touching passage from Charlotte 's letter to M. Heger:
"Monsieur, the poor do not need much to keep them alive; they ask only for the crumbs that fall from the rich man's table, but if these crumbs are refused them, then they die of hunger! For me too, I make no claim either to great affection from those I love; I should hardly know how to understand an exclusive and perfect friendship, I have so little experience of it! But once upon a time, at Bruxelles, when I was your pupil, you did show me a little interest: and just this small amount of interest you gave me then, I hold to and I care for and prize, as I hold to and care for life itself....."
"Monsieur, the poor do not need much to keep them alive; they ask only for the crumbs that fall from the rich man's table, but if these crumbs are refused them, then they die of hunger! For me too, I make no claim either to great affection from those I love; I should hardly know how to understand an exclusive and perfect friendship, I have so little experience of it! But once upon a time, at Bruxelles, when I was your pupil, you did show me a little interest: and just this small amount of interest you gave me then, I hold to and I care for and prize, as I hold to and care for life itself....."
December 18, 2012
This book presented another side of Charlotte Bronte's Belgian teachers. Macdonald gave the H's a human face and not an "idealized" one that is found in the story "Villette."
Macdonald's book should be read at the same time one is reading "Villette" so that the reader can gain a whole perspective to the events that inspired the story.
"Villette" is one of the best stories written by Charlotte Bronte and this biography helps to give it a deeper meaning.
Macdonald's book should be read at the same time one is reading "Villette" so that the reader can gain a whole perspective to the events that inspired the story.
"Villette" is one of the best stories written by Charlotte Bronte and this biography helps to give it a deeper meaning.
February 7, 2012
This book, available on the web, provides insight into the personal life of Charlotte Bronte. It is especially helpful for those who want to understand her novel Villette. Some of Charlotte's letters to M. Heger, which came to light shortly before the book was written, are quoted and interpreted. The book includes pictures of the school in Brussels where Charlotte taught.
owned-and-waiting-to-be-read
October 18, 2012The ebook is available for free on Gutenberg here.
Want to Read
November 10, 2012Free download available at Gutenberg Project
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews