The Brontës by Juliet Barker

I’ve never done more than one post about a single book (except read-alongs), but I’ll open an exception for this one. It’s not just because it’s probably the biggest book I’ve ever picked up, but I’m half-way through it and it’s fascinating enough to make me want to put some thoughts down. This is compulsory reading for anyone with an interest in the Brontës and don’t be intimidated by its size: it’s one of those books that just floooows.

Juliet Barker’s approach is that a reliable biography of each Brontë cannot be done in isolation, since their lives were too connected and they constantly inspired each other’s works. She’s also in the business of myth-busting.

It was especially enlightening to read this after Elizabeth Gaskell’s The Life of Charlotte Brontë. While Gaskell’s clear agenda was to give a sympathetic view of Charlotte and ease the shock the family’s books generated at the time, she did it by making certain sacrifices. Patrick and Branwell for instance, were not portrayed in the best of lights and it was clear Gaskell bent the truth to carry this argument.

The Life is responsible for many Brontë legends, namely “poor Charlotte” (the martyr daughter and saintly sister) and Emily as the romantic and wild free spirit. With The Brontës, Barker set out to defy these and other dogmas by diligently re-visiting all direct and indirect sources and re-accessing every established assumption.

My perception of Charlotte in particular changed from the “picture of perfection” image I had of her. I was spellbound by her struggle between her duty towards her family (a job she didn’t like and was bad) and the ever-present temptation of her imaginary worlds.

The Brontës & Axel the Cat, our temporary guest.
Photo by Andre

I discussed this book with other Brontë fans and some thought Barker was sometimes too set on thoroughness at the expensed of compelling story telling (the opposite of Mrs. Gaskell?). I didn’t feel that way, even though I admit to a few skims here and there. Baker’s very keen on describing several juvenilia characters and after a while it became too difficult to keep up with who killed, (de)crowned or married whom. Certain parts on the religious and political activism that took so much of Patrick’s time could also have used a little trimming, but the fact remains these were central events in the family’s lives.

Other myths Barker busted included the image of Haworth as an isolate, stagnated village, Branwell being an alcoholic from a very early age and Patrick as a severe and distant father. And we’re only talking about the first half of the book!

Op Woeste Hoogte: Vincent Bijlo is Patrick Brontë

For the Flemish and Dutch speaking readers of this blog:

Vincent Bijlo and Mariska Reijmerink, who joined us in Brussels  at the Annual BBG Weekend in April last year, and the musicians The Rossettis, will be singing and playing ‘Op woeste hoogte’, the story of the Brontës, in March and April of this year. Mariska put music to and sings the poetry of the Brontës and Vincent will tell their story as their father Patrick. (no mistakes: Vincent won’t be a comedian this time)

This is their playinglist, retrieved  from their website www. therossettis.com

Speellijst Vincent Bijlo & The Rossettis: ” Op woeste hoogte”
18 februari: Cultureel Platform in Epe (try-out)
27 februari: Torenlaantheater in Zeist (try-out)
4 maart: De Doelen in Rotterdam
5 maart: Stadstheater De Bond in Oldenzaal
9 maart: Stadsschouwburg in Sittard-Geleen
10 maart: Theater Hof 88 in Almelo
17 maart: Parktheater in Alphen aan de Rijn
19 maart: Theater Het Park in Hoorn
20 maart: Theater de Wegwijzer in Nieuw-St Joosland
8 april: Theater Het Voorhuys in Emmeloord
15 april: Ideatheater in Soest
29 april: De Purmaryn in Purmerend

Marcia Zaaijer