The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte

By: Syrie James

Narrated by: Bianca Amato

Length: 16 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

From Syrie James, the best-selling author of The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, comes a novel that captures the passionate heart and restless soul of Charlotte Brontë—the author who gave the world Jane Eyre while longing for a soulmate.

©2009 Syrie James (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

“James makes sense of the events of Charlotte’s life, tells a story that captures the language and feel of the times, and keeps the novel moving at a fast pace … a captivating and entertaining read.” ( Feathered Quill Book Reviews)

Beautiful !

Beautiful story. It made me want to read all of Charlotte Bronte's works. The reader really brought the story to life!

Sad to be done.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I felt so close to Charlotte and her sisters.

Any additional comments?

The story brings new insight to the Bronte sisters. An amazing book.

loved this book. didn't want it to end!!

I absolutely loved this book and the way it was written. Stayed up late to listen and sometimes if I woke up in the middle of the night this book came to mind.

Like a New Masterpiece by Charlotte Bronte

Jane Eyre is my all-time favorite novel, and I always wondered why Charlotte Bronte's other works were not as good. After reading this fictional novel, I understand why, and I forgive Charlotte.

This fictional memoir feels authentic, using the words Charlotte Bronte would use and expressing thoughts and feelings that she would have had. By illustrating historical people and events, Syrie James shows where Charlotte found her characters and inspiration to write. Charlotte writes Jane Eyre at a time when she believes love and marriage are forever out of reach for her. Charlotte lives like stoical Jane Eyre as a young woman and like the stormy Mr. Rochester in her late twenties. The novel Jane Eyre comes from duelling aspects of Charlotte's personality. James shows that Charlotte's life after publishing Jane Eyre was a life well lived instead of another novel well-written, which is what it should be.
I have read other Syrie James novels. This is is her masterpiece.

Other reviews didn't lie

What a fascinating insight on the Bronte family! As others have said, it caught and held my interest from start to finish. What a tragic family history, out of which came beautiful and classic literature which will be appreciated forever (I hope).

Couldn’t stop listening

This book transported me back 170 years ago to the life and emotions of the Brontes. I couldn’t stop listening. I felt like a mouse in the corner of their home. I loved the Brontes before but I love them even more now. The reader was amazing as well. She brought Charlotte alive so beautifully.

What a fascinating story!

I love historical fiction and this one fits right into my top ten list of good historical fiction reads.

The author, Syria James, did such a great job of bringing us into Charlotte’s world that anyone who has read Bronte’s books will definitely want to read this. I especially enjoyed learning about all of her sisters and, of course, the love story.

Very entertaining and I definitely recommend it. I also enjoyed the excellent narration by Bianca Amato.

Delightful

A perfect read for any fan of Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights. I didn't want it to end!

For the love of Jane

I enjoyed listening and learned much about the Bronte family. Those who like Genealogy and historical fiction/nonfiction will enjoy!

Twice a year

This is my absolute favorite book and an audio narration!!! A lovely, sad, witty, and engaging heart full story of the challenging life of one of the most famous writers, it captivates the reader from the opening sentence and holds firm until the last word. I highly recommend this marvelous book that I listened to twice a year, and have just finished for the fifth (!) time. Normally, I never re-read books.