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)

A TRUE GEM

Would you consider the audio edition of The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte to be better than the print version?

The story is so wonderful and so well written that I would think that the print version would be an excellent option. However, Bianca Amato does an amazing job in bringing the characters the life.

What did you like best about this story?

The fact that it was a true story about an amazing person and her family. I usually do not like true stories and I bought this book several months ago and had put off listening to it - what a mistake that was. The story of Charlotte Bronte and her sisters whom she loved so much has touched my heart.

Which scene was your favorite?

This is a hard question. As I run through the various scenes in my mind, there are so many that I will probably never forget. I enjoyed Charlotte and Mr. Nicholas first walk together and the discussion of exactly what he said at the dinner table that made her hate him for so long.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I stayed up until 2 in the morning listening to the book when I got to the part where her brother and sisters die within such a short amount of time with one another and I sobbed. It was so sad that these young, talented people died so young.

There were several places in the book where I smiled to myself and even laughed, but I think the most extreme would have to be the death of her family.

Any additional comments?

AMAZING! FANTASTIC! WONDERFUL! Touching! Sweet! I loved this story and I know that I will listen to it again.

Loved the Last Half of the Book

I heard great things about this book, so I had high expectations for it. The first half of the book dragged on. But the last half was superb! I loved learning about the Bronte family through the eyes of Charlotte. I also enjoyed watching Charlotte's character develop--even through her fame. But I do have difficulty reconciling her love for her husband with the way she felt about him for 3/4 of the book. It's a great story, but I'd almost recommend starting it near the middle.

Well done.

It has been a treat to learn more about one of my favorite authors. The narration was exceptional! She interpreted multiple characters faithfully.

It was fantastic

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The reader did a wonderful job. Never once in the 24 chapters did I find her voice irritating. She has a soothing, even tone & also did well imitating the Irish accent (if the character happened to have one) that I could tell. My heart was stirred many times from this story and because of the narration. If you have loved, or even liked British literature, this story will transport you & make you feel as though you're reading a classic. I am going to buy the actual book now, but I enjoyed hearing it this way very very much. You will too.

Great story, narrator's voice tedious.

Syrie James voice is pleasant. So many readers have such harsh tones that 24 hours can be difficult. Odd dramatic use of male voice. Think always Alexander Scourby as the ideal. we know a man's voice is deeper. Don't try to act. Such is the consistent mistake of audible.

Bittersweet but Worth It

Sometimes this read a bit like a Jane Austen novel, which was strange, because that really wasn't the Bronte style. But it was so interesting to see the whole family story and the publication story, and the love story, all in one place. I'm glad I listened.

Also, the narrator is one of my favorite narrators, which is how I found this book! Its worth it!

Great story for all fans of the Brontes

Spoilers ahead:
Although this is labeled as historical fiction there are many details in the story that are close to the biographical information about the Brontes, especially the central character, Charlotte. The love story is sweet yet sad due to Charlotte's early death after they find each other. The whole family is tragic in that they died so young. And their poor father - to outlive his wife and all 6 of his children! If a person wants a view of English history in the mid 1800s then this book will take you straight to life in a small village in the moors of England. In a time when life in a cottage consists of daily hard work with the prominence of the lack of adequate medical care; this book takes you into the world of 4 artistic geniuses.

The secret diaries of Charlotte bronte

What a wonderful book, it's always so interesting to read about the life of the author that wrote one of the most celebrated books of the last 250 years.

Absolutely Wonderful!!!!

I adore the written works of the Brontë family and the screen plays developed from them. I’ve never read Ms. James before. Applauses all around. I loved this book! The strawberry on top is the narration of Ms. Amato. Bianca, as I affectionately call her, is the reason why I listened instead of read. She’s my absolute favorite narrator. I look forward to reading more of Ms. James’ work.
Sherri - Philly

Great biography, great performance

The author brilliantly has followed the style of the writing of the period. Very imaginatively, and likely truly, expressed the inner thinkings and feelings of the subject. A great biography with the excitement of a romantic novel, comparable to the book Jane Eyre.

The reader is masterful with different English accents, French accent, and Irish accents. Has performed as the drunken brother, aging father, consumptive sister, and the old English servant.