A Chainless Soul: A Life of Emily Brontë by katherine frank

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Intriguing.

Not sure I buy all the interpretations of personality or events.

The idea of trying to understand and categorize personalities and events in a specific way is indeed fascinating. However, it's important to approach these interpretations with a certain degree of skepticism.

There are often multiple ways to look at a person's character or the circumstances surrounding an event. What one person may see as a sign of a particular trait, another might view differently.

Moreover, our own biases and preconceived notions can influence how we interpret things.

So while the interpretations presented may offer some interesting insights, it's crucial to consider them in the context of the larger picture and not simply accept them at face value.

We should strive to maintain an open mind and be willing to question and explore different perspectives to gain a more comprehensive understanding.

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DesolatePsyche

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Insightful though it may be, I have yet to read any other biography on the Bronte's to make a proper judgment.

Frank's writing style has its pros and cons. In some places, it can get a little tedious, perhaps due to an overabundance of details or a lack of variation in the narrative.

On the other hand, in other areas, it can seem rather vague, leaving the reader with unanswered questions or a sense of incompleteness.

However, it's important to note that every author has their own unique approach, and what may not work for one reader might be just what another is looking for.

Despite its flaws, this biography still offers some valuable insights into the lives and works of the Bronte sisters.

It may not be the definitive account, but it does contribute to the ongoing discussion and understanding of this fascinating literary family.

Perhaps with further reading and comparison, a more comprehensive and accurate assessment can be made.

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aznhuynh1250

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Having found myself on a "Bronte-kick", I delved into Katherine Frank's portrayal of Emily Bronte's life. In contrast to Edward Chitham's rather academic approach, this book was far more accessible and comprehensive. Mr. Chitham's account seemed overly focused on dissecting every line of Emily's poems, searching for clues but lacking the confidence to assert a definitive belief about the various aspects of her life.

Thanks to Ms. Frank, Emily becomes more approachable. Interestingly, the author doesn't hold back her own evaluations and ventures into exploring the potential psychological state of Emily Bronte. For instance, she posits that Emily was anorexic. Katherine Frank takes it a step further by incorporating all the Brontes in the narrative of Emily's life. Omitting them would mean leaving out crucial pieces of valuable information, considering Emily was the most enigmatic and private member of her family. By reading more about Charlotte, I gained a newfound appreciation for her and reproached myself for my previous judgments.

Among the two biographies I've read, this one is the easier to digest and it bravely depicts the life of a brilliant woman who was a spiritual enigma...a force of nature who was both misunderstood and as elusive as the passionate characters she brought to life. FINISHED: 10-1-11

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Systole

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I have delved deep into the short, yet poignant and creative life of Emily Bronte. At first, the book might seem to start slowly, as it appears to be a biography encompassing all the Brontes. However, this initial approach provides a valuable literary historical backstory and context that enables the reader to progress smoothly.

As the narrative unfolds, Katherine Frank begins to focus intently on Emily. We learn about her unusual eccentricities, such as her refusal to eat or speak when unhappy. Her love for controlling the Haworth household, her deep affection for the moors, animals, and her literary creations, as well as her generally anti-social attitude towards humanity, are all explored.

The author of the now classic "Wuthering Heights", Frank also delves into Emily's lesser-known poems, known as the "Night Poems", as she was a devotee of the moon and stars. Fame, marriage, and money held little significance for her. Here is a stanza from one of her most famous "Night Poems":

"Riches I hold in light esteem
And love I laugh to scorn
And lust of Fame was but a dream
That vanished in the morn."

This is the life of a highly talented and troubled writer who truly knew herself and what she desired. Alongside her sisters, they crafted fantasy worlds to inspire their literary works and often felt more at ease in these fictional realms. Sadly, Emily passed away far too young, but her literary legacy will endure.

This is a thorough and well-written biography that both Bronte fans and lovers of literature will surely relish.

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TRLS18

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

A solid and truly interesting biography indeed. The author has a rather fun and unique turn of phrase that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. What I found absolutely incredible was the astonishing number of details from the Brontes' books that were actually drawn directly from their own lives. It's as if their real-life experiences served as the rich tapestry upon which they wove their fictional masterpieces.

One can't help but be amazed at how closely intertwined their personal stories were with the literary works they created. It makes the reading experience all the more captivating, as we get to peek behind the curtain and see the real people and events that inspired those beloved novels. This biography not only provides a fascinating account of the Brontes' lives but also offers a deeper understanding and appreciation of their literary contributions.

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0hht0

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Excellent book! I'm truly amazed that all that detailed information could be packed into just 272 pages. As a big fan of Emily, I had some uncertainties about what to anticipate. Katherine Frank offers her novel insights into Emily, presenting her as a victim of anorexia nervosa and social isolation. Frank contends that these factors contributed to Emily's ability to pen stories with a vivid and wild imagination. However, I'm not entirely in agreement with this perspective. I firmly believe that the loss of her brother was a shattering experience for Emily, which likely led to her losing interest in her diet. Additionally, I think her Christian faith played a role, as periods of "fasting" were common in the church. From what I've read in this book, it确实 seems that when things didn't unfold as she hoped, she chose to "fast," which in turn caused physical weakness and enabled her to return home. This complex portrayal of Emily has definitely given me much to think about.

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justinchoi2002

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

This biography vividly brings the Bronte family to life, making the events seem as if they happened just recently.

It truly depresses me to witness how extremely restricted their existence was. In that era, their opportunities and freedoms were severely limited.

However, it also enthralls me to closely observe how they ingeniously compensated for these restrictions. They utilized the rich imagination from the Gondal and Angria books and poems.

This vivid imagination served as the wellspring from which they created the works that they are so widely remembered for today. Their ability to turn limitations into a source of inspiration is truly remarkable and a testament to their extraordinary creative genius.

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Kashema1

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

So inspiring, yet again...

This simple phrase holds a world of meaning. It implies that something has occurred that has once more filled us with a sense of inspiration. It could be a speech, a piece of art, a kind act, or any number of things that have the power to move us and make us believe that we can achieve great things.

Inspiration is a powerful force. It can give us the motivation to pursue our dreams, to overcome obstacles, and to make a positive difference in the world. When we are inspired, we feel as if anything is possible, and we are willing to take risks and step out of our comfort zones.

The beauty of inspiration is that it can come from anywhere and at any time. It might be a small moment of kindness from a stranger, or a grand gesture from a leader. It could be a song that touches our hearts, or a book that changes our perspective. No matter where it comes from, inspiration has the power to transform our lives and make us better people.

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