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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Excellent. Another user's review initially made me worried that the book would overly focus on food issues and eating disorders. (Regarding their relevance to the Bronte's, I was rather skeptical.) However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this was not the case at all. This is truly a solid and comprehensive biography. In fact, I really only had one minor criticism. It's more of a personal interest that wasn't fully satisfied. Since the author dedicated a significant portion of the book to discussing the Brussels episode, I was hoping that she would explore the possible connections suggested by Daphne Du Maurier in "The Infernal World of Branwell Bronte" between Martha Taylor and Cathrine Earnshaw. It was briefly mentioned, but there was no in-depth examination of the cryptic letter written by Mary Taylor to Charlotte, which hinted at a more scandalous conclusion to Martha's tragically short life. The author's insights on this matter would have been fascinating. Nevertheless, it's still an excellent book, on a par with Stevie Davies' wonderful biography. My search for the best Emily Bronte book continues! Next up is Winifred Gerin's. Although this book is definitely a strong contender.

Literary Efforts/Poetry/Wuthering Heights
****

Mysticism/psychoanalysis/sexuality
****

The Early Years/Juvenilia and Gondal years
****

Abroad in Brussels
****

Home life/domesticity
****

20/25

Emily Bronte is my absolute favorite author, and I have a deep affection for all the Brontes.

"A Chainless Soul" served as my secret gateway into the world of the Brontes, with a particular focus on the especially mysterious Emily. I adored every single word, every precious second spent reading this book. I have relished it numerous times over. It is truly a classic and will always remain my most cherished reference to the Brontes throughout all time.

Thank you, Katherine Frank, for your exquisitely beautiful writing. Your words made me feel as if I was actually there, in the midst of their lives. I now feel so intimately acquainted with all the Brontes, thanks to your lovely and engaging story.

It is through works like yours that the legacy of the Brontes continues to live on and touch the hearts of countless readers like myself. I look forward to exploring more of your writing and delving further into the captivating world you have created.

I always experience a certain degree of voyeuristic guilt when reading biographies, especially those of private individuals. Any woman whose final words were "If you will send for a doctor, I will see him now." clearly knew what she desired from life, and what Emily Bronte wanted was to be left alone.

In the Biographical Notice of Ellis And Acton Bell, Charlotte remarks that "My sister Emily was not a person of demonstrative character, nor one, on whose mind and feelings, even those nearest and dearest to her could, with impunity, intrude unlicensed." Mrs Gaskell described Emily as'reserved', clarifying that she differentiated between reserve and shyness 'because I imagine shyness would please if it knew how, whereas reserve is indifferent whether it pleases or not.' Moreover, in one of her letters, Charlotte requests her publishers not to refer to Emily by any other name than her pen name, Ellis Bell.

So why am I reading this book? Not with any realistic expectation of setting aside the 'interpreter' that Charlotte insisted should always stand between Emily and the world - that interpreter is likely now indelible. And any hope that I would gain a better understanding of a woman with a similar personality to mine (in the sense of the woman in the Punch cartoon commenting of her husband that "He has the same personality as Spike Milligan, but without the sense of humor") dealing with the 'world without'. This book cannot accomplish those things - although it appropriates Emily's own invocation of a 'chainless soul', it posits several dozen chains, including some that even the boldest previous researchers had not suggested before (I very seriously doubt that Emily was anorexic, and the evidence presented to support the claim is at best tenuous.) Furthermore, I don't understand why'modern researchers' have determined that Emily was not mystical - the traits they describe sure seem mystical to me.

I wish I could locate the book that provided some genuine insight into Emily, based on her own writings. It would be helpful if I could recall which one that was. Until I do, I suppose I'll have to make do with this, although I resist and argue with every page.

This non-fiction biography is an absolute gem. It reads like a captivating novel, pulling you in from the very first page and keeping you hooked until the very end.

The author has done an outstanding job of presenting the life and times of the subject in a way that is both engaging and informative. The details are vivid, the storytelling is masterful, and the overall effect is truly fascinating.

Whether you're a history buff, a lover of biographies, or simply looking for a great read, this book is sure to satisfy. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the person behind the story and the events that shaped their life.

So, if you're looking for a book that will transport you to another time and place, and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the power of storytelling, look no further than this non-fiction biography. It's a great read that you won't soon forget.