3.5 ⭐️

I must say that out of this compilation, I definitely preferred Anne's poems. There was something truly special about them. The way she expressed her emotions and thoughts was captivating. Her words seemed to flow effortlessly, painting vivid pictures in my mind. Each poem had its own unique charm and essence. Some were filled with joy and hope, while others delved into deeper, more complex emotions. I found myself getting lost in her poetry, experiencing a range of feelings along with her. Anne's talent as a poet was evident, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.

Lol, this text is rhythmically beautiful but completely out of my realm of comprehension. It's really very challenging.

I find myself struggling to make sense of it. The words seem to dance on the page in a way that eludes my understanding.

I'm not sure if it's because of the unique style or the complex ideas it might convey.

But despite the challenge, I'm also intrigued.

There's something about its beauty that makes me want to keep trying to figure it out.

Maybe with more time and effort, I'll be able to break through this barrier and truly understand what it's all about.

For now, though, it remains a mystery that both frustrates and fascinates me.

For as short as it is, this book is seriously heartfelt.

It is a collection of 47 poems penned by the Brontë sisters. My favorites from each sister were “On the Death of Emily Jane Brontë” by Charlotte, “Hope” by Jane Brontë, and “Reminiscence” by Anne Brontë.

During last September, I set the goal to read all that the Brontë sisters had ever written (specifically novels, mind you, I’m not entirely crazy). A book like this was truly wonderful for getting to know each of them a bit more individually.

If there was one thing I wished had been added, it would have been poems from some of their novels as well. There was only one poem from Wuthering Heights. The book collection stated that there are poems in Jane Eyre, but simply decided not to include them. I have a feeling that I would have felt an even deeper connection to them if those poems were included.

I would highly recommend this to people who desire to get to know these remarkable sisters better and also if you’re in search of a small yet engaging thing to read. I love you so very much, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne!

While I have long been a fan of the Bronte sisters, this was truly my first foray into reading a significant amount of their poetry.

I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by this collection. It offered a whole new dimension to their literary prowess that I had not previously explored.

The poems were rich in emotion, vivid imagery, and unique perspectives. Each one seemed to tell a story or convey a profound thought.

I found myself completely engrossed in the words, losing track of time as I delved deeper into their poetic world.

It was truly a delight to discover something new to read by these talented sisters. It has only further deepened my appreciation for their work and has left me eager to explore more of their literary treasures.

I would highly recommend this collection to anyone who is a fan of the Bronte sisters or simply has a love for beautiful and meaningful poetry.

Knowing the history of the Brontës truly made reading their poems a rather depressing experience for me. The sense of hopelessness and loneliness that pervaded their works felt all too real. It was as if I could step into their world and feel the weight of their emotions. Of course, there is no denying that their poetry was interesting and well-crafted. The Brontës had a remarkable talent for using words to create vivid images and evoke strong feelings. However, more often than not, the subject matter they chose to explore was melancholy. It delved into themes of lost love, unfulfilled dreams, and the harsh realities of life. While this made for powerful and thought-provoking poetry, it also left me with a sense of sadness and heaviness in my heart.

The Brontë Sisters are widely acclaimed for their remarkable novels. However, I recently discovered that they were also accomplished poets. As I was reading their poems, I found myself in a rather melancholy state, perhaps due to the rain outside (hah!). The lines they penned truly touched my soul. It's difficult to single out a favorite among them because they were all such great poets, adept at capturing their emotions on paper.

One common theme that emerges in their poems is the sadness of parting. This is not surprising considering that the Brontë sisters had to endure many early and unexpected deaths in their lives. Charlotte, in fact, wrote two poems as a way to bid farewell to Emily and Anne, who preceded her in death. These heartbreaking poems are a testament to the deep love and support the sisters had for one another.

Charlotte Brontë's "The Teacher's Monologue" provides a vivid description of the experiences of a governess, most likely drawing from her own life. I can envision her writing this in an empty room, accompanied only by the sound of silence. "Parting" is another gem of a poem that offers comfort when one is about to part with a loved one. The lines "There’s no use in weeping, Though we are condemned to part: There’s no such thing as keeping A remembrance in one’s heart" are a powerful reminder from someone who had endured the loss of many dear ones.

Like Charlotte, Anne and Emily also explored themes of death and separation in their poems. Reading their works, one can't help but think about the gloom that pervaded their lives. Nevertheless, these talented women showed remarkable strength in the face of adversity. And although Charlotte wrote the final note "These lines written, the desk was closed, the pen laid aside – forever," we know that their talents will be remembered and cherished for all time.

This collection is truly a gem that caters not only to the die-hard fans of the Bronte Sisters and enthusiasts of classic rhyming poetry but also to those readers who have an insatiable craving for the kind of heartbreaking gothic angst that only the Brontes could deliver. I, for one, had never before been introduced to these poems. And I must confess that I didn't devour this collection all at once. Instead, I chose to take my time, spending a little while each day with these beautiful works.

As I delved into these poems, I was immediately struck by their beauty and the palpable torment that they exuded, which is so characteristic of the Bronte style. I have always found that Bronte books are best enjoyed on those rainy or snowy days, with a warm cup of coffee by my side. Their ability to create an atmosphere that is both captivating and immersive is truly remarkable.

Full disclosure: Jane Eyre has always been one of my all-time favorite novels. I find myself rereading it every year, simply because of the swoon-worthy Mr. Rochester. However, Wuthering Heights has always made me cringe a little, so I like to think that I'm not completely biased.

I would highly recommend giving the Bronte sisters a try. If you have a passion for Gothic British literature, then their works are an absolute must-read. And if you're already a fan of their novels, then these poems are waiting to be discovered and cherished.

Once again, I would like to express my gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this wonderful collection.

Wist mij niet zo te raken als de romans.

Although the poems of Charlotte and Anne about the death of their sister(s) truly convey an intense sadness.

It is a beautiful conclusion to my Bronte marathon.

Up next: Jane Austen?

I have been deeply immersed in the world of the Bronte sisters' works. Their novels are filled with complex characters and passionate stories that have touched my heart.

However, it is their poems that have truly surprised me.

Their words about loss and grief are so powerful and moving that they bring tears to my eyes.

As I finish this Bronte marathon, I feel a sense of accomplishment and a longing for more.

And so, I wonder if Jane Austen will be my next literary adventure.

Her works are known for their wit and charm, and I can't wait to see what she has in store for me.

Dark and mostly about death.

This is the overall impression one gets when delving into the works. But if you take the time to read the forward or have a good understanding of the Bronte's life story, you will realize that they were no strangers to death. Their experiences with loss and tragedy had a profound impact on their writing.

However, as I was reading the poems, I truly felt their grief. It was as if their pain was palpable, leaping off the pages and into my heart. There was an almost eerie prediction in their words, a sense that they knew their lives would be cut short.

Their early deaths were a great loss to the literary world, but their works continue to touch the hearts and minds of readers today. Through their poetry, we can catch a glimpse of their inner turmoil and understand the complex emotions that drove them.

One of the groups I am a part of was engaged in sharing poetry. There was a particular poem that had a very autumnal feel to it and it has been constantly on my mind, but unfortunately, I can neither locate it nor remember enough details to search for it on Google. The poet, as I recall, was a woman, and for some reason, I suspected it might be one of the Brontë sisters. So, I decided to check it out from the library.

It soon became evident that none of the Brontë sisters' works had the same poetic voice as the forgotten poem. The poetry of each sister indeed corresponded with their respective prose styles. I must admit that I have a great love for "Jane Eyre" while I despise "Wuthering Heights". I have not yet read "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" by Anne, but I will surely add it to my reading list because I found Anne's poetry to be the most enjoyable among the sisters. However, none of the poems in the book would make it onto my personal list of favorites.

Nonetheless, my search for that elusive autumnal poem continues, and I remain hopeful that I will one day come across it and be able to fully appreciate its beauty and charm.

I have to say that, although Emily is regarded by critics as the superior poet among the three Brontes, I discovered that Anne's works are even more touching in comparison. When reflecting on their stylistic decisions, Emily utilizes more exaggerated language and dramatic gestures, while Anne employs gentler words and images as the means of expressing her emotions. Her poems, therefore, encompass a great deal while still maintaining an airy and light quality. It is similar to walking alone in a vast field of wildflowers, where one can experience a sense of tranquility and beauty. Each of Anne's poems seems to tell a story, drawing the reader in and making them feel as if they are a part of her world. Despite her relatively short life, Anne was able to create a body of work that is both powerful and moving.

This work is rather melodramatic, lacking in both subtlety and depth.

It fails to engage the reader on a profound emotional or intellectual level.

However, when viewed from a historical or biographical perspective, it does hold some interest.

It provides insights into the time period and the life of the author, which can be valuable for those studying history or literature.

Nevertheless, as poetry, it falls short.

It lacks the finesse and artistry that one expects from a great poem.

The language is often simplistic and the imagery is not particularly vivid.

Overall, while it may have some redeeming qualities from a historical/biographical standpoint, it cannot be considered a great work of poetry.