Publisher's Synopsis
Welcome to the enchanting world of 19th Century eloquence, wit and societal expectations - a world which Charlotte Bronte could easily have written herself. A wonderfully charismatic mix of historical fact and fiction this book will have you captured from the very outset. A troubled Charlotte requests a meeting with William Smith Willams, her publisher, somewhat out of the blue. She has a dilemma - a dilemma which would ring true of many women of her age and status in 19th Century England. She is considering marrying her father's curate, Mr Nicholls, and is seeking advice before making her decision. She embarks on an intriguing and insightful journey into the complicated world of relationships and marriage (without any idealised or romantic notions). She sees first-hand the facades and disappointments, and the challenges and frustrations that marriage can bring. Williams' friends and contacts are icons of 19th Century literature - Keats, Byron, Lewes, Eliot, and Carlyle - and each one has their own fascinating, humorous and heart-breaking take on marriage and monogamy."
