'The Taste of Sorrow.'

'The Taste of Sorrow' by Jude Morgan.

As you may guess from the cover this novel follows the lives of the Bronte sisters. It begins in their childhood days and consequently the whole family is involved in the story. The author has taken the milestones of their lives and encompassed these into the novel. We are transported to Brussels with Charlotte , to London publishers with Charlotte and Anne . The passionate personality of Emily is seen in her sometimes abrupt and forthright remarks and Bramwell, poor deluded Bramwell is shown in his painful demise.
The story does begin at their mother's deathbed and the effect this naturally had on young children, five girls and one boy. Patrick, their father must decide on some sort of education for his family and so boarding school seems the appropriate answer but this brings it's tale of woe and so other means are explored. as the children grow their imaginations appear to be one step ahead of them and so imaginary worlds are both acted out and written about. And so their love of writing is borne and flourishes... but not all the family will live to see their rewards.

As you can see from the quote on the side bar I am a Bronte fan. This book brought the characters to life ,transporting me into their lives, their home. I could so easily see myself in the kitchen stroking Keeper's head, sitting beside Charlotte as she brings out her writing desk, watching Emily storm out of the house in a temper. And Anne, sweet, gentle Anne who sits so quietly in the corner.

An emotional, even spiritual book. I could include many quotes but this , seen on the last page sums up the book well for me ----

'Charlotte lets the sea take her thoughts. It is everything she hoped it might be, her sea --- and more. Most unexpected, and beautiful: yes, there they are, listen: she cocks her head and above the shriek of the wind and the thunder of the surf she can hear them, at last, the lost voices coming through.'

I can't recommend this book enough, it will stay with me for a long time. In my opinion Charlotte, Emily and Anne were, are and will always be TRULY WONDERFUL!