The Invention of Charlotte Brontë

A New Life

Graham Watson

A profoundly moving, ground-breaking biography that challenges the established narrative to reveal the Brontë family as they’ve never been seen before.

Charlotte Brontë had a life as seemingly dramatic as her heroine Jane Eyre. Turning her back on her tragic past, Charlotte reinvented herself as an acclaimed author, a mysterious celebrity, and a passionate lover. Doing so meant burning many bridges, but her sudden death left her friends and admirers with more questions than answers.

Tasked with telling the truth about Brontë’s life, her friend, the novelist Elizabeth Gaskell, uncovered secrets of illicit love, family discord, and professional rivalries more incredible than any fiction. The result, a tell-all biography, was so scandalous it was banned and rewritten twice in six months—but not before it had given birth to the legend of the Brontës.

The Invention of Charlotte Brontë presents a different, darker take on one of the most famous women writers of the nineteenth century, showing Charlotte to be a strong but flawed individual. Through evaluating key events as well as introducing new archival material into the story, this lively biography challenges the established narrative to reveal the Brontë family as they’ve never been seen before.

Graham Watson is a specialist in the Brontës and Elizabeth Gaskell, and he is currently researching Victorian literary identities at the University of Glasgow. He has published a number of papers in Brontë Studies and has recently joined the journal’s peer-review board. This is his first book. Graham lives in Glasgow.

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Endorsements & Reviews

Early praise for The Invention of Charlotte Brontë

“Fascinating.” The Daily Mail

"This absorbing, meticulously researched investigation of a pivotal episode in literary history is a triumph. It illuminates the people involved in deft and nuanced ways, providing original and lucid insights into both Charlotte Brontë and her bravest champion. Watson has written the most gripping Brontë page-turner since Mrs Gaskell’s The Life.” Sharon Wright, author of The Mother of the Brontes

"Meticulously researched, erudite, and utterly engaging, The Invention of Charlotte Brontë is a compulsive read, deftly illustrating the slippery nature of any ‘true’ narrative... Watson’s book is both a labour of love and a magnificent addition to the canon of Brontë literature.” Karen Powell, author of Nero-shortlisted Fifteen Wild Decembers

"Does much to rehabilitate Charlotte’s often vilified husband Arthur Nicholls and relates the dramatic background to the sensational biography which made the Brontës the most famous literary family in the world. Closely researched and compulsively readable, it is a worthy addition to the field of Brontë studies.” Liz Hodgkinson, The Lady

"One great strength is Watson’s attentiveness throughout to the psychological complexities of Charlotte’s burgeoning intimacy with Gaskell. Gaskell problematically resolves to champion her but instantly betrays her confidence. It would be tempting to cast Charlotte Brontë as a victim, but Watson is also careful to point out that Charlotte herself seems to have indulged in self-mythologizing. Watson offers up a measured, highly elastic, and refreshing interpretation of their dynamic, one which absolves neither of creative fabrication but also allows both agency in the gradual construction of Charlotte Brontë’s legacy. Watson’s narrative succeeds in conveying a sense of the great, unalleviated grief as well as burning female anger.” Dr. Lydia Craig, Bronte Studies

What bookstagrammers are saying:

"Hooked me from the start. A perfect read." @historian_ellis

"Brilliantly written. That this is a debut is astounding. Insightful, well-researched and flows from the page." - @vickipope1971

"Admirable. Careful and painstaking. Thoroughly riveting." @redroomreflections

"Gripping. A fascinating and eye-opening narrative as readable as a novel." - @katrina_m_robinson

"Moving. Eloquent and meticulous. Compelling. Not just a biography; it’s a celebration of creativity, perseverance, and the indomitable spirit of a woman who defied the odds to leave an indelible mark on literature." @annathebooksiread

"Moving. A poignant and thought-provoking account." - @History_is_so_last_century

"Incredibly well put together. I felt like I was part of conversations between these women and their friends and families." @Chelsboooks

"Watson plays myth buster leaving no stone unturned to uncover the truth about one of the most iconic authors of all time. A masterful and thorough investigation. Invigorating and convincing." - @gothicbookworm

"Wonderfully engaging and I’m in awe. A must!" @pawswithprose