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

“Heartbreaking. Fascinating. Unbearably poignant.” The Daily Mail

"Finely researched, insightful and pacy, a treat for Brontë aficionado and new readers alike.” Emma Conally-Barklem, author of Hymns from the Sisters

“In beautifully lucid prose, Graham Watson adroitly introduces us to a writer we may have told ourselves we already knew.” Sara O’Leary, author of The Little Books of the Little Brontës

“Engaging and revealing, this meticulously researched book deepens our understanding of the Brontës, offering both intellectual and humanising perspectives.” Elisabeth Basford, author of Princess Mary

‘Relates this fascinating story with both a straightforward simplicity and immaculately researched detail, building a poignant picture… a wonderful read.” E. J. Barnes, author of Mr Keynes’ Dance

“Absorbing, meticulously researched. The most gripping Brontë page-turner since Mrs Gaskell’s. A triumph." Sharon Wright, author of The Mother of the Brontes

“Magnificent. Can’t recommend this highly enough, it’s a fabulous read.” Lesley McDowell, author of Clairmont

“Exceptional. The writing is superb and so evocative. An absolutely wonderful book. I’d recommend it to anyone, whether a Brontës fan or not.” Carol Ann Lee, author of Roses from the Earth: The Biography of Anne Frank

"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

"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