Little Anne Bronte

I've been reading "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" and really enjoying it! While it isn't as dramatic as "Jane Eyre" or "Wuthering Heights," it makes up for that by being a realistic story of an abusive husband and the lengths his wife goes to escape from him. Helen is a bit of a goody-goody, but still likable. You can empathize with her fears for her son. Her husband is a philandering, alcoholic, controlling man who can be charming if he wants to be. But most of the time he can't be bothered to control any of his behavior. He also has a sadistic streak a mile wide where Helen is concerned.

Why has Anne Bronte been so overlooked? I guess it's because her sisters' books are so emotional and dramatic. Also, the subject matter of "The Tenant" is scandalous for the time it was written. I also plan to read "Agnes Gray." I think Anne was the most practical and down-to-earth of the Brontes. She worked as a governess to supplement the family's income even though she didn't enjoy the work much more than Charlotte or Emily did.

Bright Star

I'm finally watching "Bright Star" but only in fits and starts on my iPhone, so it could take awhile. The costumes are beautiful! I'm also reading the book ( I finally got my act together and returned the copy with no pages 1-36). Taken together, they help put a human face on a historical character.

You may also notice on my shelf "The Brontes Went To Woolworth's" -- another Bronte related book. It is whimsical and wacky, with more in common with "I Capture the Castle" perhaps than "Jane Eyre." The Brontes do make an appearance at a table turning in Yorkshire. Spooky!

More Reading, Less Knitting

Taking a break from 19th century British books, I've been reading "The Anglo Files," a hilarious, but unflattering picture of the British. I guess I'm also taking a break from my obsession with Canada to indulge my obsession with England.

On the other hand, I have *finally* reached the final ruffle part of the Citron shawl. It should only take another month to finish (I hope not).

Bronte-a-thon

It's supposed to be a Bronte-along, but since I was planning on reading some of their works anyway, and there is such a wealth of "fan fiction" available, it's gotten a little out of hand.

So far, I have read:

• Emily's Ghost
• The Secret Adventures of Charlotte Bronte
• The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte (I guess she had a lot of secrets...)
• Jane Eyre (the graphic novelization)

I am currently reading "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall." I have also started watching "Wuthering Heights" (the Masterpiece Classic version that was on a couple of weeks ago). It differs slightly from the book and I'm finding it difficult to follow.

Reading

Been reading more than knitting or other crafting...mostly some "young readers" books, but they've been very enjoyable. If I could only finish those three books lingering at the top of my Shelfari reading list...

1. Recently finished: Oracles of Delphi Keep - this started slow but now I can't wait for the next installment. Can two orphans and their friends in England keep World War II from destroying the world?
2. Recently finished: McCarthy's Bar - fun read about an Englishman trying to find his inner Irishman. Lots of humor, some a bit mean-spirited.
3. Zipped through: The Lost Art of Gratitude - I love Alexander McCall Smith. His books always have good insight into human nature and are a pleasure to read.
4. Zipped through: The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey - Another great series for young readers...this was the second installment.
5. Zipped through: Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat - so cute! Loved it! The bad guys get their just desserts and the rodents save the day. This is also the start of a series.