The World Within: A Novel of Emily Brontë

Emily Brontë loves her quiet life on the moor, even if sewing hour with Aunt is absolutely despicable. When Papa’s sudden sickness is brought upon the Brontë family, it seems that Emily’s life will never be the same. Her older siblings, Charlotte and Branwell, are growing up and no longer seem interested in Emily and the youngest Anne. Charlotte leaves for school and returns changed – with newfangled ideas and notions. It doesn’t help when Charlotte invites her friends over and Emily, who hates visitors, cannot help spiting religious Ellen and rebellious Mary. It seems that no one cares for Emily anymore, and her temper is flaring with the horrible mistreatment.

Eagland does an excellent job of developing Emily’s character – the reader feels for her emotions even when they are irrational. It is very interesting to read the book and then research the real Emily Brontë, as many of the events recounted in the book actually happened. Readers of Wuthering Heights or of the other Brontë’s works will likely find it interesting to read Eagland’s take on the mysterious Brontë sisters.