Based entirely on rarely seen private letters, "The Invention of Charlotte Brontë: A New Life" by Graham Watson sheds new light on the dramatic events of Brontë’s turbulent last years of grief, fulfillment, and tragedy—and exposes the astonishing media scandal that followed her early death, when her friends and family battled to control how history would remember her. Join us as Graham discusses Charlotte's life, writing, and death as well as his own research and writing of this book!

About the book:

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.

Through evaluating key events as well as introducing new archival material into the story, 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..

Note: This virtual event requires two quick registration steps.

1. Register with Cotuit Library using the form below.

2. After registering, you'll receive a confirmation email with a link to complete your registration on the event host’s platform (required to access your unique link for the live stream program).

This program is hosted in collaboration with Ashland, Chelmsford, Groton, and Tewksbury Libraries. 

You can place a hold on Graham's books HERE.

RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.