Customer Reviews

Taste of Sorrow

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Some time ago, I read "The King's Touch" by Jude Morgan (about James, Duke of Monmouth) and loved it, so I'm surprised it took me so long to read Morgan's latest novel, "The Taste of Sorrow."

"The Taste of Sorrow" tells a familiar story, that of the Bronte sisters' childhood, rise to fame, and premature deaths, but Morgan manages to make this oft-told story seem fresh. He doesn't do this by telling his story through an unusual perspective or by adding sensational elements; rather, he accomplishes his task through exquisite writing, a dry wit, and rich characterizations. Though all of the Bronte siblings emerge with distinct personalities, I especially liked the character of Anne, who's given the honor of uttering one of the funniest lines of the book following a particularly spectacular spree by the sisters' wastrel brother, Branwell. Morgan also does a fine job with Patrick Bronte and with the Hegers.

I would have liked it if the novel had devoted a little more time to Charlotte's life after the deaths of her siblings, instead of a single chapter, but that's not so much a criticism as just a wish that this book could have gone on a little longer. As one who enjoys author's notes, I wish Morgan had added one, or at least indicated which sources he found most useful, though it's clear that he's researched the lives of the Brontes and their circle thoroughly.

Familiarity with the Brontes' novels will add to one's enjoyment of Morgan's novel, but it's not a prerequisite, so don't let a lack of such familiarity keep you from reading "The Taste of Sorrow." It's one of the best historical novels I've read, this year or any other year.

In this wonderful novel, Jude Morgan writes about the lives of Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontė. Charlotte, Emily and Anne are no strangers to sorrow: the book opens with the death of their mother and during the course of it they experienced the loss of two sisters, their aunt and then their brother.

`That is the taste of sorrow: the hard necessary pebble in your mouth.'

As small children, the sisters and their brother Branwell, are able to escape into their imaginations and create fictional worlds of intricate detail. As they grow older, Charlotte, Emily and Anne's involvement in the world impacts on them in very different ways. Emily wishes largely to withdraw from the world outside her imagination; Anne is stifled by her experiences as a governess; and Charlotte longs for independence and love.

The characters as depicted by Mr Morgan are in alignment with what we know of their lives. More importantly, to me, the characters are largely consistent with how I would imagine them to be. As a biographical historical fiction, this novel works for me. The depiction of their lives and times, the events which were influences and the people who (probably) provided inspiration for at least some of the characters in their novels: it all makes for a compelling novel.

I think that this novel will be best enjoyed by those who have read all (or some) of the novels written by the sisters. But a reader does not have to know the works of the Brontės in order to read and appreciate this novel: it stands alone.

The tragically short but incredibly creative lives of the Brontė sisters: `Ah, but who will remember us?' Once read, who can forget them?

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

Wow! What a fantastic book this is. True the subject matter is enduringly fascinating, but this brings the stories to life in a totally gripping and encompassing way. It's a sumptuous Brontė-fest.

The Brontės' first biographer was, of course, a novelist, and in the wake of Mrs Gaskell - who confessed, as a writer of fiction, to finding it hard to stick to the facts - their story has been adapted, ad infinitum, for stage and screen as well as in books. The Taste of Sorrow is a very welcome addition to that genre and, unlike Mrs Gaskell, Jude Morgan comfortably takes the route of fiction, albeit using vast amounts of what is known to be historical fact. The result is to really bring this remarkable family to life - and indeed to death as early death was a feature both of the times and their upbringing. The novel starts off with the death of their mother, including a suggestion that may raise some hackles that she may have made a pact with the devil for her daughters' future.

The rich style of writing may not be to all modern tastes, but I loved it. I was instantly taken back 150 years - staggering to think that it really was not that long ago - to Haworth and the newly industrialising villages, together with the restrictions on the opportunities for young girls and the horrors of their limited education.

I came to this book with a fair degree of familiarity with the story - but absolutely none is needed. Indeed, you don't even need to know the novels of the Brontės to enjoy this book, although some knowledge undoubtedly helps you to pick up on some of Morgan's themes which were to re-appear in the girls' books (for example, there are several references to madness and attics in Charlotte's musings - which feature heavily in Jane Eyre, Emily stumbles on a dead bird that will feature in Wuthering Hieghts etc). Picking up on these will undoubtedly deepen your enjoyment, but it's absolutely not necessary - this story stands on its own perfectly well.

And don't expect too much to soon about the actual writing of the books - which was eventful in itself given that they felt the need to write under assumed (male) names. Their tentative steps into publishing don't feature until quite late on in the book.

Each sister is clearly defined - as is the relationship between each of them and their brother Branwell. Emily has always been my favourite - but then Wuthering Heights is one of my favourite books! - and this book did nothing to trample on that image. Neither does Morgan take liberties or trample on the facts - as often happens in some historical fiction - but rather he enlivens the facts and brings the story alive.

Great stuff.

This book is simply a masterpiece.

Please note that it is an adult book and has some raw and honest scenes and descriptions that are maybe not appropriate for young ages. On top of that, I would say that this book is more literature than fiction. It is written in a sometimes complicated structure and a deep, mature voice. Personally, I just loved it.

The plot doesn't need much introduction. This is the story of the Bronte sisters, Emily, Anne and Charlotte, of their brother, their father and of their family life. Detailed references are made to their childhood and to the events that shaped them as persons and as writers. Also, we are told about their journey until their first books were published and their lives until then as well as afterwards.

It is a captivating book.
This is no mere telling of facts and anecdotes. There is a search for their souls, their motivations and their personalities. The reader goes along on a story that is more fascinating than Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights, because it is the story of those who created them. After I finished it, I felt that I knew the three authors intimately, that I had drunk tea with them, that I had watched them as they wrote the first drafts of their childish books. (oh yes, they started writing as children!!)

And the strange thing is, it doesn't live a taste of sorrow in your mouth, rather the deliciousness of a life well-lived, of joys and of tragedy, of creativity and of pain, and ultimately, of respect for these girls who changed the world with their pens.

I want to read this book again, and I am sure that I will discover new things every time I read it.
This is a masterpiece.

Rating: 5/5

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