Charlotte to Ellen

The book I bought  yesterday was this one. It is the author's attempt, as she said, to allow the Brontës to tell their own story . . . through their letters. Juliet Barker wrote what has become really the definitive biography of the Brontës back in 1994. It is a huge, scholarly, but very readable, volume where the context in which the family lived is as important as the actual facts of their lives.

This new book of hers is different, as it is simply all their letters in order linked by short pieces of narrative to hold them together. The book is 'alive with voices' says one reviewer.
 
It did make me think, especially as I have today been once again sorting old and not so old photos, how different things are now when it comes to people's life stories. Charlotte was born 200 years ago. There are no photos of her and just a few fragments of paintings, but there are hundreds of letters, by her and to her. Today we have the total opposite situation - lots and lots of photos, but very few letters. Which tells the best story?
 
Cumbrian Blipmeet
   
As everyone seems to be having blipmeets, after the suggestion by Blip Central, we are planning a Cumbrian Blipmeet. The date we are thinking of is Sunday 20th March and the place that has been suggested is Caldbeck - a good café and plenty of walking and photographic opportunities. Anyone who is able to get there is very welcome. Specific details later.