Bronte's Mistress by Finola Austin

 Story of the alleged affair, between the married Lydia Robinson and Branwell Bronte, her son’s tutor, illuminates “portrait of a courageous, sharp-witted woman who fights to emerge with her dignity intact.” It may not be a woman you’d sympathize with, but it gives voice to a woman who is voiceless and suffocating. She is a complex human character full of passion and worth of attention.

Yorkshire, 1843. Lydia has lost her youngest daughter and mother within the same year. She is dealing with grief, rebelling teenage daughters, scrutinizing mother-in-love, and impassive husband. She craves enjoyment, her husband’s love, his touch, instead she receives coldness.

Miss Anne Bronte is governess to her daughters and now Mr. Branwell Bronte joins the household to be her son’s tutor.

With the appearance of Mr. Bronte, the temperature in the room rises. Once again, she starts feeling the music that she plays and sings. She yearns for something more.

She’s been feeling lonely, without any aspirations, especially when she hears so much about Bronte sisters and their talents. But now, “the youthful fire” ignites inside her.

The use of library by Lydia and Branwell becomes frequent. They share their love for poetry, music, and theater.

She also notices situations in which her husband “would have lectured,” but Mr. Bronte listens and reacts with sympathy. She craves attention, which she can’t get from her husband.

The author paints a vivid portrait of a woman who craves excitement in her life and affection of her husband. Instead, she feels lonely in her marriage, thus making her suffocate. She puts an effort to stay connected with her husband, but receives unresponsiveness in return. She feels unfulfilled in her life and searches to fill that gap. She struggles “between expectation and the wish for more.”

The affair doesn’t consume the whole story. She is a strong woman and there is more to her than this. She is also a mother, who at times struggles with this role. But she is human and tries her best, which is honest best.

I’m in awe with the writing. The combination of developing characters, describing the surroundings, moving the story forward and making it very interesting is superb. This is the style of writing I enjoy very much. Subtle descriptions (not overdone) bringing depth and beauty. “(Instead), there are rolling hills and hidden waterfalls. Miles without fences and only the occasional rock to sit on…”

Release date: 4 August 2020

Source: Atria Books