"Who can live on love alone?"
Who are the authors you automatically gravitate towards? I have several favorite writers, ones I consistently delve into primarily due to my familiarity with their writing style. There's a sense of comfort that accompanies this familiarity, making them a reliable choice for my reading. And then there's Emma Donoghue. Ever since I devoured her 2010 novel Room in a single sitting, I've been a devoted reader of her work. However, I can't claim that any of her subsequent books have resembled that groundbreaking novel. In fact, I return to Donoghue's writing precisely because I can never anticipate what to expect. None of her novels share similarities. Despite the certainty that her next book will be entirely distinct from the last, I am confident that her talent for creating vivid settings, engaging plots, and well-developed characters will consistently captivate me. Her latest work, Learned by Heart, adheres to this tradition.
This time, Donoghue embarks on a literary journey to craft a fictionalized narrative centered around the historical figure Anne Lister. Lister is celebrated for her groundbreaking marriage in 1824, which positioned her as one of the earliest openly lesbian women to enter into matrimony. Beyond her sexual orientation, Lister is celebrated as a prominent diarist, and it's these well-documented writings that Donoghue extensively researched to construct the foundation of her novel. Before her widely known marriage, Lister spent her formative years as a student at a boarding school for young girls in York. It is within this educational institution that Donoghue's novel takes its starting point.
Eliza Raine, born to a prominent Englishman and his Indian lover, finds herself on the periphery at Miss Hargrave's Manor school. Her mixed heritage and orphaned heiress status set her apart from the other girls, making her an outsider in a place where being different is not encouraged. The school's primary mission is to mold its students into proper women of the era, often stifling any hint of creativity or individuality they possess. Eliza appears to have resigned herself to this fate, believing she must conform.
Destiny, however, has other plans in store. Enter Miss Lister, a force of nature who disrupts the established order. Unlike the other girls, she refuses to conform and insists on being called by her last name, akin to how a man would be addressed. She willingly shares the cramped attic room with Eliza, avoiding the company of the other girls. Lister stands as a stark contrast to Eliza, taking pride in her intelligence and her rebellious nature, fearlessly challenging the status quo. Over time, Eliza will be gently drawn out of her shell, forging an unbreakable bond with Lister in the process.
Learned by Heart may be Emma Donoghue's most deeply personal novel to date. In her author's note, she reveals that nearly three decades of research have gone into this work, acknowledging how her fascination with Anne Lister played a pivotal role in launching her professional career. This deep reverence for her characters resonates vividly within her prose. Typical of Donoghue's writing, she skillfully transports readers back in time and space, this time ensconcing them within the cozy confines of an attic bedroom. It's in these scenes of self-discovery within confinement that the narrative truly comes alive. The exploration of forbidden thoughts, transgressing both school rules and societal norms, injects a palpable tension into the storyline. This tension, juxtaposed with the more familiar elements of coming-of-age storytelling, weaves a captivating narrative.
I'll briefly note that outside of these gripping moments, there are instances where the plot seems to lose its momentum. Donoghue's meticulous research is evident, but the monotony of school lessons and games doesn't significantly propel the story forward. Readers may find themselves eagerly awaiting a return to the central love story. Nevertheless, Learned by Heart captivates with its poignant blend of historical fact and exquisitely crafted fiction. It is a brilliant testament to why Emma Donoghue remains one of my all-time favorite authors. I extend my heartfelt thanks to her publisher for providing me with a copy of this remarkable book.
For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2023, 55)
I do love exploring the path less traveled in historical fiction and this lesbian love story in an older time told with the personalities really explored does sound attention grabbing.
ReplyDeleteIn general, having a favorite author who will go a vastly different direction each time would be fun to anticipate the new releases.
Great review, Ethan!
She always keeps me coming back. I can honestly say she's one of the few authors who's work I read religiously.
DeleteNice review. I have not heard of this book or author.
ReplyDeleteShe really has some fantastic work out there. I highly recommend!
DeleteWhat a great review! I haven't read anything by this author before, but I'll have to look into her books. :)
ReplyDeleteShe's well worth exploring. Each book is so unique that I'm certain she has something for all readers!
DeleteThis is an author that I have wanted to read for a very long time and haven't for one reason or another. This sounds like it would be worth picking up.
ReplyDeleteI think you'd really enjoy her writing. Room is a knockout read!
DeleteDespite the meandering storyline, this sounds good, Wonderful review!
ReplyDeleteThis won't be my favorite by her, but still well worth giving a read!
DeleteI haven't loved her work as much as I thought I would but I can appreciate that this story is powerful and emotional -- and a thorough review :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't connected with each of her books in the same way, with this one being one of the more challenging to grapple with.
DeleteThree decades of research? That's impressive. Speaks to the kind of writer she is, and to the kind of person Anne Lister must have been. You've definitely got me curious about this book. :D
ReplyDeleteApparently Lister was kind of a passion project for her, so she's been researching on and off over the years, just waiting for the perfect moment to write this book.
DeleteI've never heard of this author but she does sound like she crafts an engaging story. Glad to hear you enjoyed it, Ethan!
ReplyDeleteI love her versatility as an author. She's truly written something for everyone!
Delete3 decades of research is a lot to invest into one book!
ReplyDeleteRight? She's obviously been writing many other things over that time, so it was 30 years of only researching this. It has certainly been a passion project for her, though.
DeleteI find it interesting when authors fill in the gaps of real stories with fiction, and it sounds like Donoghue has a gift for it.
ReplyDeleteShe does it pretty seamlessly!
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