The Secret Life of Emily Dickinson: A Novel

Jerome Charyn

Feb 2011 · W. W. Norton & Company

About this ebook

"In this brilliant and hilarious jailbreak of a novel, Charyn channels the genius poet and her great leaps of the imagination." —Donna Seaman, Booklist (starred review) Jerome Charyn, "one of the most important writers in American literature" (Michael Chabon), continues his exploration of American history through fiction with The Secret Life of Emily Dickinson, hailed by prize-winning literary historian Brenda Wineapple as a "breathtaking high-wire act of ventriloquism." Channeling the devilish rhythms and ghosts of a seemingly buried literary past, Charyn removes the mysterious veils that have long enshrouded Dickinson, revealing her passions, inner turmoil, and powerful sexuality. The novel, daringly written in first person, begins in the snow. It's 1848, and Emily is a student at Mount Holyoke, with its mournful headmistress and strict, strict rules. Inspired by her letters and poetry, Charyn goes on to capture the occasionally comic, always fevered, ultimately tragic story of her life-from defiant Holyoke seminarian to dying recluse.

Ratings and reviews

I loved THE SECRET LIFE OF EMILY DICKINSON from its first page. I was immediately pulled into Emily Dickinson's world, and there I could see, think and feel as she did. For someone like me - who always loved her poetry - it was a heady experience. I read this novel twice through, once at breakneck speed, holding my breath as each chapter opened a new window into Dickinson's heart. The second time I kept a more leisurely pace, with a collection of her poetry close at hand. As I read, I grew up and old with Dickinson. I understood what drove her to write, but so rarely share, her poems. Before reading this book, I never would have believed it was possible to identify with Emily Dickinson so powerfully. It was an unexpected gift, like opening a time capsule. Even putting to one side Dickinson's poetry, the book makes a really good read. It's great story, beautifully written, with astonishing plot twists and turns. THE SECRET LIFE OF EMILY DICKINSON is also sensual and romantic, with a cast of characters who stays with you. But the story always brings you back to Dickinson's words. If you love poetry, if you love Emily Dickinson, if you love passionate women's novels or romantic historical fiction, you must read THE SECRET LIFE OF EMILY DICKINSON.

About the author

“One of the most important writers in American literature” (Michael Chabon), Jerome Charyn is the award-winning author of more than fifty works, including The Secret Life of Emily Dickinson. A renowned scholar of twentieth-century Hollywood, he lives in Manhattan.