Which Brontë Sister are you?

[@AuburnAfterglow]

I've read all of the Bronte novels and definitely recommend Villette!!! Masterpiece to me, love it so very much. Also, Tenant of Wildfell Hall :)

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks! Noted!

[@Pottymoon]

I recommend ‘Emily Brontë’ by Katherine Frank. ‘Literary genius, defiant recluse, tormented spirit, Emily Brontë led a life far more remarkable than any of her characters. ...Katherine Frank’s contention that Emily Brontë, like her passionate heroine Catherine Earnshaw in Wuthering Heights was anorexic....’

[@melissahouse1296]

I wholeheartedly agree. Just over half way through Villette & my mind has been completely blown. The M word... couldn't be more justified. : )

[@nahyanameen7155]

The Tennant of Wildfell Hall is my favourite~I think it has been misinterpreted. It is a wonderful Romantic comedy full of life

[@souvikbiswas2741]

I wish I could also have your Tshirt. I am gawking at it. Thank you for the video Eric.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks! Unfortunately I have no idea where it was from since it's a gift. I think it might have been custom made.

[@jasminejames8579]

Villette is amazing! I read it for the first time this year and absolutely loved it. Loved that Charlotte uses the novel to depict mental illness and to citicise the middle class woman’s confinement to domestic life.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I didn't know that's what Villette is about. Sounds really interesting!

[@SannaJankarin]

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall ❤️ You would be surprised.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Yes, I really enjoyed finally reading it!

[@drawntostories5940]

For me it's Team Emily all the way!! I highly recommend her poems (which I discovered, oddly enough, through a metal band). I've read Jane Eyre and Villette by Charlotte, both are okay, though I had issues with their plots. I prefer Villette. Haven't read anything by Anne yet, so maybe that's something for Victober this year. I love the idea of you singing a Kate Bush song with sheep as your audience, haha!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Oh how interesting! And yeah, I don't think the sheep were impressed. Ha!

[@funjuror]

I have spent the last 10 years learning all of Emily's poems by heart.

[@mariesaklaoui958]

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks!

[@JasmineReads]

Amazing. Anne will forever be my girl😍

[@HannahsBooks]

Sounds like a fantastic trip! Both Anne's Tenant and Charlotte's Villette are high on my list--and highly recommended after the three you mention. I think I am Charlotte, in all the good and bad ways!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great, thank you for the suggestions. And yes, haha I've heard there were some bad things about Charlotte and I'm curious to read a biography to see why.

[@garycoates4987]

Emily's poetry,, all the poems but especially hers also the movie "to walk invisible" is a good biopic

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Yes, I meant to mention the series To Walk Invisible. I loved it!

[@garycoates4987]

@@EricKarlAnderson yes !

[@funjuror]

A wonderful trip for you both, I visit the Parsonage a couple or more times a year, as my brother in law lives in Ilkley. I was fortunate to be one of the many fans that wrote a line in the Wuthering Heights manuscript that is now on show at the Parsonage and also the return of Branwell's painting was back on lone from the London art gallery. Emily is my enigmatic favourite and I have spent the last 10 years learning all her poems by heart.

[@valdeane6435]

Think you have to read everything by the Brontes Eric and judge for yourself - there aren't that many novels to read! Have been to Haworth twice. The first time it was awful weather and I wasn't able to do any walking. The second visit, I was able to walk on the moors. I so wanted to walk in the footsteps of the Brontes. On the way to Top Withens, I fell on my face, completely out of the blue and had a bleeding nose and a bit of a black eye. Everyone said I should stop, but I wanted to get to Top Withens. My daughter, who was with me at the time, said that it was Heathcliffe tripping me up!! I love Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre, but feel that Agnes Grey, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall and Anne are very much underrated! #lovethebrontes!

[@Pottymoon]

Read ‘The Tenant of Wildfell Hall’ Eric, you won’t be disappointed!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Oh yes, I read it earlier this year and really enjoyed it: lonesomereader.com/blog/2020/1/16/the-tenant-of-wildfell-hall-by-anne-bronte

[@mamas_quilts3573]

You're so dear! Happy 🎂 Birthday! The Bronte sister writers...i love Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights and will read more...i will be watching for our friends' recommendations here.

[@sharon152]

The tenant of wildfell hall is really good.

[@sharon152]

Also you talked about ghost of Charlotte visiting you so have you read parliament of rooks by Karen Perkins? It is exactly about a haunting by the brontes

[@Himynameismai]

Im reading Villet at the Moment and really enjoying it

[@eddie_d1233]

After reading Carol Shield's The Stone Diaries who has a character, an old man, I believe, who memorized Jane Eyre I bought it to read. It was a very enjoyable page turner set in the English moors which is about as atmospheric a place as you can get. Also, I think the answer to why they make the Team buttons is because you bought three of them! Thanks for this very enjoyable video.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I love it when books prompt us to read other books. And yes, haha! The gift shop ploy worked! :)

[@juliequick5526]

Those quizzes are what I call strokes to the ego! Wonderful partner to organise this and I wonder if you will participate a little with Victober? Thoroughly enjoyed the video, as always 🤓

[@EricKarlAnderson]

It's absolutely inspired me to participate in Victober!

[@suzannegonzalez2630]

Happy belated birthday 🎂 Eric!! Such a wonderful gift your partner gave you.♥️ I've only read Jane Eyre which I LOVED! But I suggest Tenant of Wildfell Hall next. I just bought The Life of Charlotte Bronte by Elizabeth Gaskell who knew the Brontes.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thank you!

[@patrickd9957]

Hi Eric, I loved your video!! I remember you commented about that we should have read these novels in our teens and I certainly see what you mean. Thing is, I’m only just discovering them at 62. Never too late. My hubby has been reading them since childhood and has introduced me to so much. I can’t get enough. I’ve subscribed to your channel and look forward to more videos. Thank you sooooo much for posting. 😁

[@kellyhunsaker3775]

I love The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks. It's getting a lot of votes!

[@patricialazzara]

What a great video! I was just there in Haworth and I just loved it! It is such a magical place ! 💘

[@christinetaylor7096]

Hi Eric, Really loved your video, your enthusiasm for the Brontes really came through! I have been a Bronte fan / student for many years and live near Haworth. I have a wide collection of Bronte bio books and a a fair knowledge of all their novels and poems. Advising on which books to choose is tricky and you have probably read more of the novels by now. Anne's 'The Tenant.... ' is a great book and BBC did a great series on it too and the DVD is still available. Shirley is also a great book, I loved it. Villette and The Professor also great but parts are in french and I would say a bit more challenging. You might find these easier after reading the other two I have mentioned. Just my opinion, though. After you have read all The Bronte novels do, do go onto Elizabeth Gaskell's books! As far as bio books go again it just depends what you are looking for - the 'Bible' of all things Bronte is by Juliet Barker and her 1000 page book 'The Brontes' is the definitive work. If you want something on a lighter tone (here is my marketing spin) my husband and I have just produced a 200 page hardback 'coffee table' book entitled 'Bronte Places and Poems' which you can find on Amazon.co.uk - just type in the title. It is also available from the parsonage shop but of course we are on lockdown! Sorry about the plug!

[@jorgemedina8083]

How exciting! I’ll visit someday!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

You'd love it!

[@mame-musing]

I’ve read all the Bronte novels except The Professor by Charlotte Bronte. For your next Bronte read I would recommend The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte. It’s has a much more lively plot with more vivid characters than those found in Agnes Gray. It’s not as well known as the other Bronte novels primarily because Charlotte, as Anne’s executor, had withheld approval for a second printing. There were reports that she was concerned some of the critics thought it was a bit scandalous and she didn’t want to have any impact on her own works. Villette is a quieter story than Tenant. Many people rave about Villette, I didn’t have that reaction. [There are quite a few passages in Villette written in French. If you are not a French reader you may want to get an edition that includes translations.] During the summer, Alex from Big Al books reviewed The Brontes.(maybe the author is Barker ?) It’s a combined biography of the family. She couldn’t say enough good things about it. Enjoy whichever Bronte book you decide on. 👓📚

[@EricKarlAnderson]

That's so intereting! Thanks for the suggestion.

[@QZaccardelli]

poor Agnes, so thirsty! hahaha!

[@rupachenthil]

I've been wanting to visit this place. After watching your video I want to go now sooner than later

[@EricKarlAnderson]

It's really worth the visit. Such a delight!

[@ashleyperry9337]

Love this video! Although I was really convinced you were going to tell me what Bronte sister I am ;) That's ok, I took the quizzes and also got some Charlotte and some Emily. I'm going to read Agnes Grey for #Victober, so I'm excited to experience Anne! I hope I get to go to this Bronte town someday, it looks so fun.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great! Hope you enjoy Agnes!

[@Phillybookfairy]

Ooh what's #victober!!???

[@ashleyperry9337]

@@Phillybookfairy #victober is an awesome Readathon! Here's a link for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6eyk5WQf5eor7s :)

[@JuanReads]

I don’t know which Brontë sister I am, but I do know that I have identified with Jane Eyre at some points in my life. I don’t know what that means but, like you, I came to the Brontës after my teens. Great video, Eric!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Yeah, who knows how that alchemy works but I think all of us who love Jane Eyre are on the same team.

[@rebeccabsomanybooks3558]

Thanks for sharing. You are so lucky. My trip was canceled due to pandemic.

[@whatpageareyouon]

Ahh, what fun! Looked like a lovely time. I've only read Jane Eyre, which I loved, and Wuthering Heights, which was a grand ol' hoot. I'm reading Vilette and Tenant of Wildfell Hall for Victober next month, among other books. This video encouraged my excitement!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Love your Victober plans. I need to make mine too.

[@bookishshenanigans4769]

Absolutely love this and your t-shirt. I've been there a few years ago and walked to Top Withens, reading Wuthering Heights along the way. Tenant is much better than Anne's debut. I love Emily's poetry and Villette is very different from Jane Eyre but great, though I've heard that Shirley is underrated. I'm planning on reading Gaskell's bio of Charlotte because it was written in her lifetime which is interesting. Sorry for the long comment, I just love the Brontës!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

That's great! Thanks. I'm curious about Gaskell's bio too.

[@RunwrightReads]

Great video. I enjoyed hearing about your trip and the search for "the stone". Sounds like an epic hero quest in itself

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Haha, it really was like an epic adventure quest!

[@ErinLOVESmakeupxoxo]

Happy belated birthday!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thank you!

[@LauraFreyReadinginBed]

Honestly, read them all! I completed their major works maybe two years ago (though I started in 1997 or so... took me 20 years!) Villette is a masterpiece, Tenant is underrated, and Shirley,,,, well, it reads like a cross between Villette and North and South, didn't hit the mark for me but interesting female friendship...

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I'll also endeavor to read them all over the next 20 years then! 😉

[@OhSmexyGirlfriend]

The title made me laugh; I logged onto KZbin and it was the first thing I saw, immediately after I finished watching two separate adaptations of Jane Eyre (1983 version still reigns supreme btw). Lol, I haven't finished the video yet, but I _must_ be Emily! I don't have a favorite; they are one entity in spirit (I imagine they wouldn't like me saying that though, haha). You have to read Villette, of course!

[@OhSmexyGirlfriend]

I love this video! Thanks for all the pictures, the Brontës are endlessly fascinating to me! Sounds like they deliberately hid Emily's stone so that you'd have an adventure finding it, like an Easter egg 😋 It's hilarious that you played Kate Bush's song there 😂 And I need your shirt! There's a very cute documentary on KZbin called The Brilliant Bronte Sisters; I suppose it wouldn't be useful to you, since you've already been to Haworth, but I had so much fun watching it.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

The 1983 version is great! Noted - I'll try to get to Villette.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

@@OhSmexyGirlfriend Thanks! Did you see the BBC mini series on the Brontes called 'To Walk Invisible'. I forgot to mention it. It's really good.

[@OhSmexyGirlfriend]

Eric Karl Anderson Omg! I've been meaning to watch that for the longest time, it looks really good. I keep forgetting, thanks for the reminder!

[@w.t.chapman1995]

A really fun and informative video. I am envious of your trip. I am a little dissapointed no mention of JCO in this video.😃

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks. And ha! I do think about many authors other than JCO.

[@w.t.chapman1995]

@@EricKarlAnderson I tease you as a fellow JCO admirer. With trade and limited editions combined I have well over a hundred JCO books on my shelves.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

@@w.t.chapman1995 Oh I know you were just teasing. And love you have a collection of her books as extensive as mine!

[@mjnairn]

Best bio of charlotte is a fiery heart by claire harmon. Covers all the bases.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great, I've made a note of that. Thanks!

[@mjnairn]

@@EricKarlAnderson you're welcome!

[@Phillybookfairy]

Eric!!! I'm so jealous! This video is everythiiiiiiiing ****!!!*** thank you so much for sharing!! I need to do a pilgrimage there! Call me corny but one day when I go there I'll probably sob my eyes out. No clue why I get emotional like that but I know I will. What great stones! So happy to see the lovely moors! I read Jane Eyre when I was pretty young, so young that I can't recall if I were ten, 11 or 12 but it struck me so deep I always had a penchant for tragedies, call it the Greek in me. My Barbies always died of consumption LOL!!! I've only read Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, but I do have plans to read all of their works. Every July I do a #janeeyrejuly where I reread it and read books based on or retelling the story. I have so many retellings on my shelf tbr that I've decided to also do #janeeyrejanuary because I cannot wait to get to #janesteele and #Jane_E etc.... again, this video wow thanks I've enjoyed it and what a fantastic birthday present!!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I'm sure a lot of people who love the Brontes get emotional making the pilgrimage. Haha, love that your Barbies died of consumption. I played with Barbies when I was young too but would always make them commit suicide when Ken didn't love them back.

[@Phillybookfairy]

@@EricKarlAnderson Wow lol suicide is a tad darker than consumption! Although coughing up blood in your hanky is pretty gruesome too. It wasn't until I was an adult that I even knew what that was I just figured consumption was this mysterious wasting away disease that left you weak, faint, with the coughing up of blood until you died. Ahhh the years before google when we could actually revel in our ignorance and use our imaginations lol!!! I've GOT to get to that town over there! God I was dramatic eating my dry toast as I read my Jane Eyre by my open winter window. Lol

[@misselder1]

I can’t choose between Anne’s & Charlotte’s but Emily isn’t really in the running because I keep procrastinating reading WH. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@hedgiecc]

Sounds like a wonderful visit - I definitely would like to go sometime. Like you I came very late to ‘Jane Eyre’ - despite an English Literature degree - partly because as a teenager I was an appalling literary snob & thought Jane Eyre was too ‘mainstream’ (I read both Anne novels first) and partly because I am very definitely team Jane (Austen) and reacted very badly to Charlotte’s Austen diss. Anyway, really loved Jane Eyre when I finally read it! So now I am eyeing up another Charlotte novel.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Haha, I'd love to see your teenage reading list. And oh, I didn't know Charlotte dissed Austen!

[@hedgiecc]

Indeed! ttps://www.thedailybeast.com/why-the-brontes-hated-jane-austen

[@hedgiecc]

Some more here. Including George Eliot of whose disrespect I was blissfully unaware! 😡 www.theloiterer.org/ashton/women.html

[@agathayo7344]

Did you get a chance to read The Tenant of Wildfell Hall yet? It's definitely Anne's masterpiece.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I did, it's an absolutely fascinating novel. I wrote about The Tenant of Wildfell Hall here: lonesomereader.com/blog/?category=Anne+Brontë

[@laura_ann1583]

Not a book, but there is a great wee documentary on you tube by Shelia Hancock called "The brilliant Brontë sisters"

[@marlenecabada8731]

Ive read all of Charlottes works, and am now reading, The life of Charlotte Bronte by Elizabeth Gaskell.This biography is good because Elizabeth actually was a close friend of Charlottes.I plan to read all their works, followed by their biographies.I recommend reading Villette.It reads to me almost like nonfiction, thats how well she writes her characters.

[@mariejobingelinas7618]

Tenant of Wildfell Hall all the way!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks. It's getting a lot of votes!

[@Bazpierce]

JUSTICE FOR ANNE

[@EricKarlAnderson]

✊

[@Amy_Yuki_Vickers]

I'm so envious of your trip! I want to visit Haworth! It looks like you two had so much fun. Without taking the tests, I'm going to guess that I'm probably Emily?

[@EricKarlAnderson]

It's really special. I hope you make it to Haworth one day.

[@Amy_Yuki_Vickers]

@@EricKarlAnderson I hope so, too!

[@actual-spinster]

i really think you should read villette next!! it's wonderful!!!!!!!! also i got emily bronte and i'm v happy w that!! altho i got each of the different sisters on the different tests However i personally think that i am more of an emily than a charlotte and just slightly more of an emily than an anne. anyway really enjoyed this!! [and happy belated birthday!]

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks! I'll try to get to Villette.

[@shegatheredbooks]

What a fab video - it has been a long day and watching this has been a true delight. Haworth is one of my favourite places to be and I'm so glad you had a great time 😊 Love the image of the sheep listening to Kate Bush 🐏🎶 I'm going to read Shirley for Victober and I'd like to get to The Professor too.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Glad you found the video relaxing! I'm trying to work out which Bronte book I'll read for Victober.

[@brianwant5758]

A related recommendation: there's an excellent biography of their brother, Branwell, a tragic but fascinating figure. It's called The Infernal World of Branwell Brontë and it's by none other than Daphne du Maurier! I learned much about the sisters from it even though they are not the focus.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks! I had no idea that biography exists. Sounds fascinating!

[@lindacarson5429]

I've been told that the definitive bio on the brontes is written bt Juliet Barker - it's quite the tome! I have The Bronte Cabinet by Deborah Lutz which tells their life story through nine objects - hoping to get to it soon. Happy Birthday!!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[@misselder1]

What about poor Branwell? 😬

[@josemmsantos]

Read THE PROFESSOR by Charlotte Bronte.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Noted!

[@judokoga2145]

How many times did he say Bronte

[@BeatrixOnyx]

*West Yorkshire. Be careful about that, you could anger some of the locals. 😛 The Yorkshire people are a very proud lot.