Publishers Weekly interviews writer James Kelman:
Helen inhabits a fairly masculine environment. She wonders about the patrons frequently. As a man, was it difficult getting into the mindset of a female protagonist? [...] And that applies to a male writing about a woman, as it does the other way around, which we’re more used to. George Elliot wrote great works with male central characters; we take that for granted. Or the Brontë sisters. (Seth Satterlee)
At least he does seem to appreciate the Brontës. The Daily Beast's
Women in the World lists 'Twenty Amazing Quotes From Twenty Powerful Women', such as:
19. If a man tries to pick you up with a seedy line, look off into the distance and recite pensively, “I am no bird and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will.” Charlotte Brontë penned that as one of her Jane-Eyre-being-a-tease lines, so you might want to check whether he’s read the novel first. (Miri Rosen)
We know it's all in good fun, but considering that line in particular and Jane Eyre's attitude in general 'being a tease' really feels like mocking the whole novel and what Charlotte Brontë intended to convey with it. Particularly coming from a site with a feminist slant.
The Telegraph and Argus reports that a new arts festival will take place in Haworth in October and
It wants to celebrate it publicly, showing local art does not begin and end with the Brontë sisters. (Chris Young)
Oh. Okay then.
The Telegraph and Argus also features
Ann Sumner's search for the 'lost' paintings of Thomas Fearnley. The
Brussels Brontë Blog posts about the launch of Jolien Jazing's novel
De Meester (
The Master):
Jolien’s exciting book is for now only available in Dutch, but readings at the launch event included sections translated into English. Jolien was able to take the audience through events ranging from the well-documented - the Brontës’ life in Haworth and arrival in Ostend – to unfamiliar new scenes. Intriguing new passages included characters discussing King Leopold’s infidelities, and hints that Charlotte’s confession at the Cathedral of Saint Michael and Saint Gudule may have been prompted by more than just loneliness.
The author also read an imaginary letter from Charlotte to her ‘master’, while Lex Jansen, her publisher, read a speculative reply from Monsieur – which, if real, would have given the eldest Brontë sister good reason to believe herself his “favourite pupil.”
Jolien Janzing’s foreign rights agent Laetitia Powell told the audience that translators from several countries have expressed interest in the new novel, opening up the possibility that the book will become available to read in other languages. Powell added that at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) ‘The Master’ was selected from hundreds of applicants to be put on a shortlist of contenders to be made into a film. Powell promised to keep fans up to date with progress towards a translation or a film. (Emily Waterfield)
And more news from Brussels. We sincerely hope this comes true:
To round off the spring evening’s cultural events, sculptor Tom Frantzen presented more good news for Brontë lovers in Brussels. The Flemish artist showed his audience a wonderful small model of a windswept Emily and Charlotte. If the project is approved and funding is found, this will be installed as a life-size statue close to the Belliard steps the sisters descended 170 years ago. (Emily Waterfield)
Margarita Gakis writes about
Jane Eyre being her favourite book.
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