Dateable vs terrifying

Claire Harman's biography of Charlotte Brontë is one of Helen Dunmore's books of 2015 selected for The Guardian.

Charlotte Brontë: A Life by Claire Harman (Viking) is a subtle, measured biography, full of insight into Brontë’s fiery intellect as well as the tragic intensity of her experience. Harman is especially good on the period Brontë spent as a pupil and teacher in Brussels and on her transformative relationship with Professor Constantin Héger. 

The Hindu wonders which literary characters readers would date.

I like the rugged Mr. Rochester from Jane Eyre. But, he is too sensitive,” says Diana, who holds a master’s degree in Literature and reads every book in depth, analysing it as if she were still in that literature class. Remember that scene on that first evening in Mr. Rochester’s drawing room? He assumes all sorts of things about Jane, who holds her own. Would you be able to stand up to that? If you can, then Mr. Rochester might be the one for you; never mind the crazy laughter coming from somewhere upstairs. [...]
What about the irresistible “older hero,” with the “dark,” past? Sometimes, real life versions of these could be bearded professors too old for you or the handsome but married boss. Literature, however, presents the devilishly handsome Rhett Butler from Gone with The Wind, the wealthy and brooding Maxim de Winter from Rebecca and of course the secretive Mr. Rochester from Jane Eyre.
They all are sophisticated with amazing social skills. They can also make you feel slightly stupid if you cannot hold their interest. For this, you need not be incredibly beautiful but you have to be innocent and inherently good. Being clever with enough traumatic experiences to give you some depth of character is also a bonus. [...]
Fabulous five: Darcy from Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen): A fabulously wealthy, handsome “proud,” aristocratic gentleman, who proves himself worthy by his actions
Edward Rochester from Jane Eyre (Charlotte Brontë): A passionate man with a tortured past and secrets to hide
Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights (Emily Brontë): A brooding, obsessed lover, revengeful and powerful, bordering on the villainous
Rhett Butler from Gone with the Wind (Margaret Mitchell): A suave, strong, witty and sarcastic man, he is a little crude beneath his veneer of sophistication
Maxim de Winter from Rebecca (Daphne Du Maurier): An enigmatic wealthy aristocrat with a tortured past (Vijeta S.N.)

Coincidentally, in The Guardian writer Becca Fitzpatrick admits to being in love with Heathcliff as a teenager. Not anymore though.

Which authors do you admire? (For me, I’m inspired by you, George Orwell, James Dawson, Harper Lee and Emily Brontë - coming from the Brontë area, there is a lot of inspiration from her.) Oh, the moors! Do you live near Yorkshire? I dreamed of the moors when I was a teen reading Wuthering Heights. I’m inspired by Victoria Holt, Sandra Brown, Nora Roberts, Karen Joy Fowler and Emily Brontë. [...]
What is your favourite classical book? (I love Animal Farm and To Kill A Mockingbird - pieces of classical gold). Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. As a teen, I was completely in love with Heathcliff. As an adult, he terrifies me. [...]
Brontë or Austen? Depends on my mood. Today? Austen. (Lottie is Dottie)

Lancaster Online reports that the Lancaster Literary Guild is closing its doors after 15 years.

The guild sponsored successful literary exhibits, including the current one dedicated to playwright Arthur Miller; others have focused on such writers as the Brontës, Sylvia Plath and Harriet Beecher Stowe. (Dan Nephin)

Brontë portraits are discussed on AnneBrontë.org. Le Monde de Laure... (in French) reviews Wuthering Heights.