@BookSparks #FRC2016 The Madwoman Upstairs by #CatherineLowell

December 27, 2016 – The Madwoman Upstairs by Catherine Lowell

Catherine Lowell is writer of novels, letters, and the occasional limerick. She received her degree in English literature from Stanford University, where her academic interests were inspired by Ralph Waldo Emerson's observation: "There is creative reading as well as creative writing." The Madwoman Upstairs owes its existence to a fierce love of the Brontës, a terrible bout of insomnia, and the kind hospitality of many Manhattan coffee shops. 

Catherine’s passions include reading obscure books about Ancient Greece and testing out hot chocolates. She's a great believer in the power of stories to change history and if you have a few hours she will happily tell you far too much on the subject. She tries her best to live by the following two quotes:

" We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly." (Aristotle) 

"You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." (Robin Williams)

Course Title: Family Secrets

Department: Debut Novels

Description: In Catherine Lowell’s smart and original debut novel—hailed by Deborah Harkness as a “charming and memorable read”—the last remaining descendant of the Brontë family embarks on a modern-day literary scavenger hunt, using only the clues her eccentric father left behind, and the Brontës’ own novels.

  

A fun and charming story that made me love being able to be in inside the book.  It was a delight of a read.  So original and engaging, with characters that I cared about.  I am so grateful to be part of the #FRC2016 because I was exposed to this book and I may not have without the challenge.  I highly recommend the book.