Plot Summary
For lovers of science and history, here is a work of non-fiction that chronicles the interior lives of Charles Darwin, author of The Origin of Species, and his wife Emma. The two married each other in spite of a fundamental difference: Emma's devout faith and Charles' theory which would prove to be highly controversial in religious communities. In spite of this difference, she was one of his most trusted readers whose feedback informed his famous works. In addition to the excellent history lessons, the book also reads as an inspiring love story set in a tumultuous time. The books opens with a pro and con list as the ever-methodical Mr. Darwin weighs the decision of whether or not to marry. Will marriage detract from his life as a scientist? Ultimately, he lands on the ‘pro’ side and marries his first cousin Emma who proves to be a perfect companion, editor, and mother of their ten children. Their dedication to each other and to ongoing dialogue in spite of fundamental difference could be a ‘how-to’ manual for those embarking on long-term relationships.
Critical Evaluation
One of the most compelling aspects of this novel is considering Charles and Emma’s relationship to each other, family, and the world of ideas within the context of the Victorian era. Considering this work within its historical context helps readers better understand why first cousins married each other or why Emma, a bright and competent woman, had no career to speak of outside of the home. Heiligman helps the reader to enter into this time period and mindset through various primary sources, including family letters and papers. After reading Charles and Emma, this reader was left thinking about mortality rates during the Victorian era. It is the loss of her beloved sister at a young age that leads to Emma’s devout faith, and the death of their favorite daughter proves a lifelong heartache to both Charles and Emma. These two were of the upper echelons of British society, and yet they were not spared the ravages of disease during this time. This reader entered into this reading experience expecting to think lots about religion and science: the increased curiosity (and knowledge) about the Victorian era was a bonus.
Reader’s Annotation
In its day, Charles Darwin’s Origins of Species was a ground-breaking and widely read book. Some argue that the reason it was so popular and widely read was that is was edited by his wife Emma, a devout Christian. Charles and Emma tells the story of their marriage.
Information about the Author
On the author’s website, Heiligman writes about her background. “I was born in Allentown, PA. I lived in the same house my whole childhood, mostly alone with my mother and father and my dog, Missy. My sister and brother were so much older than I was I don't remember much about them when I was little. Here's what I do remember: my sister got married in our living room when I was four.”
…
I went on to BROWN UNIVERSITY, which I fell in love with at first sight. As is befitting a children's book author, I majored in Religious Studies. For about one week I thought about becoming a rabbi. I didn't. My best friend did. I had no idea what I would do after college. I wanted to be a writer, but I didn't think real people were writers. I thought writers were like movie stars and that regular people like me couldn't be writers. At Brown all the people who said they were going to be writers wore all black, smoked lots of cigarettes (something I never did: my father was a lung doctor!), drank endless cups of coffee, and used such big words I couldn't understand what they were saying (I don't think they knew what they were saying either). My bet is that most of those people are lawyers or stockbrokers or maybe ski bums. Anyway, I bet they're happy. And so am I.My first job out of college was at a magazine called MOMENT. Then in 1981, I started interviewing for jobs in New York City, and found, quite by accident, a job at Scholastic News Explorer, the 4th grade classroom magazine. I got a trial assignment and discovered that I loved writing for children. I have never looked back!”
Writing for Scholastic News was the best job I could have had. I had to write every day, all day, and on all kinds of subjects. Soon after I got there the magazines were reorganized, so I wrote for children in grades 1 through 6. I loved it. In the morning I would write about panda bears or Pac-man for second graders, and in the afternoon I'd write about war or pesticides for sixth graders. I also had the opportunity to interview famous people, to write fiction in the form of plays, and to do a lot of research. I stayed there until 1985 and by the time I left I was in charge of all the magazines and teachers guides! So why did I leave? I had a baby and I wanted to be home with him. That's when my life as a freelance writer began.”
Genre
Non-Fiction/ Biography
Curriculum Ties
This would be perfect companion read for a study of evolution, the Victorian era, or a specific read about Darwin including The Origin of Species or Inherit the Wind.
Booktalking Ideas
Read aloud excepts from Charles Darwin’s pro/ con list about whether or not to marry.
Reading Level
Grades 8-12
Challenge Issues
N/A
Why Included?
I wanted to include a range of fiction and non-fiction works in my collection and thought that this book would provide fascinating insights into both faith and science. I thought it might be a good read for students with interests in science, history and human relationships, and I’m happy to report that this is true.
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