Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
New York : Henry Holt and Co., 2009.
Description
Charles Darwin and his wife, Emma, were deeply in love and very supportive of each other, but their opinions often clashed. Emma was extremely religious, and Charles questioned God's very existence.
User reviews
LibraryThing member LibraryBlondie
I don't read a lot of nonfiction and almost never biographies, but I loved this book. It reads like fiction but the basis for the author's characterization of the Darwins is letters and writings that they and their family members have left behind. I found it totally engrossing.
I love that the book
It's incredible to see how wonderful a marriage Charles and Emma had despite their differing beliefs. Emma worried about Charles's soul her whole life but still supported and respected his science and even edited his writings for him. Charles respected Emma’s belief and graciously considered her arguments for faith, but could not bring himself to believe. They also supported each other through the deaths of children, chronic illness, and the firestorm that The Origin of Species caused. I was attached enough to both Charles and Emma that I actually got tears in my eyes when they died at the end of the book.
I love that the book
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is not simply a dry list of what Charles Darwin did in his life nor is it an argument for (or against) his scientific theories. What it is is partly a love story between him and his wife Emma, partly the story or their life and marriage, partly a story of the conflict between Charles's scientific ideas and doubt in Christianity and Emma's strong belief in the need for salvation through Jesus. It's also in part a love story between Charles and science itself as his absolute love for it is clear. It's incredible to see how wonderful a marriage Charles and Emma had despite their differing beliefs. Emma worried about Charles's soul her whole life but still supported and respected his science and even edited his writings for him. Charles respected Emma’s belief and graciously considered her arguments for faith, but could not bring himself to believe. They also supported each other through the deaths of children, chronic illness, and the firestorm that The Origin of Species caused. I was attached enough to both Charles and Emma that I actually got tears in my eyes when they died at the end of the book.
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LibraryThing member frood42
Several years after traveling with the HMS Beagle, Charles Darwin chose to marry Emma Wedgewood. At this time, Charles's newly developing theories about natural selection were causing him to question his own belief in God, which he confessed to his deeply religious bride-to-be. Emma chose to marry
Heilgman uses excerpts from letters, manuscripts and diaries to tell the story of the Darwins' marriage in their own words, and weaves Charles Darwin's domestic life into his theory of natural selection, showing how observing his own family shaped his ideas. The biography is accessible for readers with no prior knowledge of either natural selection or 19th Century British religion, yet engaging enough that no reader will find it dull. Though the creation/evolution debate is not as prevalent as it has been in the past, young readers will find it interesting to learn that Darwin himself struggled with this question. A bibliography is provided for further reading. Suitable for upper level junior high through high school readers.
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him despite their religious differences, and the story of their lives together is one of the marriage of science and faith, as portrayed in this biography. Heilgman uses excerpts from letters, manuscripts and diaries to tell the story of the Darwins' marriage in their own words, and weaves Charles Darwin's domestic life into his theory of natural selection, showing how observing his own family shaped his ideas. The biography is accessible for readers with no prior knowledge of either natural selection or 19th Century British religion, yet engaging enough that no reader will find it dull. Though the creation/evolution debate is not as prevalent as it has been in the past, young readers will find it interesting to learn that Darwin himself struggled with this question. A bibliography is provided for further reading. Suitable for upper level junior high through high school readers.
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LibraryThing member jenniferthomp75
One of the best books of the year. Charles Darwin has a dilemma. He's not sure whether to get married. Luckily, he does. He marries his first cousin, Emma, and so begins a beautiful relationship. Darwin's marriage is also a marriage of science and religion. Emma is a Christian; Darwin is agnostic.
The book shows, through humor and honesty, how Darwin's discovery of evolution put him at odds with much of the community, his wife and challenged his own beliefs. However, no matter how radical his scientific discoveries, his wife believed in him.
Part scientific journey, part biography and part romance, this book should be read by all.
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The book shows, through humor and honesty, how Darwin's discovery of evolution put him at odds with much of the community, his wife and challenged his own beliefs. However, no matter how radical his scientific discoveries, his wife believed in him.
Part scientific journey, part biography and part romance, this book should be read by all.
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LibraryThing member melancholycat
Not knowing much about Darwin aside from the Beagle and the theory of evolution, it was interesting learning about the personal side of this great scientist, particularly amusing was his "to marry/not to marry" list. Overall good, though the author seemed to lose focus, repeating previously made
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points and barely holding together the premise of the book - an exploration of Emma's religiousness and Charles's evolution. Show Less
LibraryThing member dareone32988
You could try to make up a story about Charles Darwin's marriage life, but I do not think it could be as interesting as what actually happened. Deborah Heiligman's "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" is a rare look into the thoughts, wants, and love life of Charles Darwin. Heiligman uses
Heiligman is wildly creative at organizing her book. The book, for the most part, reads like one of Jane Austen's famous works about the 19th century, which is noted as one of Emma's favorite authors. It is the creativeness that keeps readers interested from page one.
This book is a very viable option to use in an upper grade classroom in that its wrtiting is great example of how to organize your thoughts while keeping your audience in mind.
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the explorer's actual letters (as well as his wife Emma's) and notebooks to piece together the story of a man who struggled with the concept of marriage while in the process of forming a theory that would change the world. Although Charles and Emma Darwin held very different ideas about science and religion or evolution and creationism, the two soon discovered they were meant to be together. Heiligman is wildly creative at organizing her book. The book, for the most part, reads like one of Jane Austen's famous works about the 19th century, which is noted as one of Emma's favorite authors. It is the creativeness that keeps readers interested from page one.
This book is a very viable option to use in an upper grade classroom in that its wrtiting is great example of how to organize your thoughts while keeping your audience in mind.
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LibraryThing member DevourerOfBooks
“Charles and Emma” is a well-researched biography of Darwin and his wife Emma. Their relationship was notable because, while he questioned the involvement of God in the workings of the natural world and developed his theory of evolution, she was a devout Christian. The book works through
This book is written for grades 8-12, but I think it might be more appropriate for grades 7-9. I was actually a bit confused about the intended age group because there are some difficult themes such as death - including the death of children. Some parents may consider Charles’ questioning of God’s role in the world an unsuitable theme for younger children as well. These aspects of the book would certainly point to a grades 8-12 audience, but at many times I felt that the writing was more at the level of a middle-grades book, 4th or 5th grade through 7th or 8th. There was simply a certain lack of sophistication in the writing that made the book seem more childish to me than something written for high schoolers. I do not believe this is due to a lack of skill on the part of the author but because she seems to have primarily written nonfiction for grade school children. This style carried over into “Charles and Emma” perhaps a bit too much, making it somewhat juvenile for most high schoolers to read for pleasure.
That being said, “Charles and Emma” is very clear and well-researched and would make a fantastic source for a report on Darwin for students up through high school. They may not be enamoured of the writing, but they will find good, solid information. Middle school or even mature upper-elementary students with an interest in Darwin could definitely read this for pleasure. Heiligman did a fantastic job being very even-handed with both science and religion and was not dogmatic in either direction, which should give easy to many parents.
Adults, don’t run out and buy this for yourselves, but it may be interesting for some children in your life.
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Charles and Emma’s courtship and even provides glances back to their respective childhoods.This book is written for grades 8-12, but I think it might be more appropriate for grades 7-9. I was actually a bit confused about the intended age group because there are some difficult themes such as death - including the death of children. Some parents may consider Charles’ questioning of God’s role in the world an unsuitable theme for younger children as well. These aspects of the book would certainly point to a grades 8-12 audience, but at many times I felt that the writing was more at the level of a middle-grades book, 4th or 5th grade through 7th or 8th. There was simply a certain lack of sophistication in the writing that made the book seem more childish to me than something written for high schoolers. I do not believe this is due to a lack of skill on the part of the author but because she seems to have primarily written nonfiction for grade school children. This style carried over into “Charles and Emma” perhaps a bit too much, making it somewhat juvenile for most high schoolers to read for pleasure.
That being said, “Charles and Emma” is very clear and well-researched and would make a fantastic source for a report on Darwin for students up through high school. They may not be enamoured of the writing, but they will find good, solid information. Middle school or even mature upper-elementary students with an interest in Darwin could definitely read this for pleasure. Heiligman did a fantastic job being very even-handed with both science and religion and was not dogmatic in either direction, which should give easy to many parents.
Adults, don’t run out and buy this for yourselves, but it may be interesting for some children in your life.
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LibraryThing member lilibrarian
A biography of Charles Darwin and his wife Emma Wedgewood, and their family, with detailed descriptions of his developing the theory of natural selection and the contrast between his lack of religious belief and his wife's religiousness. Includes table of contents, index and notes, as well as a
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small selection of photographs. Show Less
LibraryThing member oapostrophe
Couldn't put this one down. The story of Darwin's studies and theories is a fascinating story on it's own, but here is added the story of his marriage to Emma, the love of his life. Their life together in Victorian England is really brought to life with much use made of the many letters they wrote
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to one another throughout their lives. We are shown in great detail the struggles Charles had in deciding whether to marry, how he and Emma could manage with their different beliefs, the difficulties of children and illness. All this is delivered to us in a thoroughly readable text. A wonderful love story about a hugely influential figure. Recommend to 5th grade and up. Show Less
LibraryThing member lalawe
A sweet biography and romance - a romance where the characters grow in love through marriage. It's amazing that despite all the obstacles - his illness, family tragedy, and the fear of how his work would be received - he managed to formulate and write down natural selection. Their respect for each
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other, despite their fundamental religious differences, is inspiring. Show Less
LibraryThing member WarriorLibrary
This is a very personal look at the great man. All the historical facts really let you know who he was.
LibraryThing member audryh
Wonderful account of Darwin's marriage to his first cousin, Emma. They were close companions and confidantes their whole married life. Although she was very religious and worried that she would not be with Charles in heaven, she continued to support his work and writings. Was his best editor. A
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real love story. Very good YA book for adults. Show Less
LibraryThing member jlynno84
I must say I was a bit reluctant when I picked up this book, worried about what kind of viewpoint it would take. I was pleasantly surprised, finding that the author does a fantastic job of providing a balanced telling. Heiligman does a great job respecting the beliefs and doubts of the characters,
The love between Charles and Emma is touching and honest. The tradegies they endure are heartbreaking, but the joy they seem to find in their family life is heartwarming. I would highly recommend this book to readers on both side of the evolutionary debate.
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and provides a uniquely human picture of Charles Darwin.The love between Charles and Emma is touching and honest. The tradegies they endure are heartbreaking, but the joy they seem to find in their family life is heartwarming. I would highly recommend this book to readers on both side of the evolutionary debate.
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LibraryThing member Megabaker
Although this is tagged as a Young Adult book, I'm not sure why. It was not written especially simply, and I found it to be a thoughtful biography with an interesting premise: the conflicts of Charles Darwin's evolutionary theories with his personal life, including a wife who was religious. It gave
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a wonderful domestic portrait of Darwin and his personal and familial struggles. Show Less
LibraryThing member felixfelis
I was pleasantly surprised with Charles and Emma, but I doubt it would appeal to many teens except fans of Darwin or open-minded Christians wanting to understand his theories. The reading level is YA, but I would guess most readers to be adults, probably women interested in the romance/relationship
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issue of living harmoniously with opposing beliefs. It focuses more on how Darwin and his wife made their marriage work while also working in his theories, facts from his travels and findings, and details of their family life in those times. Having known men (and women) like Darwin, I found his pro/con list at the beginning on whether or not to marry to be quite amusing. Not to belittle his analysis, one pro was "better than a dog anyhow" and at the end of the list, he writes his conclusion, "Marry--Marry--Marry--Q.E.D." Show Less
LibraryThing member Redhope
The thing that struck me most about this book was the respect that Charles and Emma had for one another's polar beliefs and I think this is echoed in the style of writing - the author obviously found this of interest, and gave the two characters a very balanced view. I often find bios a little dry,
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but this was a light easy read with much information about Victorian upper class families in England. I believe it is tagged as a young adult book because of the references to sexual desire.... Show Less
LibraryThing member mkschoen
This biography of Charles Darwin begins with him putting together a list - on one side of the page are reasons to get married, on the other reasons not to. “better than a dog anyhow” vs. “less money for books.”
One of the big reasons not to is his growing sense of disbelief in God and
Heiligman tries to use the religious debate as a frame for the biography. I don't think she succeeded as well wit that - there's not as much conflict there as she seems to think there is. But it's a well-told, albeit somewhat slowly-paced, story. Heiligman does a good job of explaining the complex issues of natural selection and evolution in simple language, as well as the controversy surrounding the issue that continues to this day. Historical figures all to often come across as stuffy, but the Darwin in this book is an amusing real person - an absent-minded professor and beloved father and husband.
What to read next: The book has a wide-ranging bibliography at the end, ranging from Darwin's own works, which might be a bit rough for a high-school student, to Austen's Emma, which would appeal to a student who enjoys the gentle Victorian romance presented here. Dickens would also work for those students. On the science side "The Beak of the Finch" by Heiligman's husband Jonathon Weiner, would be an excellent choice. There's obviously a wealth of adult books on this topic; I might also suggest one of Simon Winchester's books - different topics, but the tone is similar and the way of presenting a scientific topic in a sort of novel format might engage a reader.
One of the big reasons not to is his growing sense of disbelief in God and
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religion. Darwin makes his choice, beginning a 43-year partnership with his cousin Emma Wedgwood, but her steadfast belief in God is the one issue that comes between them.Heiligman tries to use the religious debate as a frame for the biography. I don't think she succeeded as well wit that - there's not as much conflict there as she seems to think there is. But it's a well-told, albeit somewhat slowly-paced, story. Heiligman does a good job of explaining the complex issues of natural selection and evolution in simple language, as well as the controversy surrounding the issue that continues to this day. Historical figures all to often come across as stuffy, but the Darwin in this book is an amusing real person - an absent-minded professor and beloved father and husband.
What to read next: The book has a wide-ranging bibliography at the end, ranging from Darwin's own works, which might be a bit rough for a high-school student, to Austen's Emma, which would appeal to a student who enjoys the gentle Victorian romance presented here. Dickens would also work for those students. On the science side "The Beak of the Finch" by Heiligman's husband Jonathon Weiner, would be an excellent choice. There's obviously a wealth of adult books on this topic; I might also suggest one of Simon Winchester's books - different topics, but the tone is similar and the way of presenting a scientific topic in a sort of novel format might engage a reader.
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LibraryThing member The_Hibernator
Charles and Emma is an educational young adult biography of Charles Darwin’s relationship with his wife, Emma, and how they compromised over their different views of God. It was well-written and interesting. However, I had a few objections. First, the description of the book sounds like it is
My second complaint is that Heiligman mentioned multiple times how delighted Darwin was to “go to bed” in the evenings with his wife. Does this really need to be pointed out to young teens?
My third complaint is her rendition of the 1860 Huxley-Wilberforce debates: the famous conversation that took place in these debates is interesting to note, but she made it sound like it definitely happened. Given that no written record of the debates exist, there is some doubt what was actually said. There is even a possibility that the conversation is simply a well-known rumor. Heiligman (who clearly did a lot of research for this book) would have known about these uncertainties, but she chose to portray the conversation as if it were a word-for-word quote. I think it’s always best to point out to teenagers when interesting stories are possibly just rumors and when they are definitely true. It educates teens about the lasting power of rumor, and also saves them possible embarrassment in the future.
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unbiased about Darwin’s questionable belief in God. Heiligman clearly leans in the Darwin-was-an-athiest direction. However, that is a forgivable short-coming, given the highly charged topic. My second complaint is that Heiligman mentioned multiple times how delighted Darwin was to “go to bed” in the evenings with his wife. Does this really need to be pointed out to young teens?
My third complaint is her rendition of the 1860 Huxley-Wilberforce debates: the famous conversation that took place in these debates is interesting to note, but she made it sound like it definitely happened. Given that no written record of the debates exist, there is some doubt what was actually said. There is even a possibility that the conversation is simply a well-known rumor. Heiligman (who clearly did a lot of research for this book) would have known about these uncertainties, but she chose to portray the conversation as if it were a word-for-word quote. I think it’s always best to point out to teenagers when interesting stories are possibly just rumors and when they are definitely true. It educates teens about the lasting power of rumor, and also saves them possible embarrassment in the future.
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LibraryThing member DevonBrenner
Clunky writing, but overall an great story. Love the history, the science, the love story. Helped me understand natural selection and think about the role of faith in science.
LibraryThing member mamzel
Instead of arguing the merits of evolution vs. creationism, we have here the story of Charles Darwin and his devoted wife. We follow the story of their relationship along with the development of his theories and publishing of his books. Where a deeply religious Emma could not support his views, she
The story is presented with many excerpts from their personal correspondence and journals. This book has received high praise from reviewers and was a National Book Award finalist.
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did support him and was able to help him word his arguments so that they did not insult people but gave them the theory with all possible respect. What the reader finds is an excellent pairing of two people who shared everything from reading books to mourning the death of their children (two of their ten children). The story is presented with many excerpts from their personal correspondence and journals. This book has received high praise from reviewers and was a National Book Award finalist.
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LibraryThing member victorianist
Heiligman presents a charming portrait of Charles and Emma Darwin in her book , Charles and Emma: The Darwin's Leap of Faith. The author, through her narrative gives us an understanding of the manner in which Darwin's mind worked and how he came to his incredible and disturbing theories all within
Rosalyn Landor is a very skilled and enthusiastic reader.
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the context of his family life. In the foreground are the opposing attitudes toward religion and faith shared by Charles and Emma. They clearly overcome these differences and share a loving tender marriage. Beautifully written, almost lyrical, Heiligman fondness for her subject is contagious.Rosalyn Landor is a very skilled and enthusiastic reader.
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LibraryThing member m.gilbert
A really interesting biography and one I read relatively quickly. I have been reading a few books on Darwin lately (and started his autobiography a while ago), so one devoted to his relationship with his religious and brilliant, open-minded wife was fascinating and moving. The conflict between
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evolution and creation has never been a personal one for me, as I believe that each reside on two different epistemological universes. But it is evident that since the publication of On the Origin of Species, the world would forever be shaped by its profound questioning of intelligent design and Biblical doxa.Emma Darwin was extremely well-read, lively, and supportive of her husband's lifelong dedication to the study of natural history. And he, in turn, always gave his manuscripts to her first. She then edited his work for clarity and diction, even proofreading for his atrocious uses of commas. Reading On the Origin of Species and watching God slowly recede from Darwin's life was a source of anguish for her. But her love for him and her pride in his work was so very central to her existence. The biography includes letters and short diary entries written by the both of them. Their relationship was extraordinary. Show Less
LibraryThing member ewyatt
This was a fascinating look into the love story and the conflict between religion and science in the relationship of Charles and Emma Darwin. Darwin's work ethic was incredible in the face of frequently illness and poor health. Emma was deeply religious, relying on her Christian faith and belief in
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heaven as a way of coping with the death of her beloved sister at an early age. Tracing how Darwin developed his theory of the origin of the species and how he coped with his complex feelings about religion, especially in light of his deep love for Emma. Show Less
LibraryThing member mummybattle
This rich, insightful portrait of Charles and Emma Darwin's marriage explores a dimension of the naturalist's life that has heretofore been largely ignored. Emma Wedgewood, Darwin’s cousin, was a highly intelligent and deeply religious woman, a fascinating counterpoint to her equally brilliant
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husband and his unyielding belief in the world of science and reason. Together, they were a remarkable team, bonded by a deep mutual respect, admiration, and love. They constantly challenged each other’s beliefs and ideas about the world, Emma chiding Charles for his inability to believe in spiritual faith, and Charles countering by expressing how ridiculous it is to place faith in something impossible to rationally or scientifically explain. So vital and inspiring was Emma to Charles that I found myself wondering what may have been had they not met. Emma, with her support, understanding, and intellect, had as much to do with the emergence of Darwin’s theory of evolution as did his lifelong fascination with the natural world, and this seemingly disparate mix of religious conviction and scientific reason converged in a relationship that forever changed how we see the world Show Less
LibraryThing member Channice
This book is not only about the life and time of Charles Darwin, but about the struggles he and his wife Emma Darwin goes through to maintain their relationship. Back when Charles and Emma were alive, everybody believe in what the church say, and Emma was a very religious person, so was Chaeles.
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That is until he found evidence and came to a conclusion that some of what the church say might not be true. Emma worried that Charles would die and not go to heaven with he, Emma try to get Religion back into Charles but the more he research the more be turn his back on religion. Eventhough the two deffer when it come to Religion, they still love each other deeply, and they both live a long life together with their kids. Show Less
LibraryThing member sexy_librarian
With the understanding that I do not read nonfiction easily, this was very well written, blending fact and storytelling. When people think Darwin, they mostly think of evolution and monkeys, without regard to who he was as a man, and the fact that he had a family. This telling of Darwin in the
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context of his wife and kids is not only an insight into the process he went through to come to his ground breaking hypothesis, but also the everyday life and more mundane detail of who Darwin was as a man, the internal debates he went through when writing his famous book, and how much he loved his family. It includes supplemental photos and letters, even the "To Marry or Not to Marry" list that starts the book. Definitely fun and informative, good for high school students. Show Less
Subjects
Awards
National Book Award (Finalist — Young People's Literature — 2009)
LA Times Book Prize (Finalist — Young Adult Literature — 2009)
BCCB Blue Ribbon Book (Nonfiction — 2009)
Printz Award (Honor — 2010)
YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction (Nominee — 2010)
Best Fiction for Young Adults (Selection — 2010)
CCBC Choices (2010)
Language
Original publication date
2009
Physical description
268 p.; 24 cm
ISBN
9780805087215