Charles and Emma

Even after over 150 years, Darwin’s On the Origin of Species and the theory of evolution remains controversial today. I can honestly see this book being banned in smaller communities and schools just based on the subject; those who do not agree with the theory will attempt to ban this book from a library without even reading the content. Thankfully, there are so many ways a librarian can justify this book, namely that Charles and Emma strives to bridge the gap between religious and scientific communities. It’s very interesting that this book was included in Battle of the Books!

Overall, I thought this was an excellent book that gives the reader a glimpse into Charles Darwin’s world and process. I had never even thought about Charles Darwin’s life and knew very little about him other than his infamous trip to the Galapagos Islands. This book makes Darwin a real person to me, not just some mad scientist figure long-lost in history. I enjoyed reading about his family and how he balanced his career with so many children.

For me, the story moved along fairly quickly with only a few dry places. I felt that the author was a bit repetitive when it came to Emma’s character. She was religious, but not super religious. We get it! This book is a great humanizer tool; those that might have thought Darwin was evil based purely on his ideas will realize that the man cared very much about what his society thought of him, and that there was a very real struggle in his decision to publish his book.

The message of tolerance is one that needs to be practiced. It is important that YAs (and adults!) realize that you can get along with someone whose ideas and view of life is different from your own. It takes patience, tolerance, communication, and love, but differences do not need to be the severing blow to a relationship. Emma and Charles’ strength was remarkable, and if we could mimic that strength, the world might be just a little more peaceful.