Charles and Emma

I really enjoyed this book! It is a wonderful example of how non-fiction titles can be written in a "novel" kind of way. The author's depictions of Charles and Emma Darwin makes one believe they are reading a Victorian romance novel and not an actual true story. Many people have thoughts that Charles was a miserly scientist that wanted to prove that God had no role in creation. This book really brings to light his gentle nature and his struggles with his work. Most people do not know that Charles Darwin was a theologian before he was a scientist which caused him great grief while trying to publish his works on natural selection. I like that the book focuses on the love between Charles and Emma and leaves a lot of the science out, making it a tale of love and loss. The way the author wrote the book makes it easy to read though some parts are a little difficult because of the Victorian English used in some of the letters. I feel when you finish reading this book you have a better understanding of why and how Darwin felt about his work and that you will see him in a different light. You will also learn many facts about the Darwin family that most texts books would leave out, which would make this a great reference book for a YA reader doing a report on Charles Darwin.