Charles and Emma

I loved this non-fiction book dealing with the romance and struggles of Charles and Emma Darwin; this is my 2nd favorite of the books we have read so far; especially since biographies are my favorite in the non-fiction section. I will have to be honest that I was skeptical at first when Phillip suggested this book to make our movie trailer; I was thinking, “Oh great, a book on theories.” Was I ever astounded after reading the book about the story I never knew about Charles Darwin. I knew of Darwin and his theory of evolution but never realized he was even married, as busy as he must’ve been with all the work studies he did in his lifetime; let alone believe he was the devoted father of 10 children and a loving husband. We put in our trailer, “….entangled in their love and science, just as much, heart, and spirit are entangled in each one of us.” In spite of everything, love did conquer all between the struggles between the science and religion of Charles and Emma. They were such a devoted couple who faced so much tragedy and heartache in their lifetime and as I read I really empathized with all their struggles. Charles was so funny from the time he wrote in one of his many journals, “To marry or not to marry?” I never imagined a guy would be as worried as he was about what people thought and found humor in that he had a journal for every different type of emotion, feeling, or his work. He thought way too much and it was a wonder he wasn’t eat up entirely with ulcers. I found it humorous he even had a journal marked, “N” for his sexual desire thoughts and love. The couple was a true and inspiring story of how opposites attracted and it worked as they differed in their opinion in science and religion but were respectful of each’s viewpoint and supported one another. I loved his quotes like, “A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.” He really appreciated life and lived it to the fullest and what pain he had to face as he lost his 3 children; I can’t imagine. He loved Emma so much and was as dependent on her as he said, ”Without you when sick I feel most desolate… I do long to be with you and under your protection for then I feel safe. God bless you.” How ironic in his quotes to Emma he always mentioned for God to bless her many times since he did not believe in God as Emma had but it did say she did not believe in the Trinity. Another quote from Charles to Emma I liked was, “ I wish you knew how I value you; and what an inexpressible blessing it is to have one whom one can always trust, one always the same, always ready to give comfort, sympathy and the best advice. God bless you my dear, you are too good for me.” Francis Darwin said, “In her presence he found his happiness, and through her, his life.” Would his books be as they are today had it not been for Emma; he always asked her opinion and advice to proofread his work. She even said that, “Everything that concerns you concerns me.” The author did a fabulous job in her research; almost too good because it was so much factual information and names to even comprehend in one book but it was a wonderful read. The two accepted each other for who they were and loved each other until death; wow! It was sad that she never did give up hope for his belief in God and then when he died and she lived several years more, one can only imagine her thoughts. When he dies he writes, “Remember what a good wife you have been to me.” What a leap of faith for Charles and Emma and what a remarkable story I never would’ve imagined but glad to know now.