Charles & Emma

I was surprised to find how much I actually enjoyed this book. I learned so much about the background of Charles Darwin and the long hard road to publishing his theories. I liked how the introduction set up the storyline of their life. I was intrigued by the list Darwin made to decide whether or not to marry. So that before we even meet Emma, we know his idea of marriage and fears for a partner. Darwin's character is described in such detail with his inner struggle with religion and his many theories that we can understand why it took so many years to publish his thoughts and notes. Emma's character as Darwin's opposite was also integral to her husband's. Emma's religion played a huge part in their marriage and partnership, but they were able to compromise and meet in the middle. Their love and commitment to each other was able to overcome their differences and ultimate loss with the death of their three children. While this was a non-fiction book, there was still a storyline that kept a pace. I enjoyed learning the background of their story as well as the author's since she faced a similar situation among her own marriage.