Monday, November 9, 2009

Charles and Emma -- A Love Story

I'm just finishing up CHARLES AND EMMA: THE DARWINS' LEAP OF FAITH and I will be sorry to leave the Darwins. This is a love story, written with great love by Deborah Heiligman. It begins with Charles Darwin making a list whether he should marry or not marry! The entire book makes use of diaries and letters and Heiligman's narrative is seamless. It's a book that combines science, religion and love. And it's an NBA finalist! No, that's not basketball ... but the National Book Award.

In her author's note, Deborah says the book is a love letter to her husband, Jonathan Weiner, who started this whole thing. I do love a good love story.

I feel the writing world is small. I'd read Weiner's book, His Brother's Keeper, a while back but never bothered to find out anything more about the author. Had I bothered, I'd have discovered Deborah's books even earlier. Such fun to make even these small discoveries.

I'm very pleased with how my writing/revising is going right now. I've chopped off all the parts related to a minor but crucial character. The manuscript is rather choppy now and I have to smooth out my transitions, but already I see it's going to be better. Sometimes less is more. The reader doesn't need to know everything just yet.

Happy Writing.
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4 comments:

Write2ignite said...

Keeping the reader hooked is what we need to do. Sounds like you're doing a great job of revision.

I've never heard of "CHARLES AND EMMA". I'm not a big Darwin fan...but this might be interesting!

hugs,
Donna

Vijaya said...

Almost done with the revisions, and that's a good thing because I need to keep moving forward as well.

I've never read a biography of Darwin that combines so much of the personal history -- his doubts and fears, his love. I think you'll find it interesting.

Suma Subramaniam said...

Hi Vijaya,
Charles and Emma does sound interesting. Happy Revising!

Best,
Suma

Vijaya said...

I hope you get a chance to pick it up, Suma.