THE IMMORTAL LOVERS

by Frances Winwar ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 26, 1950

The Browning story is ever old and new, one of the great love stories of literary history, and Frances Winwar has brought to her rendering of the story, full measure not only of her thorough knowledge of the setting, the period, the atmosphere of the times, but flavorful, zestful appreciation of the glamour. Her style, with its lushness, its occasional sentimentality, seems somehow keyed to the story she is telling. And yet, despite these qualities which will annoy some readers, her manner of telling is somehow in tune with the matter. The Elizabeth Barrett side of the portrait is better than the Robert Browning side. Possibly because there was more contemporary source material to draw on, possibly because her poetry stemmed so wholly from her character, her emotional being that in writing of the woman and her art, they integrated spontaneously. One has a sense of seeing Robert Browning through Elizabeth's eyes; of getting only flashes of his writings, objectively handled rather than subjectively. The stories are paralleled until almost the moment of the lovers meeting, and the Barrett household comes alive- the stage set plays a vital part, while the Browning family remains lay figures. Nonetheless, familiar as the story of their love has become, one reads for the intimate details as though once again it was newly experienced. Much of the flavor of Poor Splendid Wings is here, in the reflection of England of the times, while the Florence panel seems fresh and new. Much that has become common ground for those who saw The Burretts of Wimpole Street contributes to giving this impetus for popular sale. Scholars may quarrel with what they will feel liberties taken with authenticity, but the letters, notes, diaries, etc. are so closely interwoven with Miss Winwar's contribution that it emerges as a whole.

Pub Date: April 26, 1950

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harper

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1950

Categories: NONFICTION