Charles and Emma: the Darwins' Leap of Faith

Heiligman, Deborah.  2009.  Charles and Emma: the Darwins' Leap of Faith.  New York: Henry Holt and Company.  ISBN 9780805087215

What you think you know about Charles Darwin will be tested in this award-winning book. Charles Darwin and Emma Wedgwood were compatible, in love and unable to resolve one major conflict: religion. Though this would be a source of contention between them, Charles and Emma were married and lived happily supporting one another through many of life’s trials and tribulations. The reader is taken through the progression of their lives as Charles forms and perfects his theories on evolution and natural selection.

Juxtaposing Charles’ scientific theories are Emma’s religious beliefs; this creates a balance in the book that presents the reader with the understanding that not all must be in congruence to have harmony and balance. The struggle of Charles Darwin to publish his, at the time, shocking theory about the origin of species is poignantly captured and all the more considerable because of his wife’s personal beliefs. Along with science and religion, the Darwins experience familial illness, joys, amusement and melancholy, which allows for the portrayal of Charles as a human, rather than as an historical figure.

What is apparent throughout the book is the love and respect each of these figures had for the other. Heiligman draws quotes and facts from Darwin’s publications, correspondence, public records and other resources to paint a vivid and accurate picture not only of the Darwins’ life together, but also of the nineteenth century. Photographic inserts are included, and the chapter headings are adorned illustrations representing the opposing viewpoints of Charles and Emma.

Throughout, Heiligman creates an accurate and captivating image of a family’s life in the Victorian era. That the family is that of Charles Darwin is an indulgence that allows for an introduction to the theories of evolution as labored-over by its father. The source notes, selected bibliography and family tree are extensive. It is apparent that much time and care were invested in the writing of this enchanting and well-crafted book, which will have the reader considering the balance between religion and science and how individuals choose to live with one, the other or both. Though the book is slow-paced and goes into minute details about certain topics, these things enhance rather than detract from the quality of work because of the subject matter.

Charles and Emma is the winner of YALSA’s Excellence in Young Adult NonFiction, a Printz Honor Book and a National Book Award Finalist.

"Austen fans will find a romance to like here, too.” (Booklist/January 2009)

"[Heiligman's] book allows readers not only to understand Darwin's ideas, but to appreciate how Emma's responses tempered them.” (Publishers Weekly/December 2008)

"...readers...will discover two brilliant thinkers whose marital dialectic will provide rich fodder for discussions of science and faith." (Kirkus Reviews/December 2008)

Possible Activities:
1. Discuss tolerance for all beliefs and have a readers' theater with various topics. Each student could represent a different idea, and the others would be able to respond by reading responses based on their own characters' viewpoints. This will help teach children to think of things from varying perspectives.
2. Have students create their own family tree stretching a few generations back, at least, so they will get a good sense of how families interact and grow.