Learned By Heart

Learned by Heart is a historical novel by Emma Donoghue that tells the story of Anne Lister and Eliza Raine, two fourteen-year-old girls who fall in love at a boarding school in 1805. The novel is full of passion and heartbreak and is based on the real-life inspiration behind Gentleman Jack. It was shortlisted for the Atwood Gibson Prize.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 24 August 2023
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

In the captivating world of 19th-century England, a tale of unyielding love unfolds, drawing inspiration from the remarkable life of Anne Lister. The real-life inspiration behind Gentleman Jack, Lister's story is a testament to the power of passion and the complexities of human relationships.

Born into a wealthy family in 1708, Anne Lister's life was marked by her unconventional desires and unwavering pursuit of personal freedom. Despite societal expectations that women should confine themselves to domestic roles, Lister defied convention and embarked on a series of passionate relationships with both men and women.

Her first love, Eliza Raine, was a young orphan girl who had been sent to the same boarding school as Lister. Despite their age difference and the disapproval of their peers, Lister and Eliza's connection was deep and enduring. They spent countless hours together, sharing their dreams, fears, and deepest secrets.

However, their love was not without its challenges. Lister's unconventional lifestyle and her refusal to conform to societal norms made it difficult for her to find acceptance and validation in the world around her. Eliza, too, faced her own struggles, battling the prejudice and discrimination that came with being an orphan and a woman of color.

Despite the obstacles they faced, Lister and Eliza remained committed to their love for each other. They wrote letters, exchanged poems, and even created a secret language that only they could understand. Their love was a source of strength and inspiration for both of them, and they believed that it was meant to be.

However, their happiness was short-lived. In 1824, Lister's life took a tragic turn when Eliza died suddenly. Lister was devastated by her loss, and her grief consumed her for years. She poured her heart and soul into her writing, using her diaries and journals as a means of expressing her pain and loss.

Through her writing, Lister became a celebrated figure in the literary world. Her vivid descriptions of her love for Eliza and her unconventional lifestyle resonated with readers, and her work was praised for its honesty and emotional depth.

In 2013, the BBC adapted Lister's story into a television series called Gentleman Jack, starring actress Suranne Jones as Lister. The series was a critical success, winning numerous awards and capturing the hearts of viewers around the world.

Today, Anne Lister's legacy continues to inspire and intrigue people. Her story is a testament to the power of love, the importance of pursuing one's dreams, and the courage it takes to live authentically in a society that often seeks to confine and control.

In conclusion, the story of Anne Lister and Eliza Raine is a captivating and heart-wrenching tale of forbidden love. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love to transcend societal boundaries. Through her writing and the enduring legacy of Gentleman Jack, Lister's story continues to inspire and remind us of the importance of living authentically and embracing our true selves.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 223 x 140 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781035017768