“All My Darlings”

With letters, and photographs and journal entries, with All My Darlings we have a testament of the Macinore's story. Of George and Mary Ann, their children Clara, Emily and George Augustus. Their lifetimes.

It was a beautiful book to read, to get to know as they went through their lives through their letters to the other family members and friends. They were not rich, they were not poor. They were ordinary as all families are, but just like Patricia Neate wrote on the beginning of the book, it's their constant care to each other that is what makes reading this book and getting to know them so great.

I love how this family's history was laid out via their own letters, journals, and other documents found in an old desk. The writer put together a book that was more interesting than fiction. I felt myself becoming invested in this family the more that I read.

All My Darlings is an expansive look at one British family's story through letters, diaries, and other documents. The author provides many details to captivate readers. I found the backstory of the how the author found a trove of letters and then spent eight years tracking down more information and also transcribing the letters the most fascinating. Thanks to her diligence this family's history has been preserved.

The author inherited a desk filled with letters from her husband's side of the family. As she began to read through the letters she realized that the letters contained a glimpse into the families life during The Victorian Era. Even though the family was not wealthy or very famous their lives intersected many of the famous musicians and artists of the era. There is a lot of information in the letters. I liked the way the author chose which letters to reprint and which ones she summarized. There are lots of historical illustrations that accompany the text. Enjoy getting to know the family

3.5/5 Stars

I very much want to like this book because the author's love and care toward the family shine throughout the whole book, which is fantastic. I love seeing what others are passionate about because passion is contagious, and I wind up becoming passionate about it, too. And to some degree, I've cared a lot about the story of the Macirone family. That being said, I don't think this book quite knows what it wants to be. Is it a biography of a family? Or is it a collection of their letters and diaries? It tries to be a blend of both things, and that's not a bad thing, but I feel like there were so many letters and diaries quoted that it would've made sense to just make it a collection of their personal writing with footnotes giving some brief context to certain bits. I didn't much care for all the little filler context as it breaks up the flow and the cadence of the book as a whole. Most of the filler was unnecessary, and a good portion of the book is capable of standing on its own with footnotes adding needed support.

I feel like I'm being too harsh on this book and making it seem as though I don't like it because that's not the case at all. The Macirone family is fascinating, and it's incredible that there have been so many primary sources preserved over the years, even if unintentionally. Clara and Emily are by far the most interesting people in the family history, and I'm most interested in their personal writings rather than the brother and even the father. It's rare to see documentation of "every day" women who were self-sufficient and independent but also tender and vulnerable at times, too, and I was riveted to the stories of their lives, their thoughts and feelings, and ultimately what became of them.

If you're super into Victorian England, then this is most definitely a good read, especially if you're into stuff that's EXTREMELY heavy on integrated primary sources into the biographical narrative. Clara and Emily are truly remarkable women, and their voices shine the most out of everyone in the Macirone family. If you're looking for a quick historical read, though, I wouldn't recommend this as a top choice to tackle.

When the author discovered a treasure trove of letters photos diaries of this family,he went back in time entering their lives their world.I loved this book what a wonderful treat to go back in time to get an intimate look at them their daily existence their era.Highly recommend.#netgalley #troubador.