I have been fortunate to receive some lovely reviews for my novel Without the Veil Between, Anne Brontë: A Fine and Subtle Spirit. I cherish each and every one. of course, criticism is bound to happen, hopefully constructively offered. The author of this post I am reblogging, Elisabeth Basford, not only wrote a positive review but, also, a while back, graciously hosted me on her blog in an interview. Recently, she has been very supportive in her indignation to academic snobbery demonstrated in a vitriolic attack made on my novel and writing and even me personally by a prestigious professor of a University in the UK of which Elisabeth is an alumnus
Why intellectual snobbery can be so unkind.
A few days ago, I was teaching a student a difficult concept. The student kept telling me that they just could not ‘get it.’ I tried explaining in the usual way that I teach this, but it did not work. Finally, I came up with another explanation and calmly and patiently I tried, and I tried. Suddenly, and it came as if from nowhere, the student understood. I felt elated and the student was equally pleased. Later that day, I considered what I had managed to do. This has to be one of the greatest rewards of teaching; being able to make a difference. I hope that the student will always remember this and perhaps one day they will be grateful. But just imagine what would have happened had I decided not to persevere? What if I had used an entirely opposite tactic…
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bardessdmdenton - author- artist 
Oh my goodness, Diane, I haven’t read this piece attacking your novel but the descriptions of it sound horrible. I’m flabbergasted if it also included personal attacks on you – that’s quite shocking. Elisabeth’s post is a wise and well-judged rebuff – and I’m absolutely sure that the vast majority of readers will make their own minds up about your wonderfully creative and meticulously researched writing – as so many already have, judging from the warm praise and numerous positive reviews of your work. x
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Hi, Deborah. Here is a link to the review: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14748932.2020.1756304#.Xv5rsjolrxM.email
It is a blow to me in terms of the Bronte Society; probably why they didn’t reply to my email (sent a few months before the Parsonage closed because of Covid-19) wondering if they would have any more copies of the novel for sale in the Parsonage shop. But, yes, most other readers thus far have enjoyed the book, some writing lovely reviews. So I must move on from this and continue with my Christina Rossetti novel and whatever else inspires me. I’m too old – 67 in a few days – to let anyone thwart my muse. I hope you and yours are keeping well, that you parents are doing ok. Hope you can do some things for enjoyment this summer. ❤
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