I love poetry. I've always loved poetry ever since I was small. So of course I've heard of Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning. And yet the fact they were married somehow totally passed me by!

This book was a beautiful read. I was instantly transported to the 19th Century by the rich, descriptive language which was,in places, as beautiful as the words of Elizabeth and Robert themselves.

Their story is a real, old fashioned love story. The tale of a man and woman who fell in love with each others words, and defied the social conventions of the time. I really feel that i got to know both Elizabeth and Robert as well as their families during this book. Things were so different in those days, although love is enduring and largly unchanging throughout the ages.

I also enjoyed the story of Leonore and Mary Ann which was beautifully interwoven.

This book has inspired me to look into the lives of Elizabeth and Robert, as well as to re-read some of their beautiful poems.

When I tell you that as a child I was obsessed with Robert Browning and Browning and Elizabeth Barrett - ob-sessed! I devoured everything I could get my hands on that mentioned them, so you can bet I signed up for this tour in a heartbeat. And oh my heart was not disappointed. This book is all kinds of beautiful. I couldn’t bear to put it down and I know I will read it again and again, like nine year old me, making a nuisance of myself in the library, hassling the librarians for more fated love stories and poetry. It’s everything I love in literature and more. Theirs was such an unusual and special story and this book captures and details it absolutely. I’m a firm believer of all in or not at all and these two, their love story, embodies that. My book of the year so far. The easiest five stars and if I could give more I would. Delicious telling of a beautiful story.

I didn’t know much about these two 19th century poets before reading this book, but oh what a piece of fiction, I really feel like Laura really managed to bring these figures to life! The story between the two characters of Emily and Robert was just gorgeous and the historical setting was a gentle reminder of what times used to be like for creatives and those with disabilities in times gone by. Overall, I give it 4 out of 5 stars as I did find some of the language difficult to understand at times.

Thank you to Love Books Tours, NetGalley, and the publishers for an ARC of this.

The Swan's Nest by Laura McNeal tells the (true) story of iconic 19th century poets Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning, and their great love affair. On one cold and dreary winters' day in 1845, Elizabeth Barrett - who had been confined to her house for four years following illness - received a letter from fellow poet Mr Browning, who she secretly idolised but never imagined would love her. The letter read, "I love your verses with all my heart, dear Miss Barrett. And I love you too." The two poets proceeded to exchange amorous letters containing their words of affection for each other, but Barrett kept delaying a visit from Browning, through fear of what he may think of her once he visualised her physicalities. Laura McNeal tells this story beautifully, in a sensitive but beautifully emotional way, with the same lyricism that I'm sure these poets shared in their correspondence. (They were, and remain, fantastic poets).

The Swan's Nest is a deeply emotive and sweet book that melted my heart! McNeal captured the general feeling of life in the late 19th century, whilst still perfectly picturing Browning and Barrett's relationship, which transcends the constraints of time and history. Their love was so pure - and I hadn't even known that they were married, despite having heard of both of their poetry before!

I would definitely recommend any romance fans, history buffs, or poetry lovers, to pick up this book! 💜💫

The cover and name of this book made so much sense while reading the book and demonstrates Elizabeth’s mind.

A beautiful 19th century true story novel exploring the relationship of two poets - Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning.

Meeting through poetry and admiring each other’s work. Elizabeth never imagined Robert could love her as she was confined to the house for 4 years due to illness. Their journey to being together was the furthest thing from easy but true love always find a way.

This was a heart warming read which I would recommend for historical fiction readers even though this is based on a true story.

Thank you to NetGalley, Love Book Tours and to the publisher Algonquin Books for the digital ARC, it has not affected my honest review.

TW: chronic illness, misogyny, references to sexual assault, slavery

In January 1845, the famous poet Elizabeth Barrett received a letter that would change her life. Essentially bed-bound for four years due to illness and with limited access to the outside world, this letter would kickstart the greatest relationship of her life- that of her romance with Robert Browning, a poet she adored but had never met. He wrote, “I love your verses with all my heart, dear Miss Barrett… and I love you too.” Robert Browning, a well-travelled man and writer of controversial, unsuccessful poetry becomes Elizabeth’s access to the kind of life she’s always dreamed of. They soon become close writing companions. However, Elizabeth refuses to grant Robert permission to visit her out of concern over his intentions, his view of her as a chronically ill woman and the fear of her overprotective family’s reaction. When they do meet, it’s clear that the two of them are made for each other, and when Robert suggests Elizabeth come with him to Italy for her health on the advice of her doctors, she must choose between her conservative family, her financial success and their happiness.

“The Swan’s Nest” is a gorgeous imagining of the meeting and courtship of the famous poets, Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning, while adding a fictional story about the wider Barrett family and their role in Jamaican slavery on a significant, personal level. I loved how the author used the couple’s real letters to each other and other family members as inspiration, and the way that Elizabeth’s choices were massively influenced by her father and brothers. The representation of her unknown illness, one that left her severely ill from a very young age, was really well written and her strength was shown by the life she chose to live later on. The relationship between Elizabeth and Robert is the most powerful part of this book, I only wish there’d been more of a focus on it in certain parts than on the fictional storyline of the wider Barrett and Browning families. This is slow-paced but easy to read and I did enjoy most of this book; it’s influenced me to read up more on the relationship and works of both Barrett and Browning.

This wasn't my usual read but wanted to read it as the blurb intrigued me. I loved it! You get swept up into the world of Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning. Two poets, two people from different classes sending letters to each other over the span of a few years.

Getting to know each other, learning the ways of their worlds, I love the poetry slipped in here and there as you really get a feel for the characters. The book is set in the early 1900's and it shows how different time is to now but they overcome hurdles to be together. Her father has other ideas but at the end of the day, Elizabeth's happiness is more important, right?

I can imagine the amount of research that went into this book, travelling to different countries, towns etc to pick up bits of information along the way.

Will re-read this again soon as I feel I will feel closer to them and once again, get swallowed up into their world. A very moving, thoughtful, loving read, would recommend!

Although I've heard about these two love birds my whole life, I really never read their story. Two famous poets, writers, a man, a woman in a time those didn't mix professionally, and here they are. Delighted by the surprise of their interest in each other's work, in each other's passions, and in each other's presence.

She is bedridden, just because her family has mostly decided so. She suffers from something, but a cure seems as far away and unattainable as fairies and unicorns. And then Elizabeth Barrett meets Robert Browning. Their families are less than thrilled. She's got money. He's got some, but not enough to overcome the class barrier. So, they do what they do best. They write to each other.

That's as much as you get out of me. A lovely tale that really is true, and told by Laura McNeal with an earnest lyricism that even I (not big on romances) couldn't wave away. I swallowed it whole, and loved every bit. It moved me to find the entirety of Sonnet 43 - I want to have it memorized by the end of the year. . . .

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. . .

*A sincere thank you to Laura McNeal, Algonquin Books, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #TheSwansNest #NetGalley

So many know the poem of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s that begins “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways…” Many also may know that Robert and Elizabeth were deeply attracted to one another. But…how many know the background of their story with the restrictions of Victorian life, strong fathers and connections to Jamaican sugar plantations? How many know where they went to live and how they fared?

Ms. Mc Neal pens excellent historical fiction here. The people are brought to life and some new insights are offered. Historical fiction fans are in for a treat as are admirers of these poets.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Algonquin Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Beautiful, quiet, lush; the story just sweeps you into the world of Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning until you are fully immersed and you feel everything that the couple are experiencing [including the damage caused by Elizabeth's narrow-minded, overly-religious, extremely judgemental, cruel father; many of the tears I shed were when he was in the picture], and when you finally surface, heartbroken [but healing], tears streaming, you will want to know even more, will want to read all they wrote [I guess it's time I read Robert Browning 😉] , and your life will never be the same [may we all experience a love like they had]. Now, please excuse me while I go dig out my copy of "Sonnets from the Portuguese" and immerse myself in EBB's love for her beloved.

Absolutely fantastic.

Thank you to NetGalley, Laura McNeal, and Algonquin Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received this advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. I found this novel very interesting and full of the passionate story of our two protagonists. Highly recommended for historical fiction fans!

If your last exposure to the name Elizabeth Barret Browning was in a high school English course, you may want to take a quick look at a biographical sketch online or at the very least refresh yourself with the promotional blurb. Otherwise, you can find yourself at sea for the first few chapters of The Swan’s Nest. I tried the first few chapters both ways, and personally found the story more engaging once I had even a little bit of context. McNeal notes that there is abundant source material saved from the poet’s life, and I think a combination of McNeal’s own skill and the influence of that material mix well to produce a novel where I can believe that the characters are the poets, without tonal shifts from excerpts of their poetry to dialogue and internal monologue.

There are biographical novels that I’ve enjoyed more, though it is nice to read one where the end of the novel is not a man getting all the credit for a woman’s work and genius. In my opinion, this is a solid recommendation for readers who are fans of Marie Benedict’s biographical novels, but not a place I would start with someone who isn’t sold on the idea of the subgenre.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.

DNF at 28%.

I was approved for this book only a day before it published, and then I was picking it up and reading it before bed in the evenings, and it put me to sleep every time. I liked that it had sort of an Austenian writing style to it, and thought it would be more engaging. However, the side plots really detracted from the main character plots (which I wanted so much more of, but started off sooo slow).

After trying and trying for over a month to get into it, I'm just calling it quits. A shame because I really wanted to like this.

Thank you to NetGalley and Algonquin Books for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. This title published March 12, 2024.

The romance between Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning is a renowned one. That being said, I struggled with the narrative of their romance in The Swan’s Nest by Laura McNeal. The book has a multitude of characters and goes into the stories of some of these characters. The side characters become the vehicle for moving the story forward but create a distance from the main story. That paradigm does shift later in the book, but unfortunately too late for this reader.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2024/04/the-swans-nest.html

Reviewed for NetGalley and a publishers blog tour.

In this historical romance novel about poets Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning, readers follow their courtship and the early days of their marriage -- and all the highs and lows that follow such a relationship. Alternating between several perspectives beyond Robert and Elizabeth, readers explore the dramatic controversy of their marriage from both insider and outsider perspectives. Traveling from England to Italy with the newlyweds, Laura McNeal brings readers along for a fantastic emotional journey with these two fascinatingly complex protagonists and their families and friends. The characters drive this story forward, bringing readers along the timeline of Elizabeth and Robert’s relationship, from a friendly correspondence to love and marriage. The alternate perspectives of Elizabeth’s family, the household staff, and others in their sphere are particularly enjoyable, adding to the depth of the novel. McNeal also uses setting to her advantage, further contextualizing the historical timeline and the phases of their relationship. At its heart a romance novel, McNeal includes letters and poetry throughout the novel, a stylistic shift which further builds up the characters, setting, and timeline.A fantastic insight into the love story of two great nineteenth century poets, this is a strong historical fiction novel and a great introduction into these two poets’ lives and works.

The Swan’s Nest by Laura McNeal. Pub Date: March 12, 2024. Rating: 3 stars. Based on the true romance story of Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett, this novel is filled with classical style storytelling, forbidden love and poetic prose. I had no idea about the love affair between these two famous poets. Also, I learned of Elizabeth Barrett’s illness and how she was able to live a fulfilling life regardless of her ailment. I loved the setting of this novel and felt I was in that time period while reading. I liked this novel, but didn’t love it. It’s a solid choice if you crave historical fiction that features lesser known famous characters. Thanks to #netgalley and #algonquinbooks for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review. @netgalley @algonquinbooks #theswansnest #bibliophile #historicalfiction #igreads #bookworm #bookstagram

Unique and interesting bookish historical romance about the romance between two famous authors. Absolutely gorgeous!

3,5 ⭐️

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐰𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐬𝐭 is the eloquent and poetic story of two famous poets from the 19th century. ⁣
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In 1845, both Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett were poets but their lives were very different. Elizabeth, though from a wealthy family, was sickly and confined much of the time to her room. Robert was younger and much poorer but loved to travel.
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Both poets admired each other’s work, Robert so much so that he wrote to Elizabeth declaring his love for her although he had not yet met her. But he was unworthy of Elizabeth in her family’s eyes. ⁣
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This is undoubtedly an unconventional love story. The constraints of the time period are evident as Elizabeth was controlled by her father and brother. Their family wealth was gained from the sugar plantations and, thus, the people they owned. ⁣
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True to a love poem, Robert desired to whisk Elizabeth off to Italy to marry her and allow the Italian sun to heal her. ⁣
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Whether you are a poetry fan or not, you’ll find these two historical figures and their desire to spend their lives together fascinating. This is a rich and layered tale that examines privilege, wealth, colonialism, early feminism, and, of course, love. ⁣

Thank you @algonquinbooks for this gifted digital copy.

Wow! The Swan's Nest by Laura McNeal is historical fiction at its very best! The writing is terrific, the story is unputdownable, and the history is unforgettable. I loved reading this book!

Okay, so what did I enjoy about this lovely novel? Here goes:

1. The book's cover. I just love the image and the way she's looking right at you. It's like you can tell she's hiding a secret or four. I love it!

2. The title. Led me to Elizabeth's poem, The Romance of the Swan's Nest.

3. Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning's love story. I didn't know the details and was definitely intrigued. Love letters - over 500 of them! A secret romance. A secret wedding! Italy! Oh, my! I loved reading all about it!

4. The Barrett's family fortune from a Jamaican sugar plantation. Slavery, social injustice, racism all were divulged. Along with Elizabeth's brother's relationship with his 'housekeeper'.

5. Elizabeth's tyrannical father who refuses to let his children marry.

6. Elizabeth's illness, which kept her in bed and using drugs like morphine.

7. Robert's proposal, secret visit, and LOVE for Elizabeth.

8. Elizabeth choosing to follow her heart.

9. A marriage that proved love is the answer.

Oh, what a wonderful story! True romance is at the core, but McNeal captures the the history of the 19th century so vividly - you can't help but find yourself time traveling and wandering alongside these famous poets. What a treat!

I would happily recommend The Swan's Nest by Laura McNeal to anyone and everyone looking for their next historical fiction read - you will fall in deep with this book! Make sure to check it out!


Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

Many of us will be familiar with the Browning/Barrett love story. Here it gets zuzzed up with some modern dynamics - feminism, colonialism. All perfectly on trend but is it true? If so, fair enough. If not, perhaps the familiar has become a vehicle. Either way, it’s readable and sympathetic stuff.