Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman - Y 576.8 HEI

This biography of Charles Darwin, author of The Origin of Species, covers the expected topics of science and evolution. Its success, however, lies in author Deborah Heiligman’s presentation of the great scientist through the lens of marriage to his beloved Emma, a woman of faith. That Darwin’s theory of evolution remains controversial is well-known, but the debate that it caused within Darwin’s own marriage and home life comes as a surprise and makes the biography a fascinating read about the power of love, marriage, family and inquiry. Heiligman’s fascination with Darwin and his devotion to Emma comes naturally – she is a religious studies major, a lover of science, and very happily married to a writer of science and evolution. This book would be another outstanding selection for sacred institutions’ youth and book groups. Sue Parsons, Youth Services Librarian