Today (July 30) is Emily Brontë's birthday!
Born in 1818, her impact on the literary world continues to echo more than two centuries later. This year, we found her legacy back at center stage with the release of director Emerald Fennell's film adaptation of "Wuthering Heights" – Brontë's first and only published novel released in 1847 just one year before her death.
The movie (starring Margot Robbie as Cathy and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff) has been analyzed at length since its release by those on both ends of the enjoyment spectrum. Regardless of the critiques, praises and everything in between, it further solidifies the lasting impact of the novel and the way Brontë continues to inspire creatives across industries.
Like "Wuthering Heights," there are many other well-known and loved classics that are also the only novel their author ever published. Check them out at your local KCPL branch, opens a new window today – or use your library card to borrow them from Libby, opens a new window or hoopla, opens a new window!
Because she died so soon after this book's publication, no one knows if Brontë ever intended to write a second book. No additional manuscripts have ever been found to indicate that, though she did also publish a shared book of poetry with her sisters under their male pen names.
Wilde wrote plenty of plays and poems, but "The Picture of Dorian Gray" (released in 1890 first as a short story and then 1891 as a full-length book) was his only novel.
Salinger's other famous works, "Franny and Zooey" and "Nine Stories," are both collections of short fiction, making "The Catcher in the Rye" his only published novel.
"Invisible Man" was met with quick acclaim when it was published in 1952, winning the National Book Award in 1953. Ellison continued writing, publishing essays and short stories while working on a second novel, but the latter would never come to be during his lifetime. His unfinished novel "Juneteenth" was edited and published posthumously in 1999.
It is known that Mitchell wrote at least one other novel and two novellas, but "Gone With the Wind was the only to be published in her lifetime. "Lost Laysen" (a novella) was originally written in 1916 and published posthumously in 1996.
Upcoming Library Events and Gatherings for Writers
- Writers' Group, opens a new window – Tuesday, August 4 at Erlanger Branch – Occurs monthly. Share your work and give feedback to other writers. New members always welcome.
- Teen Reading and Writing Group, opens a new window – Wednesday, August 5 and August 19 at Erlanger Branch – Occurs twice a month. Join us for reading and writing prompts to promote creativity and literary exploration. Find your writing style and discover new genres.
- Young Writers Society, opens a new window – Monday, August 10 at Covington Branch – Occurs monthly. A social network for teens to share their creative works and learn new writing skills. All skill levels welcome. Best for ages 11-18.
- World War 2: The Biggest Art Theft in History with Stephen Brown, opens a new window– Thursday, August 13 at Covington Branch – Join author Stephen Brown as he explores Nazi-looted artworks from World War 2 and the history of his series of "Stealing" novels.
- Author Event: Finding Gobi, opens a new window – Wednesday, August 19 at Erlanger Branch – Meet author, Dion Leonard, and hear the true story of his extraordinary bond with Gobi, a stray dog he met during an ultra-marathon.
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