On the voyage, Charles had been vigorous and brave. He withstood horrible seasickness, weathered harsh conditions, witnessed a battle in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, and experienced an earthquake in Valvivia, Chile. … But now, back in London in 1838, he truly was scared. the thought of marriage and of Emma terrified him and gave him serious headaches. He knew she was religious, and he was consumed by the fear that his secret idea would go against her beliefs (p 47).
Charles and Emma is a lovely narrative examining the famous English Naturalist, Charles Darwin, against the backdrop of his relationship with his wife and cousin (it was common practice to marry first cousins at the time), Emma Darwin. Very readable, flowing text really introduced me to Darwin, the person. Reference to Jane Austin and Dickens helped me picture the place and time.
Charles and Emma was a 2010 National Book Award Finalist and a Printz Honor Award winner.