If you are doing research on Dickinson, then this book will be helpful. If you are a fan of Dickinson, then you probably will not get any insight that you didn't already have. I did gleam insight into Dickinson childhood; I don't recall having read anything about Emily's childhood, so this was new information to me. I do think the book would have been a more interesting read if the author would have used more vivid language. Nonetheless, I think the author accomplishes her goal of presenting a look into Dickinson's life. ( )