This biography investigates the tragic descent of Branwell Bronte, a figure overshadowed by his sisters' literary success, into addiction and despair. Daphne du Maurier, renowned for her narrative skill, focuses on the life of Branwell Bronte, exploring his early promise as a gifted child whose potential seemed limitless to his adoring sisters. The book details his adult struggles with rejection, his inability to achieve recognition for his paintings or writings, and his eventual retreat into laudanum, alcohol, and death, presenting him as a spectral figure in the Bronte family narrative.

Daphne du Maurier's biographical work on Branwell Bronte is lauded for its narrative urgency and ability to delve into the complexities of his private world. Critics have noted her skill in unravelling the distorted mystery surrounding his life, drawing parallels to her acclaimed narrative fiction. The biography is recognized for its intensely moving portrayal of Branwell's final descent into addiction and death, highlighting his pathetic contrast with the literary triumphs of his sisters. Du Maurier's approach is praised for bringing a compelling, almost novelistic, quality to the biographical subject.