Charlotte Mary Brame

Charlotte Mary Brame (usually known as Charlotte M. Brame, last name sometimes mistakenly given as Braeme; appeared under pseudonyms in America, notably Bertha M. Clay,[1] and was sometimes identified by the name of her most famous novel, Dora Thorne) (1 November 1836 – 25 November 1884) was an English novelist.

She was born in Hinckley, Leicestershire, to Benjamin and Charlotte Agnes Law, devout Roman Catholics.

Since Brame was a poor businessman and a drunkard, Charlotte found herself forced to support the family with her writing.

Her biographer, Gregory Drozdz, writes:Her stories appeared in popular weekly publications such as Bow Bells, the London Reader, and the Family Herald.

Her literary endeavours, in a male-dominated field, her works of charity, and her personal stamina and resilience, in the face of family tragedy and ill health, represent a triumph in adversity.