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The Secret Life of Mrs. London
2019 Gold Medal IPPY Winner!
THE SECRET LIFE OF MRS. LONDON
Historical fiction Houdini-London love triangle
San Francisco, 1915. As America teeters on the brink of world war, Charmian and her husband, famed novelist Jack London, wrestle with genius and desire, politics and marital competitiveness. Charmian longs to be viewed as an equal partner who put her own career on hold to support her husband, but Jack doesn’t see it that way…until Charmian is pulled from the audience during a magic show by escape artist Harry Houdini, a man enmeshed in his own complicated marriage. Suddenly, charmed by the attention Houdini pays her and entranced by his sexual magnetism, Charmian’s eyes open to a world of possibilities that could be her escape.
As Charmian grapples with her urge to explore the forbidden, Jack’s increasingly reckless behavior threatens her dedication. Now torn between two of history’s most mysterious and charismatic figures, she must find the courage to forge her own path, even as she fears the loss of everything she holds dear.
PRAISE FOR THE SECRET OF MRS. LONDON
From Victoria Kelly, MRS. HOUDINI, THE NOVEL
The Secret Life of Mrs. London is a heart-wrenching portrait of a marriage between two people who utterly depend on one another, but ultimately aren't enough for each other. With skillful precision of language, Rosenberg weaves a narrative that defines the complexities of love, passion and art. This is a perceptive, deeply moving novel by a great new talent about a couple who has gone unnoticed in historical fiction until now. Anyone who has ever loved another person will want to read this book.
From John Cox, WILD ABOUT HOUDINI
One of Houdini’s best kept secrets was his affair with Charmian London in 1918. Now Rebecca Rosenberg tells the story using an elegant blend of fact and fiction, creating a Houdini book like no other. The Secret Life of Mrs. London is a true peek behind the curtain and a page-turner. –John Cox, wildabouthoudini.com
From Malena Watrous, SPARKED, IF YOU FOLLOW ME
The SECRET LIFE of MRS. LONDON is a riveting behind-the-scenes look at the marriage of Jack and Charmain London, both fascinating and complicated characters with rich inner lives that Rosenberg conveys in crisp yet poetic prose. This contemporary historical fiction raises questions that are still relevant today about what makes a good marriage, and whether creativity and stability are incompatible. A rich, resonant, deeply satisfying novel sure to delight and leave readers thinking long after they put it down.
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072KRP7MN
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B072KRP7MN
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B072KRP7MN
THE SECRET LIFE OF MRS. LONDON
Historical fiction Houdini-London love triangle
San Francisco, 1915. As America teeters on the brink of world war, Charmian and her husband, famed novelist Jack London, wrestle with genius and desire, politics and marital competitiveness. Charmian longs to be viewed as an equal partner who put her own career on hold to support her husband, but Jack doesn’t see it that way…until Charmian is pulled from the audience during a magic show by escape artist Harry Houdini, a man enmeshed in his own complicated marriage. Suddenly, charmed by the attention Houdini pays her and entranced by his sexual magnetism, Charmian’s eyes open to a world of possibilities that could be her escape.
As Charmian grapples with her urge to explore the forbidden, Jack’s increasingly reckless behavior threatens her dedication. Now torn between two of history’s most mysterious and charismatic figures, she must find the courage to forge her own path, even as she fears the loss of everything she holds dear.
PRAISE FOR THE SECRET OF MRS. LONDON
From Victoria Kelly, MRS. HOUDINI, THE NOVEL
The Secret Life of Mrs. London is a heart-wrenching portrait of a marriage between two people who utterly depend on one another, but ultimately aren't enough for each other. With skillful precision of language, Rosenberg weaves a narrative that defines the complexities of love, passion and art. This is a perceptive, deeply moving novel by a great new talent about a couple who has gone unnoticed in historical fiction until now. Anyone who has ever loved another person will want to read this book.
From John Cox, WILD ABOUT HOUDINI
One of Houdini’s best kept secrets was his affair with Charmian London in 1918. Now Rebecca Rosenberg tells the story using an elegant blend of fact and fiction, creating a Houdini book like no other. The Secret Life of Mrs. London is a true peek behind the curtain and a page-turner. –John Cox, wildabouthoudini.com
From Malena Watrous, SPARKED, IF YOU FOLLOW ME
The SECRET LIFE of MRS. LONDON is a riveting behind-the-scenes look at the marriage of Jack and Charmain London, both fascinating and complicated characters with rich inner lives that Rosenberg conveys in crisp yet poetic prose. This contemporary historical fiction raises questions that are still relevant today about what makes a good marriage, and whether creativity and stability are incompatible. A rich, resonant, deeply satisfying novel sure to delight and leave readers thinking long after they put it down.
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072KRP7MN
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B072KRP7MN
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B072KRP7MN
348 pages, Paperback
First published January 30, 2018
421 people are currently reading
4363 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Rosenberg
9 books894 followersRebecca Rosenberg is a triple-gold award-winning author of MADAME POMMERY and CHAMPAGNE WIDOWS. Rebecca is a lavender farmer, champagne geek, champagne tour guide, and cocktail creator for Breathless Wines. She is the moderator of Breathless Bubbles & Books and American Historical Novels.
Rebecca writes novels about history’s real-life women of substance who made an indelible mark on the world. Her latest novel begins a series about the true champagne widows, the first of whom was Veuve Clicquot. (Veuve is French for widow.)
Rebecca is a University of Colorado alumni and holds a Stanford University novel-writing certificate. Her novels have garnered many awards including IBPA, IPPY, and starred Publisher Weekly reviews for her novels, THE SECRET LIFE OF MRS. LONDON (Lake Union 2018) and GOLD DIGGER, The Remarkable Baby Doe Tabor (Lion Heart 2019). As lavender farmer and founder of the largest lavender products manufacturer in America, Rebecca’s new book is LAVENDER FIELDS OF AMERICA.
Rebecca has researched the CHAMPAGNE WIDOWS novels through a decade of trips to the Champagne region of France, consulting with champagne historians and champagne wineries for delicious exploration.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 323 reviews
December 7, 2017
Update..... given I ‘AM’ still thinking about this novel ... I’m adding one more star...
from 3 stars to 4. This book is growing on me!!!!
This is a hard review for me to write ...because I wasn’t crazy about this book.
I have only myself to blame. I didn’t read ‘one’ thing about this novel when Rebecca Rosenberg asked me if I would like to read it: “The Secret Life of Mrs. London”,
in exchange for a review.
I was happy to read Rebecca’s novel....California native, who lives in Sonoma...always nice to get behind our locals - and first time authors.
Plus, there is some hanky-panky weird history about Jack London in relationship to my husband, Paul. Without going into all the nitty-gritty details that have been passed down to us —- we are fairly certain Jack London was Paul’s great great biological grandfather. I’ve never been a huge Jack London fan myself beyond a couple of his books, but the ties with Paul’s Family kinda interested me.
However -if I had just read the blurb on Goodreads as I did seconds ago - I would have read about Houdini being part of this story.
I have zero interest in Houdini....and he’s a large presence throughout. So for those who are interested in anything Houdini- then by all means - choose this book - lots of Houdini to chew on.
Hers’s a small example:
Jack and Houdini are on stage together a few times in this novel. The audience loves them- cheers - and bows. This one time Houdini was holding a burning knife like a torch, and hurls it at Jack’s Head.
“The knife twists through steamy air slowly, trailing fire and smoke on its path across stage. As the knife thrusts into the wood above Jack’s Head, flames singe his hair”.
Mrs. London wanted to kill them both - and who could blame her?
The first 75% of this novel is equally about Jack London as it is Mrs. London....yes there is a scandal between Mrs. London, ie, Charmain, or Charmie, or Chairman, or Mate, or Mate-Woman in that first 75%.... she types for Jack... supporting him complete a thousand words a day, has rendezvous moments on the beach in Hawaii,
definitely withholds personal thoughts and feelings, and clearly wants to be a writer in her own right....but it’s really the last 25% of this book where Mrs London takes full stage as the leading character in book..... which takes place in New York Houdini is her supporting character.
I don’t need to like characters to enjoy a book - but I need some redeeming qualities of inspiration ‘somewhere’. And that’s what this book didn’t have enough of for me. Nothing inspired me - moved me. I really didn’t care about the adults sex lives — I didn’t find it steamy or in the least bit shocking or interesting.
I wouldn’t want to be friends with most the people in this book. Jack’s sister, Eliza,could cook great and seemed pretty nice.
Jack London...who had kidney stones, rheumatism, smoked cigarettes and drank martinis like they were going out of style could be an narcissistic, disrespectful asshole. His all time finale asshole performance was when the MOST LIKABLE CHARACTER in this book: *Nakata*, a loyal saint of a servant finally wanted to quit. Jack was down right rude him - then said couldn’t quit because he was like family. If he was like family, how come he never shared a meal with him?
Mrs. London and Jack - both had crazy sex lives - and ideas about soul relationships - They were both too nuts and eccentric for my taste.
Houdin’s wife Bessie was a real character - she had an obsession with dolls ...
I liked the dog: Possum!
Back to my favorite:
Nakata....who wanted to be a dentist... with graciousness and dignity... he served fresh brewed Kona coffee on the lanai in the mornings in Hawaii to Jack and Charmsin. He brought them pitchers of cocktails, kept them fed throughout the day with raw Bonita and papaya, or steaming malasades fried dough with haupia coconut milk custard, and delicious dinners.
One last thing - which I did enjoy - a tidbit. At the start of each chapter was a quote-by Jack London from one of his books. And since my favorite book of his is “The Call of the Wild”.....
This is the quote Rebecca Rosenberg chose ...which I like very much too.
“There is an ecstasy that marks the summit of life,
and Beyond which life, cannot rise. And such is the paradox of living, this ecstasy comes when one is most alive, and it comes as a complete forgetfulness that one is alive”.
From 1916 to 1917...Sonoma, Napa Valley, Beauty Ranch, Glenn Ellen, Hawaii,- Big Island, Oahu, New York, Manhattan, Greenwich Village, Sausalito, back to Napa Valley Area.
Note....Mrs London did eventually get her book, “Our Hawaii” published by Macmillan.....selling 95 copies.
Liked it - didn’t love it.... readable ... but not uplifting or inspiring or particularly interesting to me. However, for a first novel, it’s written well.
Thank you Lake Union Publishing, Netgalley, and Rebecca Rosenberg
from 3 stars to 4. This book is growing on me!!!!
This is a hard review for me to write ...because I wasn’t crazy about this book.
I have only myself to blame. I didn’t read ‘one’ thing about this novel when Rebecca Rosenberg asked me if I would like to read it: “The Secret Life of Mrs. London”,
in exchange for a review.
I was happy to read Rebecca’s novel....California native, who lives in Sonoma...always nice to get behind our locals - and first time authors.
Plus, there is some hanky-panky weird history about Jack London in relationship to my husband, Paul. Without going into all the nitty-gritty details that have been passed down to us —- we are fairly certain Jack London was Paul’s great great biological grandfather. I’ve never been a huge Jack London fan myself beyond a couple of his books, but the ties with Paul’s Family kinda interested me.
However -if I had just read the blurb on Goodreads as I did seconds ago - I would have read about Houdini being part of this story.
I have zero interest in Houdini....and he’s a large presence throughout. So for those who are interested in anything Houdini- then by all means - choose this book - lots of Houdini to chew on.
Hers’s a small example:
Jack and Houdini are on stage together a few times in this novel. The audience loves them- cheers - and bows. This one time Houdini was holding a burning knife like a torch, and hurls it at Jack’s Head.
“The knife twists through steamy air slowly, trailing fire and smoke on its path across stage. As the knife thrusts into the wood above Jack’s Head, flames singe his hair”.
Mrs. London wanted to kill them both - and who could blame her?
The first 75% of this novel is equally about Jack London as it is Mrs. London....yes there is a scandal between Mrs. London, ie, Charmain, or Charmie, or Chairman, or Mate, or Mate-Woman in that first 75%.... she types for Jack... supporting him complete a thousand words a day, has rendezvous moments on the beach in Hawaii,
definitely withholds personal thoughts and feelings, and clearly wants to be a writer in her own right....but it’s really the last 25% of this book where Mrs London takes full stage as the leading character in book..... which takes place in New York Houdini is her supporting character.
I don’t need to like characters to enjoy a book - but I need some redeeming qualities of inspiration ‘somewhere’. And that’s what this book didn’t have enough of for me. Nothing inspired me - moved me. I really didn’t care about the adults sex lives — I didn’t find it steamy or in the least bit shocking or interesting.
I wouldn’t want to be friends with most the people in this book. Jack’s sister, Eliza,could cook great and seemed pretty nice.
Jack London...who had kidney stones, rheumatism, smoked cigarettes and drank martinis like they were going out of style could be an narcissistic, disrespectful asshole. His all time finale asshole performance was when the MOST LIKABLE CHARACTER in this book: *Nakata*, a loyal saint of a servant finally wanted to quit. Jack was down right rude him - then said couldn’t quit because he was like family. If he was like family, how come he never shared a meal with him?
Mrs. London and Jack - both had crazy sex lives - and ideas about soul relationships - They were both too nuts and eccentric for my taste.
Houdin’s wife Bessie was a real character - she had an obsession with dolls ...
I liked the dog: Possum!
Back to my favorite:
Nakata....who wanted to be a dentist... with graciousness and dignity... he served fresh brewed Kona coffee on the lanai in the mornings in Hawaii to Jack and Charmsin. He brought them pitchers of cocktails, kept them fed throughout the day with raw Bonita and papaya, or steaming malasades fried dough with haupia coconut milk custard, and delicious dinners.
One last thing - which I did enjoy - a tidbit. At the start of each chapter was a quote-by Jack London from one of his books. And since my favorite book of his is “The Call of the Wild”.....
This is the quote Rebecca Rosenberg chose ...which I like very much too.
“There is an ecstasy that marks the summit of life,
and Beyond which life, cannot rise. And such is the paradox of living, this ecstasy comes when one is most alive, and it comes as a complete forgetfulness that one is alive”.
From 1916 to 1917...Sonoma, Napa Valley, Beauty Ranch, Glenn Ellen, Hawaii,- Big Island, Oahu, New York, Manhattan, Greenwich Village, Sausalito, back to Napa Valley Area.
Note....Mrs London did eventually get her book, “Our Hawaii” published by Macmillan.....selling 95 copies.
Liked it - didn’t love it.... readable ... but not uplifting or inspiring or particularly interesting to me. However, for a first novel, it’s written well.
Thank you Lake Union Publishing, Netgalley, and Rebecca Rosenberg
November 15, 2023
A wonderful debut novel about Charmian London, the wife and muse of Jack London.
Rebecca Rosenberg is superb at character development and description. You really get to know the main characters and find yourself loving and hating them at various points in the novel. I know nothing about Jack or Charmian London and their lives, and have never read any of their works, but I came away feeling like I really know them as people. This is a fictionalized accounting of Jack and Charmian’s life together over a span of two years, but I couldn’t help but wonder at just how much is based in fact. (A quick internet search answered my questions.)
Jack and Charmian are a study in opposites. In my opinion, Jack is hypocritical, self-centered, and the opposite of everything he says he stands for and represents himself to be– capitalistic rather than socialistic, dependent rather than independent, weak instead of strong. The Jack London he shows the world is built up and supported by his wife. His true authentic self is hidden behind a carefully constructed façade.
Charmian is most definitely the woman behind the man, to the point that she deludes herself. She is devoted to Jack; she is his protector and has no idea who she is except as it relates to Jack. (paraphrase p. 191, p. 249) Charmian needs Jack, and wants him to need her. She strives to lift him up out of his doldrums, to be the one that rescues him from himself. She desperately tries to hold on to him somehow – with the promise of a baby, a son. I think she really is the woman Jack claims to want and need, but the disharmony between them is that Jack isn’t really honest with himself about whom and what he wants and needs.
Charmian is smart enough to know that Jack uses her for his gain, yet she still plays her role. What is her gain? She hopes for fame and perhaps the fortune that might accompany it, but for now she enjoys the lifestyle that Jack provides. She may claim to enjoy living in a cottage but her heart swells at the thought that a man will go to great lengths for her. Now if only she could be what he needs her to be, love him the way he needs to be loved. Her devotion is misplaced; she is also not honest about what she wants and needs in a partner. She uses him in her own way; she is unfaithful yet anxious about disappointing him.
Charmian is vain, believing that she is the true voice behind Jack London. “Once he gets wound this tight, he’ll be up all night writing, thinking it’s genius, but it will be drivel I’ll struggle to save. Sometimes a lost day spirals to weeks if I can’t set him right, and in the worst case, Jack falls into his “long sickness,” with me as his only life preserver.” (p. 62)
In the end we see that Charmian is caught between two worlds, the old and the new. She desires to be a new liberated woman yet can’t quite give up the old ways. “What a perfect fraud I am. Living my life under the banner of liberated women, and now faced with the opportunity to prove it, I react like an innocent virgin.” (p. 295)
Other random thoughts that I wanted to briefly mention --
Chapter 23 is stark, vivid, and real. Concisely yet powerfully told.
Favorite quote: “Danger is dancing with death without succumbing to her charms.” (p. 62)
The Secret Life of Mrs. London would be a great read for book clubs and offers many topics for discussion: women's rights, the great war, the relationships between Jack & Charmian, Charmian & Aunt Netta, Bessie & Charmian, the Londons and their servants; Charmian’s praise of Jack's writing and his lack of hers, Charmian’s beatitudes.
I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel and the look behind the scenes of a famous author. It was difficult to write a review that does it justice. It’s a great book to discuss with others.
My thanks to both the author and the publisher for the advanced reader’s copy. My apologies for the late review.
Rebecca Rosenberg is superb at character development and description. You really get to know the main characters and find yourself loving and hating them at various points in the novel. I know nothing about Jack or Charmian London and their lives, and have never read any of their works, but I came away feeling like I really know them as people. This is a fictionalized accounting of Jack and Charmian’s life together over a span of two years, but I couldn’t help but wonder at just how much is based in fact. (A quick internet search answered my questions.)
Jack and Charmian are a study in opposites. In my opinion, Jack is hypocritical, self-centered, and the opposite of everything he says he stands for and represents himself to be– capitalistic rather than socialistic, dependent rather than independent, weak instead of strong. The Jack London he shows the world is built up and supported by his wife. His true authentic self is hidden behind a carefully constructed façade.
Charmian is most definitely the woman behind the man, to the point that she deludes herself. She is devoted to Jack; she is his protector and has no idea who she is except as it relates to Jack. (paraphrase p. 191, p. 249) Charmian needs Jack, and wants him to need her. She strives to lift him up out of his doldrums, to be the one that rescues him from himself. She desperately tries to hold on to him somehow – with the promise of a baby, a son. I think she really is the woman Jack claims to want and need, but the disharmony between them is that Jack isn’t really honest with himself about whom and what he wants and needs.
Charmian is smart enough to know that Jack uses her for his gain, yet she still plays her role. What is her gain? She hopes for fame and perhaps the fortune that might accompany it, but for now she enjoys the lifestyle that Jack provides. She may claim to enjoy living in a cottage but her heart swells at the thought that a man will go to great lengths for her. Now if only she could be what he needs her to be, love him the way he needs to be loved. Her devotion is misplaced; she is also not honest about what she wants and needs in a partner. She uses him in her own way; she is unfaithful yet anxious about disappointing him.
Charmian is vain, believing that she is the true voice behind Jack London. “Once he gets wound this tight, he’ll be up all night writing, thinking it’s genius, but it will be drivel I’ll struggle to save. Sometimes a lost day spirals to weeks if I can’t set him right, and in the worst case, Jack falls into his “long sickness,” with me as his only life preserver.” (p. 62)
In the end we see that Charmian is caught between two worlds, the old and the new. She desires to be a new liberated woman yet can’t quite give up the old ways. “What a perfect fraud I am. Living my life under the banner of liberated women, and now faced with the opportunity to prove it, I react like an innocent virgin.” (p. 295)
Other random thoughts that I wanted to briefly mention --
Chapter 23 is stark, vivid, and real. Concisely yet powerfully told.
Favorite quote: “Danger is dancing with death without succumbing to her charms.” (p. 62)
The Secret Life of Mrs. London would be a great read for book clubs and offers many topics for discussion: women's rights, the great war, the relationships between Jack & Charmian, Charmian & Aunt Netta, Bessie & Charmian, the Londons and their servants; Charmian’s praise of Jack's writing and his lack of hers, Charmian’s beatitudes.
I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel and the look behind the scenes of a famous author. It was difficult to write a review that does it justice. It’s a great book to discuss with others.
My thanks to both the author and the publisher for the advanced reader’s copy. My apologies for the late review.
January 18, 2018
3.5 stars
My previous experience with the prolific author Jack London was years ago during my school days when I was assigned The Call of the Wild. I remember finding it an interesting book, but didn’t really think much about it afterwards. Then I re-read the book a few years ago when my son received the same English class assignment – and I loved it the second time through! Other than that, my knowledge of Jack London went no further; and naturally I knew nothing about his second wife, Charmian London. This book has certainly changed that around and I feel like I know this couple a bit more intimately now. The lives of creative geniuses always intrigue me. What sparks their imagination, how easy is it for them to write or produce a work of art, and what effect does celebrity have on their relationships? What would it be like to be married to such talent? Intellectually, Charmian seemed a good match for Jack. Yet, something was lacking in their marriage that drove her to seek intimacy elsewhere. It seems Jack too did not mind a detour or two away from his marriage vows. I found Charmian to be a very spirited and adventurous woman. She was a writer herself, but how do you make a name for yourself apart from such a famed personality? It seems it was a struggle for her and I could feel her frustration at her desire for independence in the literary world.
In this book, the reader also has the opportunity to meet another couple much in the spotlight at the time – Mr. and Mrs. Houdini. I’ve read of Harry Houdini here and there, and of course his magic fascinates me. Bessie Houdini was an eccentric individual, and I couldn’t help feeling a bit sorry for her. Her relationship with Harry is more like that of father-child than husband-wife. The Londons and the Houdinis eventually come together and the two women form a friendship. Personally, I have to use the term ‘friendship’ loosely, however. My ideas of the bonds of friendship don’t tie in with these two. Loyalty goes a long way in my book, and without that, can it really be considered friendship no matter the unusual circumstances? In my small world, I take these bonds very seriously. In any case, it does make for some juicy reading if you are so inclined.
Overall, I thought this was an interesting book and a solid debut novel grounded in some great historical research. I did enjoy the various settings – from the London’s California ranch, to tropical Hawaii, and to New York City and Greenwich Village. I liked learning about the Londons, although I can’t say that I necessarily came out of this actually liking them as individuals.
I would like to thank Rebecca Rosenberg, Lake Union Publishing, and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My previous experience with the prolific author Jack London was years ago during my school days when I was assigned The Call of the Wild. I remember finding it an interesting book, but didn’t really think much about it afterwards. Then I re-read the book a few years ago when my son received the same English class assignment – and I loved it the second time through! Other than that, my knowledge of Jack London went no further; and naturally I knew nothing about his second wife, Charmian London. This book has certainly changed that around and I feel like I know this couple a bit more intimately now. The lives of creative geniuses always intrigue me. What sparks their imagination, how easy is it for them to write or produce a work of art, and what effect does celebrity have on their relationships? What would it be like to be married to such talent? Intellectually, Charmian seemed a good match for Jack. Yet, something was lacking in their marriage that drove her to seek intimacy elsewhere. It seems Jack too did not mind a detour or two away from his marriage vows. I found Charmian to be a very spirited and adventurous woman. She was a writer herself, but how do you make a name for yourself apart from such a famed personality? It seems it was a struggle for her and I could feel her frustration at her desire for independence in the literary world.
In this book, the reader also has the opportunity to meet another couple much in the spotlight at the time – Mr. and Mrs. Houdini. I’ve read of Harry Houdini here and there, and of course his magic fascinates me. Bessie Houdini was an eccentric individual, and I couldn’t help feeling a bit sorry for her. Her relationship with Harry is more like that of father-child than husband-wife. The Londons and the Houdinis eventually come together and the two women form a friendship. Personally, I have to use the term ‘friendship’ loosely, however. My ideas of the bonds of friendship don’t tie in with these two. Loyalty goes a long way in my book, and without that, can it really be considered friendship no matter the unusual circumstances? In my small world, I take these bonds very seriously. In any case, it does make for some juicy reading if you are so inclined.
Overall, I thought this was an interesting book and a solid debut novel grounded in some great historical research. I did enjoy the various settings – from the London’s California ranch, to tropical Hawaii, and to New York City and Greenwich Village. I liked learning about the Londons, although I can’t say that I necessarily came out of this actually liking them as individuals.
I would like to thank Rebecca Rosenberg, Lake Union Publishing, and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 9, 2025
And with that we are introduced to Jack London's wife, Charmian, an amateur boxer, aspiring writer, and free spirit .
"If I can get Jack boxing this morning...he’ll be revved up for a good writing session followed by a 'grand lolly' that will linger in our loins for days."
Charmian is in the unique situation of wanting more to life during a time when women were supposed to be content with their lot. She's written books but no one would publish them.
Figure 1. Jack London and Charmian (his second wife).
She has ambitions but no one takes her seriously. She wants to have sex but her husband is not up to it (though, I do not blame the man on that account. I could barely turn the page without her hounding him. The poor guy must have been exhausted by her unrelenting libido).
What bothered me most about this book is how casual she is about starting affairs. In one sentence, she swears that Jack is the only one for her and in the next she's smooching Lawrence behind his back...and to top it all, she condemns her aunt for the same actions.
And when she befriends the Houdinis - yes, she befriends Houdini's wife - she spends only a sentence or two over the guilt. I really thought she would've been torn over the betrayal of her friend's trust but that is not much expounded upon in the book.
"I should comfort her, but it’s hard when she brings this upon herself with her carousel of lovers."
While I was overly interested in who was sleeping with who, I did have fun reading about what life was like back then.
Figure 2. Bessie and Harry Houdini.
The author did a great job of setting the scene. A few times I would look up familiar brands only to discover they really were invented back then (i.e. listerine as mouthwash was used over a hundred years ago). Additionally, Jack London had a killer first aid kit:
No wonder why doctors were so treasured back then.
"...rattlesnake oil for rheumatism, Dr. Bonker’s Egyptian Oil for stomach cramps, heroin for asthma, morphine granules for pain, cocaine for toothaches."
That being said, there were a few moments that threw me for a loop. For example
Overall, this was in interesting read! The author really transported the audience into the early 1900s and fleshed out the main characters really well. And I enjoyed all of the literary references to Jack London's works. While this is not something I'd normally read, I am definitely glad to have had the chance to read this.
The 2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge - A book that's published in 2018
With thanks to Rebecca Rosenberg and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
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January 10, 2018
4 "engaging" stars
Charmain was the second wife of author Jack London. She was a believer in free love, socialism, a woman's right to vote, and her husband Jack. It is the turn of the century, a time when the Victorian Age was winding down. Social and sexual mores were changing. It was the time before the free reeling lives of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald and Ernest and Hadley Hemmingway became the alt culture of their day. Although in reading this book, I could not help thinking that the Londons would have fit right in with those other two couples.
Charmain was also an author, of course not as well known as Jack, who seemed to, in this book while away his life drinking, sleeping around, and spending money he did not have. However, Charmain is completely enamored of him although she did have one indiscretion. It will soon be followed by another with a very popular magician.
Charmin had taken Jack away from his first wife, having been a friend and neighbor to the Londons, and we later learn after she befriends Bessie Houdini, that she will have an affair with Harry. Bess Houdini is a pathetic person. She suffers from never going through puberty, having a period, nor developing breasts. She can't have a child so instead she herself is a child who has a collection of dolls that she babies and cares for. Harry Houdini seems to love Bessie but it was not a marriage that afforded any sexual relations possible between them.
Charmain was everything to Jack. She was his typist, his editor, his agent and his mantra of writing a thousand words a day produced short stories, novels, and poems. Jack died young due to problems brought on by his lifestyle of smoking and drinking. There was even some talk that Jack committed suicide brought on by an overdose of heroin which he had because of the intense pain suffered with kidney stones.
This was a sad love story. Charmain wanted nothing but for Jack to love only her but Jack was not a man who was able to do that. After Jack's death, Charmain had affairs not only with Houdini but many others as well. Charmain was quite discreet in her numerous encounters, never remarrying and died at the age of eighty three.
Not knowing too much about Jack London other than that he wrote adventure books, I found this novel to be quite informative. It was an interesting look at an author, who was seen as one of the first world wide celebrities, and his wife. I think Ms Rosenberg did a fine job of ferreting out the relationship between Jack and Charmain and providing the reader with an informative look into their life together.
Thank you to Rebecca Rosenberg, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this intriguing novel.
Charmain was the second wife of author Jack London. She was a believer in free love, socialism, a woman's right to vote, and her husband Jack. It is the turn of the century, a time when the Victorian Age was winding down. Social and sexual mores were changing. It was the time before the free reeling lives of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald and Ernest and Hadley Hemmingway became the alt culture of their day. Although in reading this book, I could not help thinking that the Londons would have fit right in with those other two couples.
Charmain was also an author, of course not as well known as Jack, who seemed to, in this book while away his life drinking, sleeping around, and spending money he did not have. However, Charmain is completely enamored of him although she did have one indiscretion. It will soon be followed by another with a very popular magician.
Charmin had taken Jack away from his first wife, having been a friend and neighbor to the Londons, and we later learn after she befriends Bessie Houdini, that she will have an affair with Harry. Bess Houdini is a pathetic person. She suffers from never going through puberty, having a period, nor developing breasts. She can't have a child so instead she herself is a child who has a collection of dolls that she babies and cares for. Harry Houdini seems to love Bessie but it was not a marriage that afforded any sexual relations possible between them.
Charmain was everything to Jack. She was his typist, his editor, his agent and his mantra of writing a thousand words a day produced short stories, novels, and poems. Jack died young due to problems brought on by his lifestyle of smoking and drinking. There was even some talk that Jack committed suicide brought on by an overdose of heroin which he had because of the intense pain suffered with kidney stones.
This was a sad love story. Charmain wanted nothing but for Jack to love only her but Jack was not a man who was able to do that. After Jack's death, Charmain had affairs not only with Houdini but many others as well. Charmain was quite discreet in her numerous encounters, never remarrying and died at the age of eighty three.
Not knowing too much about Jack London other than that he wrote adventure books, I found this novel to be quite informative. It was an interesting look at an author, who was seen as one of the first world wide celebrities, and his wife. I think Ms Rosenberg did a fine job of ferreting out the relationship between Jack and Charmain and providing the reader with an informative look into their life together.
Thank you to Rebecca Rosenberg, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this intriguing novel.
June 25, 2019
I instantly knew that I wanted to read The Secret Life of Mrs. London from the moment I read the blurb. I just love reading historical fiction about famous persons and I was intrigued by the prospect of reading a book about Jack London, a man that I didn't know much about. Also, the addition of Harry Houdini to the story made my eagerness to read this book even greater.
I've actually been putting off writing this review, you know to wait for the right moment because I was so taken with the story that I needed some breathing pause to be levelheaded to write a review that is just me rambling. To be honest, I'm not sure it helped, but anyway, here we go!
The Secret Life of Mrs. London is about Jack London's wife Charmain London and in this story we get to follow Charmain story through a period in life when everything around her changes. Her marriage isn't the easiest and although Jack loves Charmain do one really get a feeling that she is there to take care of Jack businesses, from his writing to the dream house that he's building. Her own ambition, her own writing is something that she has to just dream about. The Harry Houdini sweeps into her life...
As much as I liked Jack in this book can't I help, but frankly adore Harry Houdini. The attraction between him and Charmain is palpable. It helps that the writing is top-notch that the characters are so alive, so well-developed that I breathlessly turned every page with the desire to know what happens next, but at the same time didn't I want the story to end. Yes, I'm gushing, but seriously, this is one book I could easily read again and nowadays I don't have time to re-read books. Another character I came to like very much is Bess Houdini, she shows up in the book now and then, and just like her famous husband has Bess a strong and vibrant personality. I quite liked her interaction with Charmine.
The Secret Life of Mrs. London is one of the best books I have ever read. It's a story I will never forget and I can't wait to see what Rebecca Rosenberg will write next.
I want to thank the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
I've actually been putting off writing this review, you know to wait for the right moment because I was so taken with the story that I needed some breathing pause to be levelheaded to write a review that is just me rambling. To be honest, I'm not sure it helped, but anyway, here we go!
The Secret Life of Mrs. London is about Jack London's wife Charmain London and in this story we get to follow Charmain story through a period in life when everything around her changes. Her marriage isn't the easiest and although Jack loves Charmain do one really get a feeling that she is there to take care of Jack businesses, from his writing to the dream house that he's building. Her own ambition, her own writing is something that she has to just dream about. The Harry Houdini sweeps into her life...
As much as I liked Jack in this book can't I help, but frankly adore Harry Houdini. The attraction between him and Charmain is palpable. It helps that the writing is top-notch that the characters are so alive, so well-developed that I breathlessly turned every page with the desire to know what happens next, but at the same time didn't I want the story to end. Yes, I'm gushing, but seriously, this is one book I could easily read again and nowadays I don't have time to re-read books. Another character I came to like very much is Bess Houdini, she shows up in the book now and then, and just like her famous husband has Bess a strong and vibrant personality. I quite liked her interaction with Charmine.
The Secret Life of Mrs. London is one of the best books I have ever read. It's a story I will never forget and I can't wait to see what Rebecca Rosenberg will write next.
I want to thank the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
January 13, 2019
The Secret Life of Mrs. London
FREE on Prime and kindle unlimited!
https://www.amazon.com/b?node=6165851011
#2 WIKI Marvelous Novels of 20th Century!
2018 BEST NEW NOVEL Center for Fiction nomination!
On the surface, The Secret Life of Mrs. London is about the love triangle between the Houdinis and Londons, but many themes begged to be explored throughout.
--Must you be faithful when marital needs are never met?
--How do you live with the demands of a mercurial genius?
--When are words of love not enough?
--When is friendship stronger than passion?
Charmian London was a force of nature, a horsewoman, swimmer, pianist, painter, writer. And typist and editor of the most popular writer of their times. Remember, however that it was 1915. Women would not get the right to vote for another five years. These women were pushing to expand the boundaries of women's roles, while still trying to break out of the cast-iron mold of Victorian women. Charmian was known for her free-loving spirit, but having read her diaries, some of that was an act to keep the great Jack London interested. Many of Jack London's female characters were fashioned from Charmian. As he writes in "Martin Eden" :
“Here was intellectual life, he thought, and here was beauty, warm and wonderful as he had never dreamed it could be. He forgot himself and stared at her with hungry eyes. Here was something to live for, to win to, to fight for—ay, and die for. The books were true. There were such women in the world. She was one of them. She lent wings to his imagination, and great, luminous canvases spread themselves before him whereon loomed vague, gigantic figures of love and romance, and of heroic deeds for woman’s sake—for a pale woman, a flower of gold. And through the swaying, palpitant vision, as through a fairy mirage, he stared at the real woman, sitting there and talking of literature and art. He listened as well, but he stared, unconscious of the fixity of his gaze or of the fact that all that was essentially masculine in his nature was shining in his eyes.”
― Jack London, Martin Eden
FREE on Prime and kindle unlimited!
https://www.amazon.com/b?node=6165851011
#2 WIKI Marvelous Novels of 20th Century!
2018 BEST NEW NOVEL Center for Fiction nomination!
On the surface, The Secret Life of Mrs. London is about the love triangle between the Houdinis and Londons, but many themes begged to be explored throughout.
--Must you be faithful when marital needs are never met?
--How do you live with the demands of a mercurial genius?
--When are words of love not enough?
--When is friendship stronger than passion?
Charmian London was a force of nature, a horsewoman, swimmer, pianist, painter, writer. And typist and editor of the most popular writer of their times. Remember, however that it was 1915. Women would not get the right to vote for another five years. These women were pushing to expand the boundaries of women's roles, while still trying to break out of the cast-iron mold of Victorian women. Charmian was known for her free-loving spirit, but having read her diaries, some of that was an act to keep the great Jack London interested. Many of Jack London's female characters were fashioned from Charmian. As he writes in "Martin Eden" :
“Here was intellectual life, he thought, and here was beauty, warm and wonderful as he had never dreamed it could be. He forgot himself and stared at her with hungry eyes. Here was something to live for, to win to, to fight for—ay, and die for. The books were true. There were such women in the world. She was one of them. She lent wings to his imagination, and great, luminous canvases spread themselves before him whereon loomed vague, gigantic figures of love and romance, and of heroic deeds for woman’s sake—for a pale woman, a flower of gold. And through the swaying, palpitant vision, as through a fairy mirage, he stared at the real woman, sitting there and talking of literature and art. He listened as well, but he stared, unconscious of the fixity of his gaze or of the fact that all that was essentially masculine in his nature was shining in his eyes.”
― Jack London, Martin Eden
February 27, 2018
Charmaine London is the wife of the Jack London, the famous writer of adventure stories. Charmaine has been essential to Jack’s success providing edits and motivating him to keep to a schedule. She has put her writing career on hold to help him succeed but has received little acknowledgment from the literary community or her husband. She struggles to balance her love for Jack and her own desire for achievement.
One evening, the Londons see Harry Houdini perform onstage. Charmaine is pulled out of the audience as a volunteer which was a typical ploy with attractive women. A bond forms while she is introduced to Bessie Houdini, and details about their complicated marriage are revealed. Harry Houdini showers her with affection and she starts to realize what's been missing from her own relationship.
This is a historical look at the life of Jack London as seen through the eyes of his wife. We get to witness the highs and lows of his career and gather some understanding of their complicated marriage. This is well-researched debut novel by Rebecca Rosenberg.
One evening, the Londons see Harry Houdini perform onstage. Charmaine is pulled out of the audience as a volunteer which was a typical ploy with attractive women. A bond forms while she is introduced to Bessie Houdini, and details about their complicated marriage are revealed. Harry Houdini showers her with affection and she starts to realize what's been missing from her own relationship.
This is a historical look at the life of Jack London as seen through the eyes of his wife. We get to witness the highs and lows of his career and gather some understanding of their complicated marriage. This is well-researched debut novel by Rebecca Rosenberg.
October 15, 2019
This is the story of Charmian London, wife of Jack London the famous author. It is a fictional account of their lives together. This book made me want to know more about them.
It is a very interesting read with many historical events throughout the book. This story is a little slow to start but needs time to develop. Rebecca Rosenberg does a wonderful job of character development.
Charmian is a woman before her time. This book starts out in 1915. She is a believer in free love, socialism and a woman’s right to vote. She is everything to Jack, she is also an author but puts her life on hold for Jack. She does all his typing and editing for his books. She wants nothing but his love, but Jack doesn’t see it that way.
“Love cannot in its very nature be peaceful or content. It is restlessness, an unsatisfaction. I can grant a lasting love just as I can grant a lasting satisfaction; but the lasting love cannot be coupled with possession, for love is pain and desire, and possession is easement and fulfillment.’’
There are many of Jack’s quote within this book.
In November 1915 they met Harry Houdini at his magic act. Charmain is brought up onto the stage to be part of the act. Charmain is charmed by Houdini and her life changes forever. What will she do she loves Jack, but is captivated by Houdini?
Charmain really wants to be a liberated woman but just can’t get there. “What a perfect fraud I am. Living my life under the banner of liberated women, and now faced with the opportunity to prove it, I react like an innocent virgin.”
This is a very interesting read. It would be a great book club selection. Give it a try I don’t think you will not be disappointed.
It is a very interesting read with many historical events throughout the book. This story is a little slow to start but needs time to develop. Rebecca Rosenberg does a wonderful job of character development.
Charmian is a woman before her time. This book starts out in 1915. She is a believer in free love, socialism and a woman’s right to vote. She is everything to Jack, she is also an author but puts her life on hold for Jack. She does all his typing and editing for his books. She wants nothing but his love, but Jack doesn’t see it that way.
“Love cannot in its very nature be peaceful or content. It is restlessness, an unsatisfaction. I can grant a lasting love just as I can grant a lasting satisfaction; but the lasting love cannot be coupled with possession, for love is pain and desire, and possession is easement and fulfillment.’’
There are many of Jack’s quote within this book.
In November 1915 they met Harry Houdini at his magic act. Charmain is brought up onto the stage to be part of the act. Charmain is charmed by Houdini and her life changes forever. What will she do she loves Jack, but is captivated by Houdini?
Charmain really wants to be a liberated woman but just can’t get there. “What a perfect fraud I am. Living my life under the banner of liberated women, and now faced with the opportunity to prove it, I react like an innocent virgin.”
This is a very interesting read. It would be a great book club selection. Give it a try I don’t think you will not be disappointed.
September 27, 2019
It's no secret that this era, prior to the explosion of the world wars, is one of my favorite eras in history. I also love Jack London and his classic novels. Admittedly, however, it was Houdini who drew me to this book. One of the most mesmerizing characters in history, his secret liaison with "a married woman" has long been rumored. Rebecca Rosenberg has brought that story to life in The Secret Life of Mrs. London. Here we find London at a time in his life when he is unwell and totally dependent on his wife. She, of course, is dependent on him for her daily survival as well as her desire to be a writer in her own right, yet neither of them are invested in their relationship any longer. She desires to be more, to break free from the social chains in her life and Houdini provides her exactly that. Through Rosenberg's writing we are able to see behind the curtain into the lives of these three incredibly fascinating people. The imagery is so pronounced that the reader feels as though they are there with the characters. The writing is brilliant, in first person, and with the opening scene - a boxing match between Mr. and Mrs. London - one is drawn into the story utterly and entirely.
The Secret Life of Mrs. London is Rosenberg's debut novel and one can only hope that there will be many more to come. Whether you enjoy general fiction or historical, this is a book you will not want to miss!
The Secret Life of Mrs. London is Rosenberg's debut novel and one can only hope that there will be many more to come. Whether you enjoy general fiction or historical, this is a book you will not want to miss!
January 10, 2018
4 "engaging" stars
Charmain is the second wife of author Jack London. She was a believer in free love, socialism, a woman's right to vote, and her husband Jack. It is the turn of the century, a time when the Victorian Age was winding down. Social and sexual mores were changing. It was the time before the free reeling lives of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald and Ernest and Hadley Hemmingway became the alt culture of their day. Although in reading this book, I could not help thinking that the Londons would have fit right in with those other two couples.
Charmain was also an author, of course not as well known as Jack, who seemed to, in this book while away his life drinking, sleeping around, and spending money he did not have. However, Charmain is completely enamored of him although she did have one indiscretion. It will soon be followed by another with a very popular magician.
Charmin had taken Jack away from his first wife, having been a friend and neighbor to the Londons, and we later learn after she befriends Bessie Houdini, that she will have an affair with Harry. Bess Houdini is a pathetic person. She suffers from never going through puberty, having a period, nor developing breasts. She can't have a child so instead she herself is a child who has a collection of dolls that she babies and cares for. Harry Houdini seems to love Bessie but it was not a marriage that afforded any sexual relations possible between them.
Charmain was everything to Jack. She was his typist, his editor, his agent and his mantra of writing a thousand words a day produced short stories, novels, and poems. Jack died young due to problems brought on by his lifestyle of smoking and drinking. There was even some talk that Jack committed suicide brought on by an overdose of heroin which he had because of the intense pain suffered with kidney stones.
This was a sad love story. Charmain wanted nothing but for Jack to love only her but Jack was not a man who was able to do that. After Jack's death, Charmain had affairs not only with Houdini but many others as well. Charmain was quite discreet in her numerous encounters, never remarrying and died at the age of eighty three.
Not knowing too much about Jack London other than that he wrote adventure books, I found this novel to be quite informative. It was an interesting look at an author, who was seen as one of the first world wide celebrities, and his wife. I think Ms Rosenberg did a fine job of ferreting out the relationship between Jack and Charmain and providing the reader with an informative look into their life together.
Thank you to Rebecca Rosenberg, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this intriguing novel.
Charmain is the second wife of author Jack London. She was a believer in free love, socialism, a woman's right to vote, and her husband Jack. It is the turn of the century, a time when the Victorian Age was winding down. Social and sexual mores were changing. It was the time before the free reeling lives of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald and Ernest and Hadley Hemmingway became the alt culture of their day. Although in reading this book, I could not help thinking that the Londons would have fit right in with those other two couples.
Charmain was also an author, of course not as well known as Jack, who seemed to, in this book while away his life drinking, sleeping around, and spending money he did not have. However, Charmain is completely enamored of him although she did have one indiscretion. It will soon be followed by another with a very popular magician.
Charmin had taken Jack away from his first wife, having been a friend and neighbor to the Londons, and we later learn after she befriends Bessie Houdini, that she will have an affair with Harry. Bess Houdini is a pathetic person. She suffers from never going through puberty, having a period, nor developing breasts. She can't have a child so instead she herself is a child who has a collection of dolls that she babies and cares for. Harry Houdini seems to love Bessie but it was not a marriage that afforded any sexual relations possible between them.
Charmain was everything to Jack. She was his typist, his editor, his agent and his mantra of writing a thousand words a day produced short stories, novels, and poems. Jack died young due to problems brought on by his lifestyle of smoking and drinking. There was even some talk that Jack committed suicide brought on by an overdose of heroin which he had because of the intense pain suffered with kidney stones.
This was a sad love story. Charmain wanted nothing but for Jack to love only her but Jack was not a man who was able to do that. After Jack's death, Charmain had affairs not only with Houdini but many others as well. Charmain was quite discreet in her numerous encounters, never remarrying and died at the age of eighty three.
Not knowing too much about Jack London other than that he wrote adventure books, I found this novel to be quite informative. It was an interesting look at an author, who was seen as one of the first world wide celebrities, and his wife. I think Ms Rosenberg did a fine job of ferreting out the relationship between Jack and Charmain and providing the reader with an informative look into their life together.
Thank you to Rebecca Rosenberg, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this intriguing novel.
November 27, 2017
"The Secret Life of Mrs. London" is a fascinating story beautifully told. The creative and romantic lives of Jack and Charmian London were full of passion, genius, and intrigue. I fell in love with the characterizations and the ups and downs of their careers, family lives, and romantic relationships kept me riveted throughout. A wonderful read!
March 1, 2018
A book about the domestic lives of great writers or artists, albeit fictionalised, is fast becoming my idea of historical fiction heaven. So, when the opportunity arose to read The Secret Life of Mrs. London, I simply couldn’t resist. I’m pleased to say I was not disappointed.
The book is a portrait of a passionate, tempestuous marriage between two unconventional people. In Charmian’s mind ‘Jack is the tornado, and I am the vortex that keeps him swirling. The empty eye of the storm. Nothing without Jack.’ At one point she reflects that he is ‘A dashing, unfathomable mixture of men, my Jack: adventurer, farmer, aristocrat, Bohemian, land baron, Socialist, warrior.’
The more I read of The Secret Life of Mrs. London, the more I found myself thinking: How on earth did Jack London think he deserved a woman like Charmian? As well as being his sparring partner (quite literally) and sharing many of his adventures, Charmian was the source of ideas for a lot of his novels, she was his editor – honing his dictated prose into the final polished article (‘The analogy sounds weak to me. I’ll rework it later.’) – and, at times, even his nursemaid.
Clearly, I can see why a woman would be attracted to Jack – for his genius as a writer, the way he had raised himself up from humble beginnings, his dashing looks and his adventurous spirit. As Charmian admits, ‘His brilliance and bravado mesmerized me, and I’ve been captive ever since.’ But, come on, he had affairs with other women, surrounded himself with a crowd of assorted hangers-on who drank and ate them out of house and home, got into debt and was often dismissive about Charmian’s contribution to his success. ‘He snorts. “I’m the writer. You’re the typist.”’ Furthermore he even stopped giving her enough ‘grand lolly’!
On the subject of ‘grand lolly’ (and you’re going to have to read the book or be a good guesser because I’m not going to tell you what that denotes), I really enjoyed how the author created a distinctive style of speech for Jack and Charmian, such as their nicknames for each other. I also loved the period atmosphere, the parties, the grand hotels, the cocktails, the celebrities of the age, the exotic locations.
When Jack and Charmian meet Harry Houdini and his wife, Bessie, the reader witnesses a new aspect to the Londons’ relationship and things get a whole lot more complicated. It’s revealing to see the two men through Charmian’s eyes: ‘The two of them emanate masculinity in such different ways. Jack’s street tough and adventuring, ever the underdog and fighter. Houdini radiates knowledge of things beyond knowing, a steely mastermind who influences people by controlling their thoughts.’
Incidentally, I absolutely fell in love with Houdini’s wife, Bessie, as imagined by the author. What a wonderfully funny, sympathetic and engaging character with her idiosyncratic style of speech and her sparkly exterior that disguises the sadness within. And Houdini? Well, he comes across as clever, perceptive, caring, self-confident and loyal. Do you know, I think perhaps a combination of Houdini and Jack might make the perfect man?
Events take a tragic turn in the final third of the book and I found this part moving, heartbreaking but uplifting as well as the reader sees Charmian exert her independence.
I really loved The Secret Life of Mrs. London and found it a most assured and impressive debut. The author’s passion for her subject, and the extent of her research, shines through but this is also a very skilful piece of historical fiction writing. It’s made me want to read other books by Jack London. Like a lot of people, I suspect, I’ve only ever read The Call of the Wild and White Fang – and both of those when I was at school, a few [ahem] years ago now. It’s made me want to read Charmian’s biography of her husband and some of her own writing. Most of all, it’s made we want to read whatever Rebecca Rosenberg writes next.
By the way, there are fantastic photographs of Jack and Charmian on Rebecca’s website.
I received a review copy courtesy of the author and Lake Union Publishing in return for an honest and unbiased review.
The book is a portrait of a passionate, tempestuous marriage between two unconventional people. In Charmian’s mind ‘Jack is the tornado, and I am the vortex that keeps him swirling. The empty eye of the storm. Nothing without Jack.’ At one point she reflects that he is ‘A dashing, unfathomable mixture of men, my Jack: adventurer, farmer, aristocrat, Bohemian, land baron, Socialist, warrior.’
The more I read of The Secret Life of Mrs. London, the more I found myself thinking: How on earth did Jack London think he deserved a woman like Charmian? As well as being his sparring partner (quite literally) and sharing many of his adventures, Charmian was the source of ideas for a lot of his novels, she was his editor – honing his dictated prose into the final polished article (‘The analogy sounds weak to me. I’ll rework it later.’) – and, at times, even his nursemaid.
Clearly, I can see why a woman would be attracted to Jack – for his genius as a writer, the way he had raised himself up from humble beginnings, his dashing looks and his adventurous spirit. As Charmian admits, ‘His brilliance and bravado mesmerized me, and I’ve been captive ever since.’ But, come on, he had affairs with other women, surrounded himself with a crowd of assorted hangers-on who drank and ate them out of house and home, got into debt and was often dismissive about Charmian’s contribution to his success. ‘He snorts. “I’m the writer. You’re the typist.”’ Furthermore he even stopped giving her enough ‘grand lolly’!
On the subject of ‘grand lolly’ (and you’re going to have to read the book or be a good guesser because I’m not going to tell you what that denotes), I really enjoyed how the author created a distinctive style of speech for Jack and Charmian, such as their nicknames for each other. I also loved the period atmosphere, the parties, the grand hotels, the cocktails, the celebrities of the age, the exotic locations.
When Jack and Charmian meet Harry Houdini and his wife, Bessie, the reader witnesses a new aspect to the Londons’ relationship and things get a whole lot more complicated. It’s revealing to see the two men through Charmian’s eyes: ‘The two of them emanate masculinity in such different ways. Jack’s street tough and adventuring, ever the underdog and fighter. Houdini radiates knowledge of things beyond knowing, a steely mastermind who influences people by controlling their thoughts.’
Incidentally, I absolutely fell in love with Houdini’s wife, Bessie, as imagined by the author. What a wonderfully funny, sympathetic and engaging character with her idiosyncratic style of speech and her sparkly exterior that disguises the sadness within. And Houdini? Well, he comes across as clever, perceptive, caring, self-confident and loyal. Do you know, I think perhaps a combination of Houdini and Jack might make the perfect man?
Events take a tragic turn in the final third of the book and I found this part moving, heartbreaking but uplifting as well as the reader sees Charmian exert her independence.
I really loved The Secret Life of Mrs. London and found it a most assured and impressive debut. The author’s passion for her subject, and the extent of her research, shines through but this is also a very skilful piece of historical fiction writing. It’s made me want to read other books by Jack London. Like a lot of people, I suspect, I’ve only ever read The Call of the Wild and White Fang – and both of those when I was at school, a few [ahem] years ago now. It’s made me want to read Charmian’s biography of her husband and some of her own writing. Most of all, it’s made we want to read whatever Rebecca Rosenberg writes next.
By the way, there are fantastic photographs of Jack and Charmian on Rebecca’s website.
I received a review copy courtesy of the author and Lake Union Publishing in return for an honest and unbiased review.
March 1, 2018
3 stars Thank you to the author Rebecca Rosenberg and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
To start with, I really don't care for romances, this book was a romance, but yet much more. Sadly to say I did not like any of the characters in this book. Each and every one of them seemed to have a selfish ulterior motive.
This was a fictionalized account of Jack London, the author, and his second wife Charmian. I believe that this author, Rosenberg, did some extensive research on their lives, along with the lives of Harry and Bessie Houdini, who are also featured in the book. So having done this research, and then bringing these characters to life, based on that research, makes me dislike them even more due to the fact that they are even remotely based in reality. Both couples marriages were a sham. Morality was not a factor in this novel. Their infidelity was rampant.
I appreciated the story itself due to it's historical content. In the early 1900's a woman was still a second class citizen and there were a number of instances in the story reflecting that. The fate of wealth during that era showed how immoral that population could easily be.
I think the author did relate a good story, regardless of the characters. This book did make me want to revisit some of Jack Londons' novels. This being a debut novel for Rosenberg, I can see reading her next book upon it's publication, hoping it again will be a historical novel, but one with likable characters.
To start with, I really don't care for romances, this book was a romance, but yet much more. Sadly to say I did not like any of the characters in this book. Each and every one of them seemed to have a selfish ulterior motive.
This was a fictionalized account of Jack London, the author, and his second wife Charmian. I believe that this author, Rosenberg, did some extensive research on their lives, along with the lives of Harry and Bessie Houdini, who are also featured in the book. So having done this research, and then bringing these characters to life, based on that research, makes me dislike them even more due to the fact that they are even remotely based in reality. Both couples marriages were a sham. Morality was not a factor in this novel. Their infidelity was rampant.
I appreciated the story itself due to it's historical content. In the early 1900's a woman was still a second class citizen and there were a number of instances in the story reflecting that. The fate of wealth during that era showed how immoral that population could easily be.
I think the author did relate a good story, regardless of the characters. This book did make me want to revisit some of Jack Londons' novels. This being a debut novel for Rosenberg, I can see reading her next book upon it's publication, hoping it again will be a historical novel, but one with likable characters.
January 23, 2019
This book is a fascinating, intimate look at the relationship between novelist Jack London and his wife Charmian. When Jack and Charmian attend a performance by Harry Houdini, Charmian is intrigued by both Harry and his child-like wife, Bessie...but her feelings for Harry transcend friendship. She is torn between her devotion to Jack, her friendship with Bessie, and her longing for Harry. The characters are extremely well-written, each of their personalities, their demons, their desires, leap off the page.
February 20, 2018
Sometimes I have a feeling about a book and where it might fall on my own reviewer scale, even before I pick it up and start reading.
This was one of those books. I thought it would be a book that was good but not great. Sometimes fictionalized accounts of historical figures lives can go very right or very wrong. I am not a big Jack London fan or a Harry Houdini fan….so I was ready to put this book firmly in the three star category before I even started the first page.
Sometimes we are just primed to love or hate a book based on a cover, a review or even publicity flooding. There has been a lot of buzz about this book and the cover is lovely to look at but for me I just wasn’t sure I was going to love it, which is completely unfair I know but sometimes it just happens.
That said, I felt like I owed it to the author to give it a fair shot and try to not place it firmly in the category of ‘ok’. After a few chapters, I realized I was reading something more than just ok. I don’t know much–ok anything–about Jack London and his personal life. i haven’t read his novels and frankly have zero desire to read them, so this novel was a little hard to get into especially if you don’t have any background on the famous couple.
Once I got my bearings of their lives and some background, I was able to really get lost in the romance story. Jack London was a complicated character and I liked seeing how Rosenberg depicted him in the novel. Charmian is so wrapped up in Jack that I often felt that she didn’t even know who she was without him. Talk about codependent. But as we got to know her in the story, it was clear that she had this unrealistic ideal of what romance was or was supposed to be especially when it came to Jack.
Complicated marriage is such a basic way to describe their marriage but yet if I try to describe it any other way, it takes on a life of it’s own so lets just leave it as ‘it’s complicated’. I loved how honest that part was.
The ‘friendship’ Charmian had with Harry and his wife was dramatic. When I say dramatic what I really mean is superficial. I couldn’t help but feel that Charmian was clearly NOT a friend to Harry’s wife and I don’t think she was meant to be a real friend to her even from the beginning. I enjoyed seeing how different the relationship was between all the characters. This book was so clearly about moral ambiguity and how easy those lines can be blurred and how easy it is to idealized people and their situations.
I thought about this book a long time after I read it and often I found myself wondering what would I do if I were in Charmian’s place. For me the fact that I kept coming back to this story was a sign of a great read. While I sometimes didn’t always like Charmian and her choices, I liked the complexity of the novel and it was so much more than a three star book. Lovely writing and engaging story that will leave readers questioning and wondering about the real lives of some of America’s most well known figures.
See my full review here
This was one of those books. I thought it would be a book that was good but not great. Sometimes fictionalized accounts of historical figures lives can go very right or very wrong. I am not a big Jack London fan or a Harry Houdini fan….so I was ready to put this book firmly in the three star category before I even started the first page.
Sometimes we are just primed to love or hate a book based on a cover, a review or even publicity flooding. There has been a lot of buzz about this book and the cover is lovely to look at but for me I just wasn’t sure I was going to love it, which is completely unfair I know but sometimes it just happens.
That said, I felt like I owed it to the author to give it a fair shot and try to not place it firmly in the category of ‘ok’. After a few chapters, I realized I was reading something more than just ok. I don’t know much–ok anything–about Jack London and his personal life. i haven’t read his novels and frankly have zero desire to read them, so this novel was a little hard to get into especially if you don’t have any background on the famous couple.
Once I got my bearings of their lives and some background, I was able to really get lost in the romance story. Jack London was a complicated character and I liked seeing how Rosenberg depicted him in the novel. Charmian is so wrapped up in Jack that I often felt that she didn’t even know who she was without him. Talk about codependent. But as we got to know her in the story, it was clear that she had this unrealistic ideal of what romance was or was supposed to be especially when it came to Jack.
Complicated marriage is such a basic way to describe their marriage but yet if I try to describe it any other way, it takes on a life of it’s own so lets just leave it as ‘it’s complicated’. I loved how honest that part was.
The ‘friendship’ Charmian had with Harry and his wife was dramatic. When I say dramatic what I really mean is superficial. I couldn’t help but feel that Charmian was clearly NOT a friend to Harry’s wife and I don’t think she was meant to be a real friend to her even from the beginning. I enjoyed seeing how different the relationship was between all the characters. This book was so clearly about moral ambiguity and how easy those lines can be blurred and how easy it is to idealized people and their situations.
I thought about this book a long time after I read it and often I found myself wondering what would I do if I were in Charmian’s place. For me the fact that I kept coming back to this story was a sign of a great read. While I sometimes didn’t always like Charmian and her choices, I liked the complexity of the novel and it was so much more than a three star book. Lovely writing and engaging story that will leave readers questioning and wondering about the real lives of some of America’s most well known figures.
See my full review here
March 8, 2018
(3.5) I have a weakness for novels about history’s famous wives, whether that’s Zelda Fitzgerald, the multiple Mrs. Hemingways, or the First Ladies of the U.S. presidents. A valuable addition to that delightful sub-genre of fiction is The Secret Life of Mrs. London, the recent debut novel by California lavender farmer Rebecca Rosenberg. I’m pleased to be closing out the blog tour today with a mini review. So many thorough reviews have already appeared that I won’t attempt to compete with them, but will just share a few reasons why I found this a worthwhile read.
Set in 1915 to 1917, this is the story of the last couple of years of Jack London’s life, narrated by his second wife, Charmian, who was five years his senior. The novel opens in California at the Londons’ Beauty Ranch and Wolf House complex and also travels to Hawaii and New York City. Events are condensed and fictionalized, but true to life – thanks to the biography Charmian wrote of Jack and the author’s access to her journals and their letters.
Here are a few things I particularly liked about the novel:
A fantastic opening scene: September 1915: Charmian decides to fix Jack’s hangover with strong coffee and a boxing match – with her! – while their Japanese servant, Nakata, and their house guests look on with bemusement. “Nothing breathes vigor into a marriage like a boxing match.”
A glimpse into Jack London’s lesser-known writings: I’ve only ever read White Fang and The Call of the Wild, as a child. But in addition to his adventure stories he also wrote realist/sociopolitical novels and science fiction. At the time when the novel opens, he’s working on The Star Rover. This has inspired me to look into some of his more obscure work.
The occasional clash of the spouses’ ambitions: Charmian considers it her duty to hold Jack to his promise of writing 1,000 words a day. However, she is an aspiring writer herself, and she often needles Jack to talk to his publisher about accepting her books. (She eventually published two travel books, The Log of the Snark (1915), about their years sailing the Pacific, and Our Hawaii (1917), as well as her biography of her late husband, The Book of Jack London, in 1921.)
Charmian’s longing for motherhood: Jack London had an ex-wife and two daughters, Joan and Becky. In 1910 Charmian gave birth to a daughter, Joy, who soon died. Even though she is 43 by the time the book opens, she still wants to try again for a baby. Her hopes and disappointments are a poignant part of the story.
Cameos from other historical figures: Harry Houdini and his wife, especially, have a large part to play in the novel, particularly in the last quarter.
I wasn’t so keen on the sex scenes, which are fairly frequent. However, I can recommend this to fans of Nancy Horan’s work.
Originally published on my blog, Bookish Beck.
Set in 1915 to 1917, this is the story of the last couple of years of Jack London’s life, narrated by his second wife, Charmian, who was five years his senior. The novel opens in California at the Londons’ Beauty Ranch and Wolf House complex and also travels to Hawaii and New York City. Events are condensed and fictionalized, but true to life – thanks to the biography Charmian wrote of Jack and the author’s access to her journals and their letters.
Here are a few things I particularly liked about the novel:
A fantastic opening scene: September 1915: Charmian decides to fix Jack’s hangover with strong coffee and a boxing match – with her! – while their Japanese servant, Nakata, and their house guests look on with bemusement. “Nothing breathes vigor into a marriage like a boxing match.”
A glimpse into Jack London’s lesser-known writings: I’ve only ever read White Fang and The Call of the Wild, as a child. But in addition to his adventure stories he also wrote realist/sociopolitical novels and science fiction. At the time when the novel opens, he’s working on The Star Rover. This has inspired me to look into some of his more obscure work.
The occasional clash of the spouses’ ambitions: Charmian considers it her duty to hold Jack to his promise of writing 1,000 words a day. However, she is an aspiring writer herself, and she often needles Jack to talk to his publisher about accepting her books. (She eventually published two travel books, The Log of the Snark (1915), about their years sailing the Pacific, and Our Hawaii (1917), as well as her biography of her late husband, The Book of Jack London, in 1921.)
Charmian’s longing for motherhood: Jack London had an ex-wife and two daughters, Joan and Becky. In 1910 Charmian gave birth to a daughter, Joy, who soon died. Even though she is 43 by the time the book opens, she still wants to try again for a baby. Her hopes and disappointments are a poignant part of the story.
Cameos from other historical figures: Harry Houdini and his wife, especially, have a large part to play in the novel, particularly in the last quarter.
I wasn’t so keen on the sex scenes, which are fairly frequent. However, I can recommend this to fans of Nancy Horan’s work.
Originally published on my blog, Bookish Beck.
January 30, 2018
3 Stars.
This is a well written and researched fictionalized account of the marriage of Jack and Charmian London.
The London's marriage was of the bohemian type, with Charmian having an affair and getting pregnant by another man. She was also a writer, and dissatisfied with her role as Jack's support system. It was her job to sober him up and make sure he wrote every day. The rest of her husband's care was in the hands of his sister who lived with them and who didn't approve of Charmian.
The book also chronicles Charmian's friendship with Harry Houdini and his wife and I can't help thinking that Charmian wasn't much of a friend to Bessie Houdini.
I really wanted to love this book, it has all the right elements, but I couldn't warm up to any of the characters, particularly Charmian, who I wouldn't trust any further than I could throw her. If you are a fan of Jack London's writing and you like reading about messy, complicated, marriages you'll enjoy this more that I did.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for a copy of the book.
This is a well written and researched fictionalized account of the marriage of Jack and Charmian London.
The London's marriage was of the bohemian type, with Charmian having an affair and getting pregnant by another man. She was also a writer, and dissatisfied with her role as Jack's support system. It was her job to sober him up and make sure he wrote every day. The rest of her husband's care was in the hands of his sister who lived with them and who didn't approve of Charmian.
The book also chronicles Charmian's friendship with Harry Houdini and his wife and I can't help thinking that Charmian wasn't much of a friend to Bessie Houdini.
I really wanted to love this book, it has all the right elements, but I couldn't warm up to any of the characters, particularly Charmian, who I wouldn't trust any further than I could throw her. If you are a fan of Jack London's writing and you like reading about messy, complicated, marriages you'll enjoy this more that I did.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for a copy of the book.
December 11, 2017
The SECRET LIFE of MRS. LONDON is a riveting behind-the-scenes look at the marriage of Jack and Charmain London, both fascinating and complicated characters with rich inner lives that Rosenberg conveys in crisp yet poetic prose. This contemporary historical fiction raises questions that are still relevant today about what makes a good marriage, and whether creativity and stability are incompatible. A rich, resonant, deeply satisfying novel sure to delight and leave readers thinking long after they put it down.
November 29, 2017
Rebecca Rosenberg’s The Secret Life of Mrs. London is a terrific historical novel. The magnetic and impulsive personality of Jack London comes to life as does the equally-famous Harry Houdini. The protagonist, Charmian London, desires to become a writer in her own right and to have intimate love relationships but she is conflicted by wanting to be a supportive wife to the demanding, and sometimes childlike, Jack. This novel is a page-turner, taking us inside the intimate lives of real people.
January 1, 2018
This was a fascinating historical novel - the perfect blend of historical fact mixed with fiction. It was different to what I usually read and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
December 29, 2017
Writing in the first person is not an easy task, but Rebecca Rosenberg, author of “The Secret Life of Mrs. London,” pulls it off artfully. A few chapters into the novel and you quickly forget that someone other than the second wife of author, Jack London, Charmian London, is writing this tale. Oh yes, claims of fiction, but some very documented facts, well researched by Rosenberg.
Charmian London weaves her own biography of her love of “Wolf.” Jack London’s nickname to many of his fans and friends. Books: “Call of the Wild,” “Sea Wolf,” “White Fang,” to name a few.
The turn of the twentieth century, 1915. Europe is at war. U. S. President Wilson is dragging his feet to enter the fray. A movement of women seeking freedom of love and affection (the 1960s hippies never read history), voting rights, women breaking the bonds of being enclosed in closets.
Woven carefully into this comes Houdini. Artists, professionals, do attract and interact. And is there magic? The sands of 1916 Waikiki, Hawaii and 1917 New York City would agree.
Magic is felt in the heart. Very well done, Rebecca Rosenberg.
Charmian London weaves her own biography of her love of “Wolf.” Jack London’s nickname to many of his fans and friends. Books: “Call of the Wild,” “Sea Wolf,” “White Fang,” to name a few.
The turn of the twentieth century, 1915. Europe is at war. U. S. President Wilson is dragging his feet to enter the fray. A movement of women seeking freedom of love and affection (the 1960s hippies never read history), voting rights, women breaking the bonds of being enclosed in closets.
Woven carefully into this comes Houdini. Artists, professionals, do attract and interact. And is there magic? The sands of 1916 Waikiki, Hawaii and 1917 New York City would agree.
Magic is felt in the heart. Very well done, Rebecca Rosenberg.
February 2, 2018
Having studied Jack London's writing in university, and knowing a bit about his unorthodox life, I was instantly attracted to this story. Rebecca Rosenberg delivered in more ways than one. The story could not have been written in such an entertaining and convincing fashion without an amazing amount of research.I was intrigued from start to finish.
January 1, 2019
"I would rather be ashes than dust! I
would rather that my spark should burn
out in a brilliant blaze than it should be
stifled by dry-rot. I would rather be a
superb meteor, every atom of me in
magnificent glow, than a sleepy and
permanent planet. The function of man is
to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my
days trying to prolong them. I shall use
my time."
-Jack London, Jack London's Tales of Adventure
I finished this book about a week ago and still thinking about it and pondering my review. I knew nothing about the life of Jack London and I’ve never even read any of his books. But I do have a fascination with reading books about the partners/spouses of well-known historical figures. I feel they give a clear and different viewpoint of their lives. With The Secret life of Mrs London I know it is fictionalized but still makes for entertaining and educational reading.
This is one of those books where I struggle with what to say. To say it bluntly at times I really didn’t like some of the characters especially Jack and his wife, Charmian. Charmain, the second Mrs. London (he divorced first wife for her) and also an author though not as widely known as Jack. She did everything for him from being his typist, editor and so much more. This book is written in first person, the reader is able to get inside of Charmian‘s head to get a vivid picture of her struggles. She lives in a time where free love and woman’s right were unheard of - things she was passionate about. She wants more out of life but Jack thinks only of himself and schemes to make money between books.
The Secret Life of Mrs. London is a well written book and true to the times it portrayed. The role of Harry Houdini here was very interesting and their connection together added much to Charmian’s character. I liked how Charmian's story did not end when Jack's did. My interest in reading not just some of Jack London's books have peeked as those by Charmian also.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book (in exchange for an honest review). This book releases January 30th and available for preorder now.
would rather that my spark should burn
out in a brilliant blaze than it should be
stifled by dry-rot. I would rather be a
superb meteor, every atom of me in
magnificent glow, than a sleepy and
permanent planet. The function of man is
to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my
days trying to prolong them. I shall use
my time."
-Jack London, Jack London's Tales of Adventure
I finished this book about a week ago and still thinking about it and pondering my review. I knew nothing about the life of Jack London and I’ve never even read any of his books. But I do have a fascination with reading books about the partners/spouses of well-known historical figures. I feel they give a clear and different viewpoint of their lives. With The Secret life of Mrs London I know it is fictionalized but still makes for entertaining and educational reading.
This is one of those books where I struggle with what to say. To say it bluntly at times I really didn’t like some of the characters especially Jack and his wife, Charmian. Charmain, the second Mrs. London (he divorced first wife for her) and also an author though not as widely known as Jack. She did everything for him from being his typist, editor and so much more. This book is written in first person, the reader is able to get inside of Charmian‘s head to get a vivid picture of her struggles. She lives in a time where free love and woman’s right were unheard of - things she was passionate about. She wants more out of life but Jack thinks only of himself and schemes to make money between books.
The Secret Life of Mrs. London is a well written book and true to the times it portrayed. The role of Harry Houdini here was very interesting and their connection together added much to Charmian’s character. I liked how Charmian's story did not end when Jack's did. My interest in reading not just some of Jack London's books have peeked as those by Charmian also.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book (in exchange for an honest review). This book releases January 30th and available for preorder now.
January 28, 2019
This well-written book tells the story of Charmian London, wife to famed author Jack London. A feminist before the word was coined, she was a strong woman, but her husband seemed to be old fashioned in his views of the female sex. Taking place in 1915 in San Francisco, Charmian finds herself oddly drawn to Houdini (yes THAT Houdini) when she is picked out of an audience to partake in one of his illusions. Eventually Charmian and Jack meet both Houdini and his wife, and this book allows that they, too, were facing some challenges in their marriage.
The characters jump right out of the pages of this book. Going well beyond a love story, they are quite complex and very interesting.
Charmian had put her own career aside so that her husband could continue his, but he doesn't seem to appreciate that at all; it seems he just expected it to be so. She helps him with his writing - she types and devotes herself to helping him become successful, even as she once dreamed of being a writer herself. After she meets Houdini and his wife, she realizes she could have a future all her own and not just as the wife of famous Jack London.
The characters jump right out of the pages of this book. Going well beyond a love story, they are quite complex and very interesting.
Charmian had put her own career aside so that her husband could continue his, but he doesn't seem to appreciate that at all; it seems he just expected it to be so. She helps him with his writing - she types and devotes herself to helping him become successful, even as she once dreamed of being a writer herself. After she meets Houdini and his wife, she realizes she could have a future all her own and not just as the wife of famous Jack London.
June 27, 2019
(3.5/5) This biographical, historical, women’s fiction novel is about the woman who loved the prolific Jack London, Charmian. Overshadowed by her famous husband, with her debut novel “The Secret Life of Mrs. London,” Rebecca Rosenberg brings her front and center. Take a look at my review of this novel here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2019/06/2...
January 12, 2018
Hands down, this book has some of the best dialogue I've read in a long time. I found myself really getting swept up in the relationships of Jack, Charmain, Harry, and Bessie. I love historical fiction that teaches me something, and I am glad to know more about all of these people. I believe this is the author's first novel and I can't wait to see what she does next.
January 10, 2018
My Review of “The Secret Life of Mrs. London” by Rebecca Rosenberg. Lake Union Publishing, January 30, 2018
Rebecca Rosenberg , the Author of “The Secret Life of Mrs. London” has written an entertaining and captivating novel. I appreciate the way that Rebecca Rosenberg weaves the Genres of Historical Fiction and Fiction into her story. The timeline for this story is approximately 1915 in San Francisco, and takes place in other locations as well. This story takes place on the brink of World War One.
The author describes her characters as complex and complicated. This novel and characters would make a sensational movie. Some of the characters are motivated by power, political agendas, philosophy, self-worth, jealously, competitive natures, intelligence, creativity, artistic and literary achievements, romance and emotions and desires.
Charmaine London is the wife of famous writer Jack London. Charmaine types Jack’s stories and is at times a sounding board for his ideas, and at other times possibly a formidable partner in marriage. In this story, there seems to be the mention of feeling “free”. At times Charmaine seems dependent and held back by Jack’s possessive and jealous nature. Charmaine has also dabbled in writing, and at times wants the independence. Charmaine, her aunt, Jack’s sister seem to exist together in a dysfunctional way. Jack sometimes behaves in a toxic way, and it reflects in his health and the way he invests his finances.
During a magic show, Charmaine is pulled out of the audience by Magician Harry Houdini, to participate in his act. Harry Houdini is charismatic ,creative and motivated in his own way. Harry Houdini’s marriage is strange to say the least. There is an immediate attraction between Charmaine and Harry. Harry also enjoys risk and danger.
I was fascinated by the historical background, and both men’s lives. I would highly recommend this novel to readers that enjoy, Historical Fiction. I received a copy of this Advanced Reading Copy for my honest review.
February 6, 2018
"The Secret Life of Mrs. London" is the story of famous writer, Jack London, and his wife, Charmian, who works with him to get all of his brilliant ideas and writing down on paper. They have a tumultuous, fascinating relationship. They are sparring partners: physically and mentally. They love each other but both of their gazes are often going in opposite directions. A chance encounter with infamous magician Harry Houdini will turn everything on its head.
This book initially ensnared me with the promise of giving a little insight into famous people like Jack London and Harry Houdini but once I opened the book, it was really Charmian that charmed me the most throughout this book. The characters are really the stand out feature of this book. She has a fantastic sense of adventure and thinks nothing of going off with Jack on another adventure. She isn't like many other women of her time and she lives on her own terms and makes her own rules for herself and for her relationships with others. I really loved that we got to see the action as she sees it throughout the book!
Before reading this book, I didn't know much about Jack London's personal life at all. One thing that I loved about this book is that it gives you a little insight into what kind of man he was. He obviously loved Charmian but it was mixed with a healthy dose of suspicion and jealousy. He was talented but never seemed to realize how much Charmian did to help him with his writing. He doesn't seem to give her enough credit even as he loves her. I knew a little more about Harry Houdini and found him fascinating in this book. The interactions between him and his wife, Bess were very intriguing. I don't want to give anything away but their marriage is very different and I really liked how the author unfolded the secrets throughout the book.
Overall, this book was a treat with the vivid characters. I loved "meeting" Charmian through this book for the first time. This book definitely made me want to look up more about this fascinating woman and her "Mate."
This book initially ensnared me with the promise of giving a little insight into famous people like Jack London and Harry Houdini but once I opened the book, it was really Charmian that charmed me the most throughout this book. The characters are really the stand out feature of this book. She has a fantastic sense of adventure and thinks nothing of going off with Jack on another adventure. She isn't like many other women of her time and she lives on her own terms and makes her own rules for herself and for her relationships with others. I really loved that we got to see the action as she sees it throughout the book!
Before reading this book, I didn't know much about Jack London's personal life at all. One thing that I loved about this book is that it gives you a little insight into what kind of man he was. He obviously loved Charmian but it was mixed with a healthy dose of suspicion and jealousy. He was talented but never seemed to realize how much Charmian did to help him with his writing. He doesn't seem to give her enough credit even as he loves her. I knew a little more about Harry Houdini and found him fascinating in this book. The interactions between him and his wife, Bess were very intriguing. I don't want to give anything away but their marriage is very different and I really liked how the author unfolded the secrets throughout the book.
Overall, this book was a treat with the vivid characters. I loved "meeting" Charmian through this book for the first time. This book definitely made me want to look up more about this fascinating woman and her "Mate."
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June 11, 2018Author Guest Post & Giveaway @ Let Them Read Books!
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