Subtitle: A Novel Inspired by the Life and Marriage of Charles Dickens

This is an outstanding novel, a fictional examination of Dickens marriage and affair. Even the names are changed, and, as the author says in her introduction, events are rearranged to suit her narrative. But that’s OK, in fact, it probably makes for a much better novel.

What’s important is that it rings true and convincing, which is a testament to the author’s skill. After finishing the novel, we can believe that it happened this way, and that we have had a glimpse of the real Charles Dickens.

It’s not a flattering look at his personal life. The novel begins with his death, the the protagonist is his estranged wife. Dickens kicked her out of his home, denying her access to her children, ten years before he died, so that he could carry on an affair with an actress young enough to be his daughter. They didn’t teach that in school when I was a kid – only recently have details emerged about Dickens personal life.

The author creates a convincing world for her fictional author, his wife, and his mistress. Highly recommended. ( )

I know little about Dickens' life, but I am reasonably familiar with his work, and the references were quite interesting. I thought the narrative, being a blend of past and present, worked well enough, but I'm always a tad sceptical about characters who can relate whole screeds of conversation, years after the event. But that's a minor point. It's inspired me to find out more about Dickens, the man.

I am surprised that this book was long-listed for the Booker and the Orange prizes. It was an enjoyable read, but very light weight. Maybe Alfred being a caricature was an intentional device, because many of Dickens' own character are caricature like. I thought Dodo was a bit wet, really, although she did seem to come into her own once the One and Only was dead. And, yes, I found the Queen Victoria section to be quite gratuitous. Overall though, I was entertained by this book, and it well written, so that's a plus. ( )

I love the way this story is told, beginning with the death of the One and Only (the character modeled after Dickens) and flashing back to events in the marriage of Dorothea and Alfred Gibson that led to her estrangement from her husband and children. The narrator's character arc illuminates the Victorian world that keeps women in a very small box. ( )

Too wordy. I wound up skipping quite a few pages. Maybe if I knew more about Charles Dickens it would be better. ( )

Fine reimagining of the suffering Charles Dickens imposed on his poor wife. Great writer, awful man. ( )