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 … 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.
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This novel is a great read for history buffs, especially if you enjoy stories set in early 20th Century America. The author describes her characters as complex and complicated and indeed they are. Charmaine London is the wife of famous writer Jack London. This story is hers, it delves into the challenges of her relationship with Jack, who is unpredictable and an alcoholic, and her love affair with the Great Houdini. It is interesting to see her grow into an awareness of who she really is. The thing I enjoyed most was that the story dances on a fine wire between fact and fiction, but as you read, you believe every word.
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.
I finished this book a couple of weeks ago and can’t believe I forgot to write a review until now. This book was one of those that I couldn’t get out of my mind, even when I had to put the book aside (sigh) in order to work. Based on the true story of Jack London and his wife, Charmain, the novel follows their tumultuous love story primarily during their last years together.
At first glance, Charmain might look like an unlikely heroine, but the author of this novel has made her sympathetic, real, vulnerable, strong, and betrayed, so well-rendered that I could imagine her sitting on the couch across from me, telling me her story. She should’ve had a happy life, but Jack London was her weakness, and we are made to get it and understand her completely. Not that London is presented as a villain–he simply was who he was–I wanted to cry for Charmain many times.
In addition, the other characters from London to Houdini and even a long-serving servant in the household are well developed and came alive on the page. The setting, too, was described in a way that made me feel as if I were there.
I was captivated all the way until the sadly inevitable ending. Excellent reading!
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.
For all my love of author biographies, I’ve never read much about the Londons, but after just a few pages of The Secret Life of Mrs. London I found myself absolutely captivated by this fascinating literary couple. In a book that carries us to exotic lands and even more exotic emotional territory, Rosenberg offers a deliciously naughty peer through the blinds of Jack and Charmian London, painting a fascinating and ultimately cautionary tale about the perils of living in the rarified orbit of a man who is larger than life–and the strength required to reclaim yourself and finally live life on your own terms. What a lovely surprise this book was!
Wow
I want to start off by saying I was given this book from the author. In return for honest review and my thoughts. I went in reading knowing this is a historical fiction which I love reading. I recommend this book. I love Charmain I enjoyed her character. Her husband Jack London i would scream every time he would speak. He just got on my nerves the way he spoke and treated her. I haven’t heard of Jack London before going to have to check out some of his books.
Can’t wait to read more from this author.The writing and the way she told the story of these characters is amazing. Thank you again to the author for giving me the opportunity to read her book.
Taking place on the eve of World War One, THE SECRET LIFE OF MRS. LONDON is the whole package: a detailed, sensual dip into a lost world that makes you feel as if you are really there.
Charmian London, Jack London’s wife, is the narrator and main character of this particular chapter of the Londons’ lives. And the habits and tastes of the Londons make for really good reading! Not only do we get a glimpse of their glamorous life of travel and fame, but also their (sometimes sordid) private life: boxing each other to get over hangovers, not enough money, too much drinking, jealous affairs. I became absolutely immersed in the Secret Life of Mrs. London. The tastes and habits of the characters are beautifully and realistically rendered, and I felt myself in their world completely. I highly recommend it.
THE SECRET LIFE OF MRS. LONDON by Rebecca Rosenberg, is a fascinating look at the life of Charmian London, the second wife and muse of author Jack London. It has the perfect blend of historical fact and fiction to keep the reader captivated from beginning to end. Narrated from Charmian’s point of view, the story covers a two-year period from 1915 through 1917, just as the US is on the cusp of joining “The Great War”. The main settings are the Londons’ Beauty Ranch in Glen Ellen, California and the islands of Hawaii, where the couple vacations for six months in late 1915 to early 1916. The book delves into the turbulent marriage between Jack and Charmian and also explores their friendship with famous magician, Harry Houdini, and his wife, Bessie. The author portrays the characters with strong insight into their complex creative and romantic lives. The quotations from Jack London’s works in the headings of each chapter were perfectly selected to accompany the narrative. I found myself fully drawn into the story by the vivid imagery and the sharp dialogue. I thoroughly enjoyed the interesting behind-the-scenes view of this famous literary couple and I highly recommend it.
I have never read anything about Jack and Charmian London or Harry and Bess Houdini so I had no idea what to expect. I enjoyed this book immensely and I was really moved by Charmian’s story. I highly recommend this book.
Historical fiction at its best .I did not know anything about Jack London and his wife this drew me into their lives relationship the society they lived in,The characters came alive i was totally absorbed in this novel.Highly recommend grab this book.
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.
Behind every great man stands a great woman. Rebecca Rosenberg brings Charmian London to life in this story. Charmian is a woman ahead of her times. She believes in equality and free love which is surprising considering the times. I feel that Jack London may not have become as well known without her help and influence. Although I didn’t care for selfish and narcissistic Jack, I rooted for his relationship with Charmian, I loved the glimpse into the lives of the eccentric Houdini and his wife, Bess. I would love to read a sequel of the next chapter in Charmian’s life!
A fascinating look at Jack London and his 2nd wife Charmain who were both writers
I’m like a lot of other people who’ve read Jack London’s Call of the Wild which is a true classic in itself. Except that I haven’t read it since I was in high school and once as a young woman
Rebbeca has done a great job in her research and this is the result. To be able to bring these fascinating characters alive with a wonderful plot is really amazing!! I love talented authors like this. Her writing is definitely a work of art!
This story takes place on the brink of what is now known as The Great War.
While I really enjoyed getting to know Jack and Charmaine, I think I loved Harry Houdini and Bessie best!!
I would love to have been alive to see Houdini perform!! The best magician ever! But since I wasn’t this book allowed me to do that. I felt like I was held in a trance while I watched him perform. I love magic shows. For some reason they fascinate me.
I would love to see a magic show since I haven’t seen one in quite awhile.
Sometimes we have to take the path that is meant for us. I understand fearing everything you might lose is imperative but sometimes like my preacher said you have to get rid of the negative in your life in order to allow yourself some inner peace.
Will Charmaine allow herself to do this or will she give in to the urge to explore something that is not allowed and threatens her loyalty to Jack whose behavior that is growing out of control?
Y’all need to pick up this fabulous historical novel and be swept back to London in 1915! Trust me you won’t want to come back to 2019.
I love the cover too! The title goes great with the story inside!
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. NO compensations were received. All opinions are my own
I love nothing more than diving into books that are set in the early 1900s! There’s something about this period of history and the numerous desires, demons and dilemmas between characters that absolutely fascinates me. Anyone else feel that way too?!u2063
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Readers certainly get a taste of all that and more in The Secret Life of Mrs. London by Rebecca Rosenberg. This title introduces readers to Charmian London, the wife of writer and novelist Jack London. Throughout the book I felt as though I were catching a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Jack and Charmian’s marriage, with no other than Harry and Bessie Houdini making appearances that surely piqued my interest along the way. u2063
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If you love historical fiction, charismatic characters and descriptive dialogue that captures many issues still relevant today, you MUST get your hands on Rosenberg’s debut novel!
“The Secret Life of Mrs London” by Rebecca Rosenberg is a brilliantly told historical-fiction based on the real life story of the famous couples that are fictionalized characters Jack and Charmian London, and Harry and Bessie Houdini. The story actually follows actual events in both the Londons’ and Houdinis’ lives in a 2 year period in 1915.
The story centers on Charmian and her life as Mrs. Jack London. We find in this story that Jack’s success as a renowned author is not without Charmian’s support. She transcribes 150 words/min, edits his work and keeps him writing at least 1000 words per day to keep up with the deadlines with the publishers. Additionally she also provides him with inspiration as she tells him his thoughts which he is able to translate into beautiful prose in his writing. In this fictional tale, we see the back story of Charmiane’s amazing dedication and love for Jack that she sacrifices, dedicates and even allows Jack to overshadow her talents as a writer.
Jack London is a talented man who has his demons – over spends on his horses, ranch and home, abuses alcohol and has affairs with younger women. Jack’s health is deteriorating with his kidney, depression and addiction. Charmian also tolerates the difficult and complex relationship with Jack’s first wife and his two daughters who pretty much uses Jack to maintain their lavish lifestyle and private education.
Just when you think the Londons’ life cannot get more complicated, enter the Houdinis. Charmian and Houdini are brought together by the challenges they both have with their marriage and brings their attraction to each other stronger.
The book is written so eloquently and highlights interesting points in their lives that keep the reader glued as the layers of their lives start to reveal itself. The setting of the story was described so beautifully as well as the political climate at the time with impeccable attention to the details of what is important at that time. The book is well written and Rosenberg is truly an expert on the Londons’ writings, life and back story. It was such a fun read and the creativity of the story is quite intriguing and the dialogue eloquent that I could not put this book down. A true literary fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and my opinions are my own. See my reviews in Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Goodreads
Brilliantly crafted historical novel… I loved the storytelling. Rich in detail. Felt like I knew the characters. Terrific plot. Couldn’t put it down. So glad I put this book on my summer reading list.
It’s been over a year since I read this! Reading Historical Fiction is my latest favorite! I really enjoyed reading this one and feeling like I was getting an insight to the lives of the London’s!
When I first started this book I couldn’t get into it so set it aside for a bit and read another book. Second time I started I was able to finish it. I was only vaguely familiar with Jack London and discovered I knew about several of his books/movies which I have watched a couple.
I love seeing what the lives of real people are like or a fictional story woven from historical facts. This was a very interesting story that was well researched. I’m inspired now to read some of Jack London’s books and to especially read Our Hawaii. That you Rebecca Rosenberg for another interesting book.
When I travel back in time in a novel, there is no more desirable a destination than my beloved San Francisco Bay Area. I love imagining myself here in an earlier time, so Rebecca Roseburg’s novel was pure bliss for me. From Wolf House, through my home county of Marin and into The City to Tadich Grill (where I had lunch recently!) I enjoyed Rosenburg’s depiction of place during the early 1900s. Equally engaging for me was the superb storytelling that takes the reader inside the London’s bohemian world and tumultuous relationship – and kept me up late reading two nights in a row! Very fun to read!
This is an exceptional volume. Rebecca Rosenberg has woven a beguiling story about people whose lives still fascinate us in contemporary American. Jack London’s books are still widely read and his power as an artist is unchallenged. Houdini is part of the present-day conversation for us even now. No one now alive was witness to his brilliance as a showman and master of magic.
I felt I knew these giants of show business and letters of days past upon reading “The Secret Life of Mrs. London.” Charmian London was an early, independent woman. At a time when women were struggling with the fact of their entitlement to vote, she lived the kind of life which the #MeToo women of the present are in process of creating and shaping for themselves presently. She decided to be a part of the life of her times and to know the amazing exemplars of her era. She clearly didn’t seek or need permission from anyone to link with these extraordinary artists.
It’s a page-turner. Go, buy this stunningly written story of a woman’s life who liberated herself before there was even conversation about it. It’s a fascinating tale, brilliantly and beguilingly shared with the lucky reader. Why hasn’t someone bought the screen rights? Or have they?