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.
more
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.
I remember visiting Jack London State Park as a child. What stood out to me, even then, was what a larger than life person Jack London was. I was so excited to read this book from his wife’s point of view. It didn’t disappoint. 4.5 stars!
This story takes place from 1915 to 1917. Charmian is the second wife of Jack. Their relationship is intense, to say the least. She is madly in love with him, she does everything for him…his secretary, editor, nursemaid, wife and lover, among other things. He owns her. I wonder if he would have written as many books, or have been as successful without her. He really isn’t a likable character between his ego, drinking and playing around. A male chauvinist. Charmian is so ahead of her time, an adventurer, writer, and the way she handles Jack’s affairs. They meet Harry and Bess Houdini, an odd couple. The couples become friends.
The dialogue between Jack and Charmian is beautiful and intense. The love shows thru but also the demons and Jack’s feelings of superiority. I knew nothing about the connection between Charmian and the Houdini’s. I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel by Rebecca Rosenberg. Her research and attention to detail is excellent. I would so enjoy a sequel to see what Charmian does next!
WOW! I started writing this review 25% of the way in and kept updating my notes… That just about never happens. After reading the sample over half a year ago, this was on my TBR. When I bumped into Rosenberg on a social media event, I realized I should re-read that opening chapter although I could remember it really well, and I was again sucked in, hit that one-click button and dove in. That opening scene is just tops!
Moving along, I could NOT. CLOSE. THE. KINDLE. Overall, a great novel and I look forward to whatever Rosenberg writes next. She is a supremely talented writer. The characters were strong – from start to finish – and so much so, that I dreamt of them like I do when I’ve been binge-watching a series. Their voices and their lives had anchored themselves into my subconscious. Very strong writing, very strong story, and I really, really enjoyed it. A great way to start my reading challenge in 2019!
So, why not five stars? There were flaws, as there often are with debut novels. There were entire sections that gave me pause and made me begin taking notes. Without giving anything away, I’m going to list those moments.
In the beginning chapters, I had to go back and re-read. I could not figure out “what just happened”, i.e, when Jack, who was not supposed to return for three days, is suddenly at Wolf House; or when he suddenly has denture plates and is limping; or why Charmain has to walk back to the ranch when they’d tied up horses… There were a few awkward physical descriptions (back to the denture plates), but nothing that would even come close to making the “worst scene written” list. These were tiny bumps along a very speedy highway in the first third of the book; the single hiccup that catches you off guard. I was already admiring Rosenberg’s amazing ability to create such a real world and real characters that it made reading an engrossing experience.
By the time I reached the middle of the book, however, especially Hawaii, I felt the story and plot were rushed, less developed and were beginning to sag. I was also jarred by Houdini’s almost magical appearances; this just did not gel for me. For example, for him to “know” so much about Charmain after only the first few encounters was also a bit unbelievable. In other words, the paths that brought Houdini and Charmain together were beginning to feel somewhat contrived. I also felt that there was much more potential for developing the Charmain-Bessie relationship to really create more conflict in Charmain’s decisions later on.
There were also passages, specifically on the London’s 10th anniversary, where I felt the figures were being shuffled about on the page like chess pieces on a chessboard with no objective. I didn’t understand what was going on, why Netta had to be there; why Charmain would disappear into her room to play with Houdini’s secret box for a moment, then come back and face Jack about her disappointments. Or why, when Jack is doing so poorly, she insists on the whole dinner thing. These were aspects that did not seem cohesive. I was also getting frustrated with Charmain’s consistently swinging emotions between Jack and Houdini, or her insatiable desire to be taken seriously as a woman with something to offer, especially sexually. It was beginning to feel repetitive.
And that is the reason why the strong and very satisfactory end was so surprising. Because the novel does come back on top! Throughout, the writing was so strong that Rosenberg was able to immerse me in a scene so much that I had the necessary sympathy, empathy and interest to keep the Kindle pages “turning”. I do recommend this, especially if you are a fan of books about the Hemingway wives, or Fitzgerald’s Zelda, or anything from that literary era because THE SECRET LIFE OF MRS LONDON is a really, really great read!
I enjoyed The Secret Life of Mrs. London by Rebecca Rosenberg which starts after Charmiam and Jack London’s idyllic honeymoon in Hawaii. They return to Jack London’s home in Glen Ellen , California. The year is 1915. There is always a steady stream of guests, who might stay for a day, a week or longer. Lawrence Godfrey-Smith ,an Australian, is a current guest and extremely attracted to Charmiam.. When Jack tells her he must leave for a few days, she is very apprehensive about being left alone with Lawrence.
One night after taking a tour of Jack’s ranch, Lawrence asks her to go to Australia with him But she loves Jack. Where might this lead? Heading back to the house separately ,they notice that Jack’s dream house, which he is building nearby, is on fire.
When Jack arrives home, he is devastated. His dream house is gone and so is Lawrence. Jack’s friend suggests that they get away, even if just for an evening. The Great Houdini is having a show at te Orpheum. After the show, Houdini invites the Londons to have dinner with him and his wife, Bess, who is also his partner. On their way to the dinner, Jack starts grilling Charmiam about Lawrence. The two couples bond immediately. Bess is ill and Charmiam tales her back to her hotel. When she arrives back at the ranch, Jack is asleep She will tell him about the baby tomorrow.
An offer arrives from Jack’s publisher to write a book about dogs. He is sending them t o Hawaii. They agree to meet the Houdinis in San Francisco. He wants to prove the Governor wrong and needs Jack’s help. When they part, Houdini gives Charmiam a gift…a puzzle to solve.
Several months later, they are told they must leave Hawaii immediately or be marooned there. Many problems await them when they return home. They need money, Jack’s kidney stones return, his prize horse dies (How? Why?) Jack dies. What should be put on his death certificate?
Charmiam needs money and takes the train to New York to sell her book,OUR HAWAII, and get the rights to write Jack’s biography. She gets a room in Greenwich Village. Houdini is performing in New York to sell out crowds.
Arriving back to her room after a book signing, she finds the door unlocked. There is a fire in the fireplace. Who is there? Houdini comes out of the shadows. He has been waiting for this moment a long time. And so has she. They spend many glorious days and nights together. How will it end?
As a child, I read all of Jack London’s books. But I guess the saying “Behind every great man is a woman” is true here. This was an interesting read by Jack London’s wife and the times of her life. It is historical fiction, but you can place yourself in the time frame of the book. It was a great read.
The Secret Life of Mrs. London is an engaging novel that follows Charmian London as she goes through her life with the famous author Jack London. When the author thrusts the reader into their lives all is not well. Jack, while being a famous and well-to-do author is struggling. Their marriage is faltering and money is running dry. The author paints Jack as an interesting character. He’s struggling with his craft, he’s obsessed with the unknown and learning more, and is intent on building something that will stand the test of time. Charmian loves her husband, but the struggles that their marriage faces are often daunting for her.
The Secret Life of Mrs. London is the first book that I have read by this author and I found the overall story to be both interesting and tragic. I appreciate that the author incorporates some of Jack London’s quotes into this book and this helps to tie the story closer to the characters. I like that the author doesn’t waste too much time introducing Houdini into the story and his eccentric wife. While there is sometimes strife and tension between Jack and Charmian and other characters close to them, I like that there isn’t that much between Charmian and the characters that she interacts with. This story takes place during the Second World War and I appreciate that the author does not leave that out as well.
If there was anything that I didn’t like about the story it was mostly connected to how Jack dealt with his wife. I didn’t like that he was always calling her Mate. Now, she doesn’t seem to have a problem with it, but I felt that it was often dismissive of her and what her role truly was in his life. I also didn’t like how he capitulated so often and so quickly to his ex-wife and daughters. They used him simply for his money, I wanted him to stand up to them.
While I didn’t devour this book in a matter of hours or a couple of days, I did enjoy this work of fiction. The author creates a unique story behind a familiar name and brings the reader a story that engages and entices them to go deeper. For me, the end is a bit empty and unrewarding, but the overall story is enjoyable. I am rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Every child that has gone through a High School literature course’s required reading list will have been exposed to the works of Jack London. If you haven’t read White Fang or the Call of the Wild, you’ve most likely watched the films sharing the same titles. But what about the woman behind the man, Jack London?
Charmian London was a devote wife, snagging the one and only Jack London, from the arms of a former friend, Elizabeth, and making him her own. The attraction was more than physical, as the book details, because the unlikely pairing, slept in separate rooms. Charmian yearned for more of her husband’s attention, but also to be recognized as an author too. Her own writing often gets put on the back burner as she supports her husband’s writing. He dictates and she types his words. At times, she seems more his secretary than his wife….
Jack London had big aspirations beyond his income. Jack loved a crowd, was a heavy drinker and smoker, and lived for political debate. His untimely death was questioned to have occurred due to illness or suicide.
Following his death, Charmian followed her heart to the arms of Houdini. Houdini was married to his assistant Bess during the affair. The couple remained married until death. It is said that Carmian and Houdini continued to correspond until his death. Bess seemed aware of her husband’s infidelities, but she loved him in spite of them.
Houdini awakened feelings that Jack never considered, but in the end, Charmian’s heart remained devoted to Jack, and she never remarried.
Very well written and fascinating read. Though it is a work of fiction, the story is so believable that it is easy to follow and accept that it true. I look forward to reading more by Ms. Rosenberg, and digging deeper into the lives of the Londons and the Houdinis.
I loved this book. It was very fun and entertaining. I am interested in Jack London’s life because he is a local celebrity in our Northern California area. Even though the book may not be 100% factual, I feel it was very realistic to Jack’s and Charmaine’s life. Before reading this book I knew nothing about Houdini’s life, which was also pretty fascinating. I can see why Charmaine was intrigued with Jack, but she didn’t let him take her down with him. She was a brave, smart, and independent woman.
As a long-time Sonoma County resident and fan of all things Jack London, I thoroughly enjoyed this new take on Jack and Charmian’s relationship. I’ve spent many hours at Beauty Ranch imaging the many facets of the lives of its residents. I always felt that the couple was together, yet separate. They seemed to feed off each other to sustain an adventurous life—the glue that bound them.
Ms. Rosenberg has filled in the blanks of the London drama with vivid imagination. As a fictional piece, the stories she tells are well-researched and plausible. She captures two complicated lives and then brings in a third—Harry Houdini. As a native New Yorker, I was transported back to Greenwich Village, with its wild sexual energy, that Charmian and Harry pursue. The sights, sounds and smells pour off the pages. I can taste the goulash (not unlike the stew of my childhood) and slosh through the dirty snow.
The true value, however, of this narrative, is its insight into non-traditional marriages. Marriages that rely on friendship and dependence more than romantic love and family. Many have said that Charmian lived in Jack’s shadow. I think it was the other way around. Jack wrote, and Charmian edited. She edited his life and his work. She edited his thoughts and his desires. He owned his life—she owned him. When he could no longer hold himself in high esteem in her eyes, he died. At least that’s my take and this delightful yarn allows me my fantasy.
BOOK Review:
The Secret Life of Mrs. London by Rebecca Rosenberg
Rebecca Rosenberg has written a touching, informative, yet passionate novel within the Historical Fiction genre.
On the cusp of WWI, lives are tested, passions are ignited and personalities are challenged.
Our main characters, Jack London; strong, toxic and demanding along with Charmian London; a woman of talent, desires and independence as well as Harry Houdini, a man of risk and charisma all have one thing in common…..complex secrets all the while trying too make their way, and function, in a world of dysfunction they’ve all created in one way or another.
It’s quirky, humorous, fascinating and heart-wrenching with a conclusion as significant as it is symbolic.
A story not too be missed if you’re a fan of Historical Fiction and all that is the human condition.
I thank Rebecca Rosenberg for personally gifting me this copy of The Secret Life of Mrs. London, one in which I enjoyed very much.
#RebeccaRosenberg
#LakeUnionPublishing
Oh the tangled webs we weave, and oh the tangled lives of author Jack London, his second-wife Charmian, and Harry and Bess Houdini.
In her debut novel, Rebecca Rosenberg immerses us in the lives of these historical characters. I fell in love with each of the women for different reasons. I also appreciated Charmian’s Aunt Netta. The women are complex, passionate and trying to forge their way in a world where they’re not always appreciated. They are not always sympathetic, but they are intriguing and I find myself continuing to think about them and the choices they made.
A good read for people who appreciate historical romance and enjoy books like “Loving Frank” or “The Paris Wife.” Bravo to Rosenberg on her first novel. Great for a beach read or book clubs.
I have been a historical fiction fan forever and was intrigued by The Secret Life of Mrs. London. Jack London was an unknown to me. I am not familiar with his writing, his life, or anything else about him. It was interesting to learn about him in a fiction book, but still walk away with facts about his life. He was not overly likable, the way he treated those close to him was not something that I could understand. He was entirely into himself, his needs, and the way he wanted those in the public to perceive him. I struggled with his decisions and his actions but they played a huge part of the story of Houdini and Charmian (Mrs. London).
Houdini is someone I am familiar with. He has always intrigued me. I love magic and risks he took while entertaining crowds has always interested me. The author, Rebecca Rosenberg, did an amazing job of describing his shows, from the things he wore to the tricks her did I could picture them as I was reading. The relationship with his wife, Bessie, was sweet. There is no doubt he loved her but there was more to their relationship.
Charmian is not your typical wife. She is wife to an eccentric writer who is very demanding of her while not always giving her what she needs. Her devotion to Jack London was unrequited. I wanted her to be stronger, stand up to him, demand he give her the attention she needed.
The Secret Life of Mrs. London is an amazing historical fiction story that I would recommend picking up.
“The truth changes with how you perceive it”
“The magic is in the memory”
This is fiction set in history. This is history seen in a fictional format. Charmaine Kitteridge London was author Jack London’s second wife, his muse, his secretary, his editor, his love. And she, brought up in a household of “free love”, doted and depended on him, ran his household with help from his sister Eliza, reigned him in when she could, popped his grandiose dream filled alcoholic rattled bubbles, fought for what was and mourned what could be.
This is a fictional review of the last of their lives together from 1915-1917, and a look forward for this strong woman. Throughout the whole book, we see a series of illusions: Jack London the wealthy adventurer maintained over the realities of Jack London, the alcoholic,uremic old-before-his-time man. Charmaine, the daughter of free love, brought up Bohemian but choosing the helpmeet role, defending her Jack through numerous infidelities, making his deadlines even after his death,a co-defendant wife. Eric Weiss:aka Harry Houdini; enigmatic. mysterious , some might say thrill seeking; who is loyal to his wife and his country while dallying with others’ minds and hearts in a magical way. And Bessie (Weiss) Houdini: a woman who never grew up, but much like Charmaine, defends her home and family with the wisdom of a woman far beyond her years while seeking alternatives in her own illusions of dolls, maintaining separateness from Houdini, and telling fantastic stories that these days, might even have made her a highly sought dystopian author.
Some VIP once told me that Magic is a change of perception and that’s why we all have it within us. The question then becomes what IS reality and, in turn, what IS illusion. This is a highly readable and recommended book. 5/5
[disclaimer: I received this book through the GoodReads Giveaway program but in no way has that affected my review, which is honest and solely my own views]
The Secret Life of Mrs. London, by Rebecca Rosenberg, is an entertaining and lively story, illustrating life in the early stages of Sonoma County and the developing freedom for women. We travel with Mrs. London, her husband, and his cohorts through escapades, both serious and humorous. Rebecca’s excellent writing and exquisite details indicate her expert research, keeping true to the times in an authentic voice. Recommend reading this timeless novel.
I found The Secret Life of Mrs. London by Rebecca Rosenberg to be a very readable book. I have read a previous book by the author and really liked that one also. This book is fiction based on fact.
That said what is the book about? It is the story of Charmian Kittredge London, wife of Jack London the prolific author. Charmaine is Jack’s second, younger wife, and they spend their time smoking, drinking and writing. Charmain types as Jack talks although Charmaine did have her book published through Jack’s publisher. They are competitive and there is a lot of jealousy and intense emotion between the two.
She is the woman behind the man, if you will, and ensures that his writing gets done, she also nurses him through his alcoholism. Even with the jealousy and strong emotions, their marriage is one that has endured. She was an active partner in the Beauty Ranch, their spread on Sonoma Mountain in Glen Ellen. They wanted their ranch to be self-sufficient and a provider of food products for the ranch.
They become friends with Houdini and his wife Bess and Charmaine becomes enamored with Houdini and they are intimate friends without the sex but after Jack dies their affair becomes intense.
Jack is an alcoholic and becomes extremely strange at the end of his life, he has his lower limbs swelling, from the drinking and an infection in his foot. What exactly caused his death may be a question that still needs answering, there is talk of suicide but never proven.
After Jacks’s demise, Charmaine is left on her own. With her writing skills, Charmian published articles for Mid-Pacific Magazine, along with The Log of the Snark and Our Hawaii plus going on to promote Jack’s writings. He finished his novel Cherry and had i it published with Cosmopolitan magazine.
Did I like the book? I didn’t think I would but as I got into it I was definitely hooked, I love Charmain because she was definitely a strong woman and even though Jack was jealous of her talent, he let her be her own person. The writing is great and definitely well researched. I read The Call of the Wild when I was a child and I never paid much attention to Jack’s writings so reading this book gave me an idea of who Jack really was. I really enjoyed it and I look forward to reading more by Rebecca!
Great book about two larger-than-life characters – Jack London and Harry Houdini- who are in love with the same woman, Charmian London, wife of Jack. A chance meeting between Harry and Charmian creates sparks between the two, as Jack London struggles to regain the success of his earlier writings and descends deeper into the morass of alcohol and ill health. A fascinating peek into the life and loves of Charmian London – highly recommend this wonderful story from Rebecca Rosenberg!
I am a Book Blogger at For the Southwest By the Southwest Book Corner, the Author gave me a Free copy of this book for my honest review of this book.
This book takes place in San Francisco, Hawaii and New York in the early 1900’s when the Great War is looming over Europe and the US.
Charmain London, who is the 2nd wife of the famous Author, Jack London gives us a inside view of what it was like to be the wife of a self centered husband in the 1920’s. This is a typical story of riches to rags due to stupidity and greed. Charmain finds herself in a loveless marriage trying to fight off the temptation of lust with Houdini himself.
After she finds herself a widow she goes to New York to try to get her desires met by the infamous Houdini.. well, sometimes ‘Magic’ isn’t as good as it seems!
This was a very historic informative look into the rich and famous. Rebecca Rosenberg certainly has done her research to bring this story to life for us. I could’ve done with less of the quotes from Jack London’s books, it didn’t do much for me at all.
Certainly a good read to give us lots of history into a very tragic romance.
4 likes
This was a tragic but realistic story. I would recommend it for anyone who wants to read something sad, tragic, but ends on an upbeat, happy, candid reality. Thank you for the opportunity to read it. Such a creative writer.
Interesting read, told mostly by Charmian, Jack London’s wife. Her life with Jack, Houdini and his wife Bessie….not what I was expecting but did like it. If you enjoy that time period worth the read.
This was a fascinating historical novel the book was incredibly well written and really brought the characters to life. I was glad to learn more about that era, and the interesting lives of the London’s and Houdini’s. I just started reading historical fiction and I thoroughly enjoyed it, it is a great mix of historical fiction and fiction. I definitely recommend this book you won’t want to put it down.