Anne-Marie Vukelic

"All that I can see, all that I can hear, and all that I can think of is her; she is everywhere and everything to me..."

In the summer of 1857 the handsome Charles Dickens was to become obsessed with a woman who was to change his life forever, but to pursue her was to risk everything. Set against the backdrop of nineteenth century London, Dickens struggles to oversee his 'home for fallen women', mentor his friend - the drug-addicted Wilkie Collins - and parent his wilful and rebellious children. Will the fulfilment which has so far eluded him be within his grasp, before his health fails?

My Thoughts:

I have to be honest and say that I know very little about Charles Dickens. I know who is is and can name his novels and have seen various versions of Oliver Twist, but as for CD himself I haven’t got a clue.

I did find this book an interesting read and quite an easy read too. Charles Dickens has come across as not really a very nice person and his wife does seem to have had a hard time. Also from reading this book I have learnt about Wilkie Collins and his ‘Woman in White’ which again was something else I knew nothing about.

What I did love about the book was the notes at the end that comfimed facts and also what was fiction.

The book was an easy read but I would say would appeal to anybody who loves Dickens or if somebody wanted to learn about him. I personally wouldn’t have picked up this book but it is for this months book group and also the author is paying us a visit.… (plus d'informations)

Much is known of the celebrated novelist Charles Dickens – his books are loved throughout the world, and he had an ability to craft the most amazing and entralling stories. However, very little is known of his wife Catherine Hogarth; Far Above Rubies is Catherine’s story – a fictionalised account of her life with Charles.

The narration is by Catherine herself, and starts on the evening she first meets Charles, at a dinner hosted by her father. Although Charles seems to be drawn to Catherine’s younger sister Mary, it is Catherine to whom he proposes, marries and subsequently has nine children with. However, while he was undoubtedly an intelligent and charismatic man, he was a difficult husband – developing infatuations with numerous other women, ordering Mary that she must not ever contradict him or argue with him, and acting thoughtlessly and selfishly, with little or no regard for her feelings.

I really enjoyed the story – the writing flowed really well, and it was a pleasure to read. I felt that the character of Catherine – who so little is known about – really shone through. Charles was also drawn really well, and while it was easy to see why someone would get exasperated with him, the reader could also see why someone might be drawn to his confidence (verging on arrogance) and intelligence.

At several times in the book, I did want to give the main character a metaphorical shake and ask her why she was prepared to put up such behaviour from her husband, but I also found myself liking her very much.

Overall, this is a fascinating read for both fans and non-fans of Dickens. I found myself flying through it, and my attention was held throughout. Definitely recommended.… (plus d'informations)