Carole's Sunday Review: The Secret life of Mrs London

Author: Rebecca Rosenberg

Title: The Secret Life of Mrs. London

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: ebook

Published: January 30th 2018

Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

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.

Oooooo Mrs. London. I feel so bad for you. You were certainly born in the wrong time. Not only did I feel for her, but I connected to her in some ways. 

Mrs. London (Charmian) is the wife of Jack London who is a renowned writer. I know a small bit about his work, but not enough to express an opinion really. Mrs. London is also friends with the Houdinis. Yes, the famous Harry Houdini that we all know and scratch our heads at. I liked Harry's wife too. She was fun and I wish we got some more time with her. 

I couldn't stand Jack. Sure, I was intrigued and a part of me felt bad since he was in a lot of pain and his wife was always wanted more and more sex from him and you could tell he either didn't have the time or was in pain. However, I thought he was a jerk a lot of the times and he was pretty open with his affairs (which most men were in the day). Don't get me wrong...Charmian was not a perfect angel either she had her affairs as well. Honestly, I think she made a mistake marrying Jack. She should've picked Lawrence. I think she would've been happier with him. Just my opinion though ;)

There were some dry spots here and there. Overall, though, I was hooked and I couldn't put the book down. I wanted to see what would happen next. I had my hopes that Charmian would get her wish to come true, but as time passed that wish would dry up and I felt so bad for her. I think if she was able to get her wish she might've been happier in her marriage. We'll never know though. 

I find the writing was done well and I am curious to see what else this author has in store for us. Maybe she can show the Houdinis POV! I want to learn about that wife of his who will forever live in Harry's shadow. Poor girl. I liked her a lot. 

In the end, this was good. I liked it a lot. Some dry spots, but I stayed hooked. If you like historical fictions or even want a good people book, I recommend this. Now....what shall I stamp this with? Mhmmmmmm....I'll give it 4 stars.