Customer Reviews
Not so great expectations - By: Dr. Robert A. Josey, 08 Oct 2008 
I read this book shortly after finishing Ackroyd's 'Dickens' (1990 version). Tomalin's findings give a extra, sharper slant on that biography. Particularly the depiction of Dickens' death.
The accumulation of research & detective work go a long way to casting light on the elusive relationship between Nelly Ternan & the most famous English novelist of the 19th century.
It is eventually a sad - but all too human - story. And it did make me reassess Dickens' heroines & his approach to womenin general. I agree with the author that Estella (from 'Great Expectations') is his most alluring female character.
Claire Tomalin has written a clear sighted, carefully outlined & moving/rather troubling history here. It certainly deserves all the critical plaudits it has recieved. I now look forward to reading her book on Thomas Hardy.
The secret life of Dickens - By: Lynette Baines, 01 Nov 2000 Claire Tomalin's biographies often reveal (or rescue) the life of a woman who lived on the margins of society. Her ability to rediscover these lives is amazing. Ellen Ternan is one such woman. She was a member of a family of actorsin Victorian England, who had a long, secret relationship with the most popular novellist of the day, Charles Dickens. Tomalin describes the world of the theatre (which was not considered respectable), the limited choices for Ellen & her sisters, & the impossible position Ellen wasin as Dickens' mistress. Ellen was invisible to respectable society, & to posterity, because Dickens couldn't marry her. Dickens' dreadful behaviour to his wife, Catherine, is also detailed here This is a fascinating story for anyone interestedin Victorian society & the ambiguous position of women living on the margins.
