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by Robin Sharma
The Invisible Woman summary
Claire Tomalin
Brief summary
The Invisible Woman by Claire Tomalin is a poignant biography of Nelly Ternan, the mistress of Charles Dickens. It sheds light on her forgotten story and the societal pressures she faced in Victorian England.
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The Invisible Woman
Summary of key ideas
Nelly's Unfortunate Circumstances
In the compelling biography The Invisible Woman, Claire Tomalin recounts the tragic life of Ellen Ternan, better known as Nelly. Born into a family of fading artists in the early 19th century, Nelly was forced to take on work in the theater at a young age. Encouraged by her mother, Fanny, who saw the theatre as their ticket to stability, she met, at the age of 18, the successful, albeit married, writer Charles Dickens on one of her acting gigs.
Succumbing to the alluring pull of Dickens's popularity and charm, Nelly became his mistress, an affair that was to mar the rest of her life. Her relationship with Dickens was kept a secret due to Victorian societal norms, and maintained even after Dickens's divorce from his wife. This clandestine affair had Nelly bear the brunt of societal disapproval and isolation, leading her into living an invisible life.
Impacts of the Affair
Tomalin takes us on a journey through Nelly's life with Dickens, a complicated relationship that was confidential yet increasingly demanding. Dickens, a vivacious social figure, penned letters symbolizing his profound affection for her, further bringing to light the depth of their relationship which went on for 13 years, many spent together in France to escape societal scrutiny. Nelly was left at the mercy of Dickens's hefty social standing, often obliged to hide while he appeared in public for his readings.
However, the secrecy required of their relationship didn't sit well with Nelly, leading her to contemplate a life away from Dickens. After his death in 1870, Nelly saw an opportunity to escape the silent agony of living in the shadows. She moved to Margate with her mother, seeking a fresh start.
Nelly's Quest for Normality
With Dickens's passing, Nelly was faced with the challenge of redefining her identity outside of being his mistress. She took on the pseudonym of Mrs. Robinson and strived for a normal life, marrying George Wharton Robinson, an Oxford undergrad twelve years her junior. She bore him two children and lived a life of pain and deception, concealing her past as Dickens's mistress.
However, the guilt and embarrassment regarding her past haunted her; she tore pages from books, cut out newspaper articles, and did all she could to erase any evidence linking her to her past. Nonetheless, her concealed life caught up with her when her son discovered letters, hinting the truth.
Reflections on Nelly's Tale
Tomalin paints a poignant, heartfelt picture of Nelly's struggle - her fight not only for financial stability but for love, acceptance, and dignity in Victorian society's rigidity. The biography unravels the implications of living an invisible life, highlighting the unseen cost women like Nelly paid for secret affairs in a judgmental society.
Lastly, The Invisible Woman reminds us that Nelly, like many others in her position, was a victim of societal norms that chose to shroud her existence rather than acknowledge it. Despite the tragically short life she led, her tale of resilience and pursuit of normality amidst adversity stands out, piercing the veil of her invisibility.
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What is The Invisible Woman about?
'The Invisible Woman' by Claire Tomalin is a captivating biography that shines a long overdue spotlight on Nelly Ternan, the mysterious mistress of Charles Dickens. Through meticulous research and rich storytelling, Tomalin delves into the complexities of their relationship and uncovers the hidden life of a woman who was both loved and rendered invisible by a literary genius.
Who should read The Invisible Woman?
- Readers who are interested in untold stories of influential women throughout history
- Individuals who want to explore the challenges and obstacles faced by women in a male-dominated society
- Those who enjoy biographies that offer a fresh perspective on historical events and figures
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