Charles Dickens: A Life by Claire Tomalin

I couldn't complete my study of the 19th century without a survey of my favorite novelist, one of the most iconic authors from that century.  It was fascinating to learn the details of his life, especially the perspective on what he was experiencing personally when writing some of my favorite books.

I don't think much surprised me, but to read the story in detail was really enjoyable.  I ripped through the book.

One story that jumped out as odd was his fascination with mesmerism and hypnotism.  Apparently he learned how to hypnotize people quite well.  But things got weird when he decided to "treat" a female "patient" who suffered from severe psychological issues.  Without any medical training whatsoever he assumed the role as "physician" with hypnotism as his only course of treatment.

It was while he and his family took an extended trip to Italy that he met a woman and started treating her.  He spent months - to the detriment of his writing and his relationship with his wife - treating this woman, who received no other "medical" care for her ills.  Dickens became obsessed with her case and trying to cure her.  I'm not sure if this reflects more badly on Dickens or on the lack of actual medical/psychological care in 19th century Italy.  It's just so bizarre that a world famous writer would be taken seriously as a physician when everyone knew he had no training.

Dickens was no saint.  It's a glaring irony that a writer known for his depiction of happy domesticity and family values brought so little of those things into his own life.  He left his wife abruptly after bearing more than 10 children, to take on a young mistress with whom it is nearly certain he bore another child.  Never officially divorcing his wife, he continued the affair in secrecy for the rest of his life.

And he showed little love or affection for his children.  Again, the irony is draw dropping.  The author who is most singularly known for exposing the harsh reality of pauper children didn't seem to live his own.  Wow.

But despite his human faults he did many charitable things for the world.  And his writing continues to add real joy to my life as it has for countless millions over the last two centuries.

Soon I will dig into Bleak House house and continue to explore the fascinating world he created.