22 Jul Book Review of Lives of the Wives: Five Literary Marriages
Title: The Untold Stories: Reflections on Lives of the Wives: Five Literary Marriages
There are books that draw you in by the cover or the blurb, and then there are books that resonate with you on a deeply personal level—Lives of the Wives: Five Literary Marriages by Carmela Ciuraru falls squarely into the latter category. When I stumbled across its title, I couldn’t help but feel an irresistible pull. I mean, who wouldn’t find a dive into the often overlooked narratives behind famous literary figures’ marriages intriguing? Ciuraru’s exploration of love, power dynamics, and the sacrifices women make within these unions is not only timely but absolutely essential.
From the very first page, Ciuraru tackles the complicated terrain of marriage with remarkable insight. She deftly examines how, throughout literary history, so many women have defined themselves in relation to their husbands, revealing a troubling pattern of imbalance. The book shines a light on the emotional and creative toll that these relationships take not only on the writers themselves but also on their families and children. I found myself nodding along when Ciuraru sharply noted, “The problem with being a wife is being a wife.” I truly thought about getting that phrase printed on a T-shirt as a testament to the unfiltered truth it encapsulates.
The individuals profiled in the book are a cast of characters that could make even the juiciest gossip columns blush—though I was less interested in scandalous antics and more enthralled by the psychological depths Cuiraru unearths. Kenneth Tynan, for example, stands out as a consummate ‘jerk,’ displaying an alarming range of abusive behaviors that left me both appalled and fascinated. The contrasts to Elaine Dundy’s resilience and her unrecognized contributions reveal the quiet battles that often go unnoticed. It was heartbreaking to read about Dundy crafting her works with a typewriter on her knees while Tynan basked in the glow of his own ego.
Equally compelling was the characterization of Kingsley Amis, whose second marriage to Elizabeth Jane Howard offered a window into another lopsided dynamic. Ciuraru’s narration, filled with poignant details and subtle humor, brought these absorbing stories to life. I couldn’t help but smirk at the absurdity of Amis not only avoiding the logistics of household life but also living entirely in his own writerly bubble. It speaks volumes about the expectations placed on women in these marriages—more often than not, they are the ones organizing the chaos while their male counterparts receive the accolades.
The writing itself flows effortlessly, with Ciuraru’s keen observations weaving a narrative that feels both intimate and expansive. Her use of parentheses throughout the text adds a layer of commentary that is pure gold, allowing us glimpses of dry humor amidst the weighty content. I chuckled when she noted that Una Troubridge, despite being a neglectful mother, showed more affection to her dogs than to her own daughter, a haunting reflection on misplaced priorities.
I enthusiastically rate Lives of the Wives five out of five stars! This book is more than just a recounting of troubled marriages; it’s a necessary examination of the cultural and emotional labor that women frequently shoulder. If you’ve ever been curious about the often-overlooked roles women play in the shadows of their husbands’ success—or if you’re just a looky-loo who wants to glimpse behind the curtain of literary fame—this book is for you. I finished reading it feeling a mix of fascination and outrage, and it has certainly left an indelible mark on my understanding of marriage and the creative spirit.
So, grab a copy, make yourself comfortable, and get ready to unravel the complex tapestry of these literary unions—it’s a journey you won’t want to miss!
Discover more about Lives of the Wives: Five Literary Marriages on GoodReads >>
