THE INVISIBLE WOMAN The Story of Nelly Ternan and Charles Dickens

Dickens was a revered author in his own time, and his decade-long extramarital affair did not fit into his public image. The fact that his paramour, Nelly Ternan, was a former actress, a profession that was considered low class, was also a problem, so the relationship was kept out of the public eye. Wanda McCaddon gives an engaging narration as author Tomalin pieces together the story of the relationship through references in letters and other sources. A particular challenge--which McCaddon meets admirably--are the cryptic entries in Dickens's diary. It's disappointing that listeners don't have access to the helpful maps of London, illustrations, and notes that appear in the print edition. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2013]